Get the right food handler card for your state.

Starting a new kitchen job, or moving to a new state? We point you straight to the official, government-recognized food handler training for your state: the real course, what it costs, and how long it lasts.

Or pick on the map ↓See all 50 states + DC ↓
50 states + DC Links to the official source Verified September 2026 Official sources only — no scams
Two food safety workers in hairnets and white coats review a checklist beside a snack production line
1Pick your state 2See what’s required 3Enroll at the official source
Your state’s requirements

Pick your state. See what’s required.

Required Required in some cases Recommended Not required
VTNHMARICTNJDEMDDC

Click a state to see its details. They stay on screen until you pick another.

All states at a glance · A–Z

Every food handler requirement in the United States.

Tap any state for the details and the official link. Prices are in United States dollars and exclude tax.

StateRequirementProgramCostValid for
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
RequiredAlaska Food Worker Card$103 years
Required in some casesCounty Food Handler Cardfrom $6.953 years
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
RequiredCalifornia Food Handler Cardfrom $6.953 years
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo food handler cardNot requiredno state card
RequiredFlorida Food Service Employee Training$103 years
Required in some casesNo card for food employees (cottage food operators only)from $6.95no state card
Required in some casesFood Handlers Education CertificationFree3 years
RecommendedIdaho Food Safety ExamFree5 years
RequiredIllinois Food Handler Trainingfrom $6.953 years
Required in some casesNo card for food employees (home based vendors only)from $6.95no state card
Required in some casesNo card for food employees (home food processors only)from $6.95no state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Required in some casesCounty food handler cardsVariesVaries by county
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Required in some casesLocal Food Handler Card (Kansas City area)from $203-year card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Required in some casesLocal Food Handler Permit (Omaha and Lincoln)$202-year permit
Required in some casesFood Handler Safety Training Card (Southern Nevada Health District)$253-year card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Required in some casesLocal food handler certificates (no state card)Variesno state card
RequiredNew Mexico Food Handler Cardfrom $6.953 years
Required in some casesNYC Food Protection Certificate$24NYC certificate never expires
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Required in some casesFirst District Health Unit Food Safety CertificationFreeno state card
Required in some casesOhio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection$10no expiration stated
Required in some casesTulsa Food Handler Permit$203 years
RequiredOregon Food Handler Card$103 years
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Required in some casesFood Handler Certificatefrom $6.953 years (set by provider)
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
RequiredTexas Food Handler Certificatefrom $32 years, or the expiry printed on the certificate
RequiredUtah Food Handler Permitfrom $22.953-year permit
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
RequiredWashington State Food Worker Card$102-year card (3 or 5 years on renewal)
Required in some casesFood Handler Card (county health department)Varies1 to 3 years (set by county)
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card
Not requiredNo state food handler cardNot requiredno state card