Food Handler License Requirements: State-by-State Guide

Complying with restaurant safety regulations is vital to the success of any food-serving business. But it's not easy to know exactly what licenses you need — every state has its own requirements, and sometimes they even vary by county and city.

This guide aims to simplify food handler license requirements for restaurant owners. Keep reading for clarity on staying in compliance with state laws so you can maintain high standards of restaurant safety.

A food handler's license is a crucial certification in the food service industry. This license, sometimes called a food handler's card, permit, or certificate, provides proof of a person's knowledge of restaurant safety guidelines.

The course to earn a food handler's license covers critical topics like food temperature, allergen awareness, tool sanitation, proper handwashing, and knowing the symptoms of foodborne illnesses.

A food handler's license is different from a food manager certificate. The handler's license is essential for employees directly involved in food preparation and handling, such as prep cooks, line cooks, and bartenders.

The food manager certification, on the other hand, is for individuals in managerial roles. It dives deeper into local laws and provides an in-depth understanding of foodborne illnesses and restaurant safety.

The Advantages of Obtaining a Food Handler's License

A food handler license:

• Is required by law in many states; having them ensures that your restaurant meets legal standards.

• Indicates a commitment to food safety and public health, potentially improving your restaurant's reputation.

• Provides staff with essential knowledge on food safety topics, which are vital for safe dining.

• Assists with lowering the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks, protecting customers and your business.

• Helps maintain uniform food safety standards across the industry.

• Helps prevent legal issues related to foodborne illnesses.

• Goes beyond compliance, enhancing public health awareness, job prospects, and operational quality in food service.

Cost Analysis of Food Handler Licenses

In most states, restaurant staff must possess some form of food safety certification. Typically, state requirements fall into one of two categories. The first is that restaurants must have at least one food safety manager present at all times.

The second requires each employee handling, preparing, or storing food to have a food handler's license.

The cost of certifying a single manager, which can be around $200, generally exceeds the expense of obtaining food handler's licenses for all employees, which ranges from free to $15 each. In states without a statewide food safety permit requirement, local city or county regulations may still necessitate licensure.

Not all states in the U.S. have the same requirements for food handler licenses. For example, in Arkansas, just one licensed food handler per shift is enough while California mandates that all food handlers possess a state-issued food handler card.

We will review each state's requirements to ensure you know what is required in your specific state.

If you care about food handler license and food safety, don't forget to visit these valuable resources:

• AAA Food Handler
• ServSafe Training
• Statefoodsafety.com
• Learn2Serve.com

Alabama

Food handler licenses in Alabama are only mandatory in Mobile and Jefferson counties, where workers must complete a state health department-administered training course.

The Alabama Department of Public Health requires kitchen managers and head chefs to have valid certification from an accredited food safety program, valid for five years, or have completed such a program within the past 12 months.

The fee for this program, offered through ServSafe, is $175, and at least one certified individual must be present at all times.

Alaska

Alaska requires food handlers to obtain a food worker card within 30 days of employment, covering anyone who handles unpackaged or potentially hazardous food or food-contact surfaces, including chefs, servers, and dishwashers.

The card can be obtained by taking an online test with a $10 fee, and it's valid throughout the state, except in Anchorage, where a separate card is required.

Arizona

In Arizona, food-handling employees in most counties must obtain a food handler's card, with Maricopa County requiring completion of a course and an exam administered by an accredited provider for $7.95.

Employees need to pass an ANSI-accredited exam within 30 days of hire. A limited-use food handler's certificate is also available.

Arkansas

The Arkansas food handler's card is required for all employees involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility. To obtain a card, employees must take a food safety training course and pass an exam that costs $15.

California

In California, food handlers involved in food preparation, storage, or service must obtain a California food handler card within 30 days of hire.

They need to complete and pass an ANSI-accredited class, which costs $15 or less and is valid for three years. Employers must maintain records of all food handlers' valid cards and present them during health inspections.

Colorado

Colorado does not mandate food handler certification for all restaurant employees. However, at least one person in authority over food preparation and service must have a food protection manager certification from an ACCR-accredited program.

Supervisors hired after July 1, 2015, are required to complete at least eight hours of food safety training either within five years before or 30 days after starting their jobs. The cost ranges from $140 to $180.

Connecticut

Connecticut doesn't mandate food handler permits for all kitchen staff but requires a Qualified Food Operator (QFO) in each food service establishment. A QFO must be a full-time employee, working at least 30 hours per week, and pass a food safety test, which costs from $150 to $199.

Delaware

Delaware requires at least one supervisory employee with a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential in every food service establishment. This typically applies to shift leaders or persons in charge.

The average cost for this course through ServSafe is $175. Food handlers' licenses for other employees are not mandatory.

Florida

Florida mandates that every restaurant must have a manager on-site who is a certified food manager via DBPR-accredited courses. The cost varies based on where you take the course.

Georgia

Georgia does not require food handler cards for staff statewide, leaving it to employer discretion. However, each food establishment must have a certified food safety manager on-site during operating hours, trained and certified through a Georgia Department of Public Health-approved program and an accredited exam. The cost varies.

Hawaii

Hawaii requires at least one certified individual in every restaurant or food establishment during business hours, obtained through a formal food handlers safety training program. TheGeorgia Department of Public Health-approved program Department of Health provides free in-person and online food safety classes, with certifications valid for three years.

Idaho

Idaho doesn't mandate food handlers' licenses for workers. Training is typically provided by a certified food protection manager or a designated person in charge.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare recommends studying the Idaho Food Protection Program Food Protection Program and passing a free online exam with a certificate that is valid for five years.

Illinois

In Illinois, anyone working with unpackaged food or food-contact surfaces must complete food handlers' safety training within 30 days of employment. ANSI-approved courses, including online options, are available for this training, with renewal required every three years.

The cost varies, but at least one is always available for $15 or less. Employers must maintain training records for inspections.

Indiana

Indiana requires each food business to have at least one employee with a food handler's permit, with a designated person in charge always present. Establishments have three months to replace a certified food handler who leaves. The certification process includes passing an accredited exam. The cost varies.

Iowa

Iowa doesn't require food handler's licenses but mandates that each restaurant has an employee with food protection manager certification, generally a manager or supervisor. This is achieved by passing an accredited food safety training program exam, which varies in cost.

Kansas

Kansas lacks a uniform state requirement for food handler cards, leaving it to local jurisdictions to set rules. For example, Leavenworth mandates food handler certificates for all food-handling employees.

Business owners should verify local requirements with their health department. Wichita offers a free online food safety course for volunteers despite not requiring food handler cards for employees.

Kentucky

Kentucky has no statewide mandate for food handler cards in food service establishments, with requirements varying by county. In Lexington-Fayette and Madison counties, for example, food service employees must acquire food handlers permits, available through in-person and online courses for $23. A managerial food handler certification costs $85.

Louisiana

Louisiana requires one employee or owner in each food establishment to hold a food safety manager certificate from an ANSI-approved program like ServSafe, which costs $25.

They are then responsible for training other staff in food safety. Establishments must also display a separate state food safety certificate with a gold seal.

Maine

Maine requires each eating establishment to have a certified food protection manager.

This involves completing an accredited food safety course, passing a CFP-approved exam, and recertifying every five years. The certificate must be displayed at the business. The cost of the course varies.

Maryland

Maryland's food code mandates food handler permits only for some employees. Local health departments determine the necessity of an on-site certified food manager. For instance, Montgomery County demands a certified food service manager who has completed relevant training and passed an exam.

The cost varies, but in Prince Georges County, for example, the manager certification costs $57.75.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts doesn't require food preparation licenses for workers. Yet, all food service businesses must have a full-time certified food manager who passed an exam from an accredited program.

Certification is renewed every five years, with a preparatory course recommended but optional. The cost varies.

Michigan

Michigan doesn't mandate food handler permits for workers but requires restaurants to have a certified food manager, excluding vending machine locations and temporary food establishments.

Managers must pass an ANSI or a CFP-accredited exam every five years, with optional preparatory classes. The cost varies based on the course provider you choose.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, food handler cards are not obligatory, but each food service business needs at least one certified food protection manager.

This entails completing a training course, passing an exam, and renewing certification every three years. The cost starts at $35.

Mississippi

The Mississippi Food Code requires all food service establishments to employ a certified food protection manager, who must pass a test from an accredited program.

The manager is tasked with training other staff in food safety. Training options are available in-person or online, with varying costs.

Missouri

Missouri lacks a statewide training or certification requirement for food handlers and managers, with regulations varying by county. For instance, Kansas City mandates a certified food service operations manager-on-duty or three-year food handler cards for 80% of the staff.

Montana

Montana doesn't require food handler licenses for most workers, though businesses can opt for certification. Every restaurant and food service business must have a certified food protection manager who has completed an ANSI/CFP-accredited training course. Training is available in-person or online and ranges in cost from $99 to $180.

Nebraska

Nebraska has no statewide food handler's certificate requirement; it varies by county.

For example, Lincoln-Lancaster County mandates food manager or handler permits, obtainable through courses. Restaurant owners should check their local health department rules.

Nevada

Nevada requires a person in charge in its food establishments, certified through accredited courses in food safety management, with varying costs.

While not all workers need certification, some areas, like Clark County in Southern Nevada, do require food handler cards for employees.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires a certified food protection manager on-site during food preparation in dining establishments.

Certification comes from passing an accredited food safety exam. Costs vary. Some cities and towns set their own food manager and handler certification guidelines.

New Jersey

New Jersey mandates a certified food protection manager in each food service establishment but doesn't require food handlers' cards for general staff.

Additional local requirements may apply, such as in Newark, where food service workers must renew their permits every three years.

New Mexico

New Mexico requires food handlers' cards for employees, including those handling food, utensils, and surfaces. Each establishment also needs a certified food protection manager.

The course costs vary. Exemptions exist for those with manager certification and volunteers at temporary events.

New York

New York state has no uniform food handler license guidelines, with local variations.

In New York City, for example, food service supervisors need certification in food protection. One person on-site must have a food manager's certification. The fee varies based on the course provider.

North Carolina

North Carolina doesn't mandate food handlers' permits for workers but requires each food service business to have a certified food protection manager who has passed an ANSI-accredited test.

North Dakota

North Dakota doesn't require statewide food handlers' licenses. Local health departments set rules, such as the First District Health Unit requiring an approved food education course for workers.

Ohio

Ohio has no statewide requirement for food handler licenses, but rules vary by county. Each establishment must have one person in charge with Level One food safety certification per shift and a manager with Level Two training. Fees vary.

Check with the local health department for area-specific guidelines.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma doesn't require statewide licensing for food handlers, but every food establishment must have a certified food protection manager during operating hours. Some local areas, like Moore and Norman, mandate food handler cards for all employees.

Oregon

Oregon requires all food service workers to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of hire. It costs $10 and is valid for three years.

Cards are good statewide, but out-of-state cards are not recognized. Certifications must be from Oregon-approved programs.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania mandates at least one employee in each food service facility to have food manager certification from an ANSI/CFPM-approved program.

That employee must be present during all operating hours. The cost for certification varies.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island doesn't require food handler certification for employees. Food businesses need at least one certified full-time manager in food safety, with increased requirements for larger establishments. Certifications require renewal every three years, and fees vary.

South Carolina

South Carolina requires a certified food protection manager in each food service business, certified through an ANSI-accredited course.

There's no statewide mandate for food handler cards, but employers can opt for staff training.

South Dakota

South Dakota doesn't require food handlers' certificates for employees. Each establishment needs a designated person in charge for each shift and a certified food manager with certification available through approved eight-hour training programs. The cost ranges from about $60 to $160.

Tennessee

Tennessee doesn't require food handler cards. However, each food service business must have an employee certified as a food protection manager through a CFP-accredited program, with some exemptions. The cost varies.

Texas

Texas mandates that all food service employees obtain a food handler's card within 30 days of employment and requires a certified food protection manager on-site.

The Texas Department of State Health Services oversees training and certification.

Utah

The state of Utah mandates that all employees handling, preparing, or serving food must get a food handler's card within 30 days of hire, valid for three years.

Certification includes training and an exam, with in-person and online options available. The cost is $15.

Vermont

Vermont doesn't require food handler licenses. Each food service establishment needs a person in charge who can demonstrate food safety knowledge, either as a certified food protection manager or by answering an inspector's questions.

Virginia

Virginia requires every food establishment to have at least one certified food protection manager. The cost of certification varies. Food handler certificates are not mandated statewide, but local health departments may have additional regulations.

Washington

In Washington state, food workers must complete a food safety training program and pass an exam for a food handler card.

Interim training allows work for up to 14 days before card issuance. Cards, initially valid for two years, cost $10 and can be renewed for longer periods.

Washington D.C

All food establishments in the District of Columbia must have a certified food handler on the premises at all times.

After passing a food safety examination, he or she must present the original certificate with test scores to the Food Protection Division for a Certified Food Handler's Identification Card issued by the Department of Health. Certification must be renewed every three years.

The card costs $35 plus the price of the course.

West Virginia

West Virginia has no statewide food handler card requirement, but regulations vary by county. Most counties require certification, such as Wheeling-Ohio County, where workers need a card within 30 days of employment. Prices vary.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin doesn't require food handler cards for workers but mandates a certified food protection manager in each food establishment, with certification renewed every five years, and fees varying based on provider. Exceptions apply to simple establishments.

Wyoming

Wyoming doesn't mandate licenses or training for food handlers but recommends having a certified food manager. Requirements vary by local health districts; for instance, Teton requires an accredited manager on staff.

Understanding and adhering to your state and local food handler certification requirements is crucial for restaurant safety and compliance. While regulations vary, ensuring your staff is properly trained and certified is key to maintaining a safe and successful food service establishment.

TAKEAWAYS

• State-specific requirements: Food handler license requirements differ by state, with varying mandates for employee certification.

• County variations: Counties within states may have unique requirements. Check local county regulations.

• Certification for managers: Many states require at least one certified food protection manager in each food establishment.

• Food handler cards: Certain states, like California and Alaska, mandate food handler cards for employees soon after employment.

• Training and testing: Acquiring a food handler card typically involves completing a training course and passing an exam, usually through ANSI-accredited providers.

• Renewal and validity: The validity of food handler cards and certifications varies, with renewal needed every one to five years.

• Record keeping: Employers need to maintain and present records of employees' food safety certifications during inspections.

• Training accessibility: In-person and online training options are available in many states and counties.

• Special certifications: States like Arizona offer specific certifications for employees with disabilities undertaking low-risk tasks.

• Local health departments as resources: Consult local health departments for up-to-date, detailed information on food handler requirements.