What permits does a gas station need in Texas?

Fuel pump registration (TDLR)

Every commercial fuel dispenser in Texas has to be registered before it is used to sell fuel. Pumps are registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which runs the state's fuel quality and motor fuel metering program. Store scales, such as deli or produce scales, are still registered with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

• Fee: $93 per multi-product dispenser and $31 per single-product dispenser, plus a 3% processing fee.
• Performance review first. A TDLR-licensed service company tests each pump for accuracy and gives you the report. Registration needs the latest report, and each pump needs a performance review at least every 2 years.
• Display. Post the certificate of registration where customers can see it, and keep the TDLR consumer information sticker on every pump.
• New owner. Registration does not transfer. A new owner registers the pumps in its own name.

Underground storage tank registration (TCEQ)

Owners of underground fuel tanks (and some large aboveground tanks) register them with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on form TCEQ-00724, usually online through TCEQ's STEERS system. There is no yearly TCEQ registration fee, but registration depends on two things you pay for separately:

• Financial assurance, usually tank insurance, showing the owner can pay for a leak cleanup.
• Trained operators. Class A and Class B operators must be designated and certified for the site.

Once registration and financial assurance are in order, TCEQ issues the UST delivery certificate. Fuel carriers check it, and they are not allowed to deliver into a tank without a current certificate. It has to be renewed every year, at least 30 days before it expires. We file it at least 45 days early. A change of tank owner or operator has to be reported to TCEQ within 30 days.

The store permits still apply

The convenience store side of a gas station needs the same permits as any c-store: a sales tax permit, a certificate of occupancy, and usually tobacco and e-cigarette permits, a TABC beer and wine permit, a lottery license and a food permit. See the full convenience store list.

Buying an existing station

A station purchase is where pump and tank paperwork goes wrong most often. Before closing, get the seller's current TCEQ registration, delivery certificate, financial assurance and operator certificates, and the latest pump performance reviews. After closing, file the TCEQ change of ownership within 30 days, put tank insurance in your name, register the pumps with TDLR in your name, and confirm the delivery certificate in your name before the next fuel delivery. A gap here can stop deliveries.

Motor fuel taxes

Retail gas stations generally buy fuel with the state motor fuel tax already included in the price from the supplier, so most do not need a separate motor fuel tax license. Stations that import fuel, blend it or sell to other dealers should check the Comptroller's motor fuel license rules.