The Abusable Volatile Chemicals Program provides for licensure, inspection, outreach and education, and enforcement of rules and statutes pertaining to restriction of minors from purchasing inhalant-abuse products and to proper signage for retail establishments that sell abusable volatile chemicals. The Abusable Volatile Chemical Program operates through fees generated from permitting of retail facilities that sell regulated products.

Beginning April 1, 2025, Abusable Volatile Chemical (AVC) permits will be issued electronically using a new Secure Mailbox feature in the Online Services portal.

To obtain and print an electronic file of your AVC permit, log in to your account where the permit is linked.

1. In the Quick Start menu, scroll down to Additional Activities and Select Secure Mailbox.

2. In the Secure Mailbox screen, the permit will be available in the “Inbox”.  Click “Open” to view and download the license certificate.

3. Print the permit and display in your store.

If you need assistance, contact the Environmental & Sanitation Licensing Branch by email at AVC@dshs.texas.gov or by phone at 512-834-6600.

Effective September, 1, 2022, all Abusable Volatile and Chemical (AVC) applications, initial and renewals will be required to be submitted online through the Regulatory Services Online Licensing System. You will need to create an account to submit your application online.

Start Application here

• New Users must create a new online account. Log in with the password emailed to you to access online services.
   
• To apply for a New License application:
  • choose the board Abusable Volatile and Chemical
  • select “AVC Initial Application”, then click select
  • follow the steps and enter all information needed
  • pay the fee, then submit
  • application will be in queue for processing
     
• To Renew an existing License:
  • under Additional Activities, select “Add Licenses to Registration”
  •  Step 1, select Yes, then click next
  • Step 2, choose the board Abusable Volatile and Chemical
  • choose license type Abusable Volatile Chemical Sales permit, then click next
  • Enter: 
    • License Number
    • Organization (Business) Name
    • Physical business location’s Zip code
    • Finish security captcha questions, then click next
  • Confirm if the information is correct, then hit next
  • you should see a renewal listed under “It is time to Renew!” on the Main Menu after logging into the system
  • select the license number
  • pay the fee, then submit
  • application will be in queue for processing

AVC parent companies will need to create a single account to avoid any potential errors.

If you have any questions and concerns, please email us at avc@dshs.texas.gov.

Permit Requirements

For information on who is required to obtain an AVC Permit, fee schedules, and online licensing procedures, view the Permit Information page.