Guides
Texas business permits, explained.
Plain answers about the permits and filings a Texas convenience store, gas station or restaurant needs: who issues each one, what it costs, how long it takes and when it renews. Written from the filings we prepare every week.
Fuel stations
- What permits does a gas station need in Texas?Gas station permits in Texas: TDLR fuel pump registration ($93 per multi-product pump), TCEQ underground tank registration and delivery certificate, plus store permits.
Opening a store
- What permits do you need to open a restaurant in Texas?The permits a new Texas restaurant files: sales tax, certificate of occupancy, food establishment permit, TABC for beer, wine or mixed drinks, and what each costs.
- What permits do you need to open a convenience store in Texas?Every permit a new Texas convenience store files, which agency issues each one, the government fees, and the order to file them in so nothing stalls.
- How to get a certificate of occupancy in HoustonWhen a Houston business needs a certificate of occupancy, the $94 to $537.12 fee, the same-day processing and inspection, and what changes outside city limits.
Tobacco and vape
- Texas tobacco and e-cigarette retailer permits: cost, renewal and the 2025 vape banThe Comptroller's tobacco ($180) and e-cigarette ($90 with tobacco) retailer permits, the May 31, 2028 renewal, and which vapes Texas banned in 2025.
Company filings
- Texas small business compliance calendar for 2027Every 2027 deadline a Texas store or small company tracks: sales tax, payroll forms, TWC, property tax, franchise tax (May 17), coin-op (Nov 30) and permit renewals.
- Texas franchise tax and the Public Information Report: who files and whenEvery Texas LLC and corporation files with the Comptroller by May 15. The $2.65 million no-tax-due threshold, the PIR, the first report, penalties and forfeiture.
- How to file an assumed name (DBA) in TexasWhen a Texas business needs an assumed name certificate, where to file (Secretary of State or county clerk), the $25 fee, Form 503, and how long it lasts.
Store sales licenses
- Texas coin-operated machine licenses and decals: due every November 30Which Texas businesses need a Comptroller coin-op license, the $150 registration certificate vs $200 to $500 general license, $60 decals, and game room rules.
Sales tax
- How to get a Texas sales and use tax permitWho needs a Texas sales tax permit, what it costs ($0), the AP-201 application, how long it takes, the security deposit, and the returns that follow.
Alcohol (TABC)
- How to get a TABC beer and wine permit for a Texas convenience storeThe TABC BQ permit step by step: location checks, the L-CERT sign-offs, AIMS, the $1,900 state fee, the 2 to 3 month timeline, and how renewal works.
Lottery
- How to become a Texas Lottery retailer (now run by TDLR)Applying for a Texas Lottery ticket sales license since TDLR took over: the $125 fee, the packet, fingerprints, terminal installation, and the $15 renewal.
Food and health
- How a Texas store gets SNAP (EBT) authorization under the 2026 stocking ruleUSDA SNAP authorization for Texas stores: the stricter stocking standards in force since November 4, 2026, how to apply, the 45-day decision and the 6-month wait.
- Food establishment permits in Houston, Harris County and Fort Bend CountyWho needs a food permit in the Houston area, which health department issues it, the $258, $515 or $773 yearly fee tiers, inspections and food manager rules.
Not sure which permits you need?
Describe the business and we will tell you what we would file.