Texas Yard Sale Permit & Sign Rules (2025 Guide)

Last updated: August 24, 2025

This Texas yard sale permit guide explains when you need a permit, how city rules differ, and what’s legal for yard sale signs in 2025—so you stay compliant and attract more buyers.

Texas yard sale permit: do you need one?

State tax rules (Texas Comptroller — Publication 94-437): Many one-off sales of your own used items qualify for the occasional sales exemption. You generally do not need a Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit or to collect sales tax if you meet either condition:

• You sell only one or two taxable items during any 12-month period (price doesn’t matter); or
• You sell items originally bought for personal/family use and your total sales are $3,000 or less in the calendar year.

If you exceed those thresholds (e.g., more than two sales in 12 months and over $3,000 in a calendar year), you are considered engaged in business and must get a sales tax permit and collect tax on subsequent sales.

How to get a Texas yard sale permit in your city

Texas cities set their own garage/yard sale limits (permits, frequency, hours, and signage). Always check your city’s page before advertising.

• Austin — No specific garage-sale permit listed by the city; holding more than four sales per calendar year is a code violation. Signs may be posted on the sale property for no more than three consecutive days.
• Dallas — Permit required for every property address before placing items out for sale (apply online).
• Houston — City does not require a garage/yard-sale permit; residents are limited to two sales within a 12-month period (more than two is treated as business under state rules).
• San Antonio — Permit required (before the sale). Up to four sales per calendar year (typically one per quarter). Fee currently about $16; hours often limited (e.g., 9 AM–6 PM) and sales may not exceed two consecutive days.
• Fort Worth — Permit required at least 72 hours prior; up to two sales per year, each no longer than three consecutive days. Signs: only one on-premises sign ≤ 2 sq ft; off-site signs are not allowed.

Tip: Suburbs may have simple but different rules (e.g., low-cost permits, specific sign sizes). Check your city hall website if you’re outside the big five.

Texas yard sale permit & signs: quick compliance checklist

• Confirm if your city requires a permit and how many sales are allowed per year.
• Review the Texas Comptroller “occasional sales” thresholds (1–2 items/12 months or ≤$3,000/year from personal-use items).
• Price clearly and track totals if you hold multiple sales in a year.
• Place signs only on private property with the owner’s permission; avoid roads, medians, utility poles, and the public right-of-way.
• Remove signs immediately after your sale; keep driveways/sidewalks clear.
• If you’re in an HOA, follow community rules on traffic/parking and signage.

Where can I post yard sale signs in Texas?

It’s illegal to place any sign on or within the right-of-way of Texas roads/highways (including trees, telephone poles, and traffic signs). Put signs only on private property with permission, and follow your city’s sign ordinance.

Texas yard sale permit & signs: quick checklist (print-friendly)

• ✅ City permit needed? Limits per year?
• ✅ Occasional-sales rules met (1–2 items/12 months or ≤$3,000/year)?
• ✅ Signs: on private property only; remove after sale
• ✅ Hours and days comply with city rules
• ✅ HOA rules checked

Sample yard sale sign text

BIG YARD SALE →
Sat–Sun 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
12345 Example St, TX
Cash / Venmo accepted

Recommended reads (internal)

• Yard Sale Social Media Tips: Guide to Boost Sales
• Creative Yard Sale Display Ideas to Attract More Buyers

Resources (external)

• Texas Comptroller — Garage Sales & Occasional Sales (94-437)
• TxDOT — Signs in the Right-of-Way (overview)
• Austin — Garage sale frequency & on-site sign duration
• Dallas — Garage Sale Permits (online)
• Houston — Garage/Yard Sales (city guidance)
• San Antonio — Garage Sale Permits
• Fort Worth — Occasional Sales (permit & sign limits)

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