Free · Validity guide · Varies by state
How long is a food handler card valid?
Usually 2 to 3 years
It depends on the state. A California food handler card is valid for three years and is due within 30 days of hire. Texas certificates last two years unless the card shows another date. A first Washington food worker card lasts two years.
Work out your food handler card expiration date
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If the card prints an expiration date, that date is the deadline.
Three years is the California period. Choose 2 years for Texas certificates with no expiration date printed, or for a first Washington card. If the card shows an expiration date, use that date.
Enter a date to see when it expires, how many days are left, when to book the renewal, and to add reminders to your calendar.
Who needs a food handler card
Food employees in states and localities that require food handler training, usually people who handle unpackaged food, utensils or food-contact surfaces. In California, food handlers need a card within 30 days of hire, and people with a valid Food Protection Manager Certification are exempt. A food handler card is a training certificate. It is not the Certified Food Protection Manager certification that the FDA Food Code expects of the person in charge. There is no single federal card, so check your state and local health department.
What happens if it expires
- An expired card no longer counts as proof of training where your state or county requires one.
- Inspectors can ask to see records. California employers must keep documentation of employees’ cards, and Texas establishments must keep a certificate on site for each food employee.
- There is no general grace period. Renewal means taking an approved course and test again.
- In Washington, renewing before the card expires is the expected path. A lapsed card means you do not hold the valid card the state requires.
How to renew
Check the state and county rule
Rules differ. Washington accepts only its own card, and some counties, such as San Bernardino in California, run their own programs with different deadlines.
Pick an approved course
In California, Texas and Illinois, use an ANSI-accredited food handler course (Texas and Illinois also allow certain state-approved programs). Washington’s only authorized online course is foodworkercard.wa.gov.
Complete the food handler card renewal course and test before the date
Most cards are renewed by retaking the training and test. In California, the employer pays for it and the time counts as paid work time.
File the new card and update the date
Keep a copy on site or in your records system, and record the new issue or expiration date for each employee.
When to book
4
weeks
Start the food handler card renewal about a month before the card expires so staff can finish the course during work hours. This is our suggestion, not a state rule.
A simple reminder plan: 60 days, 30 days, 14 days, 7 days before the expiration date. The calculator above puts these in your calendar.
Evidence to keep
- A copy of each employee’s current card or certificate, with the issue or expiration date and the course provider.
- Each new hire’s start date, so you can show the card was obtained within the deadline.
- Manager certifications for staff who are exempt from the food handler card.
- Your state or county food handler rule, including any local program.
Common mistakes
- Assuming one period applies in every state. California is 3 years, Texas defaults to 2, and Washington starts at 2.
- Missing the new-hire deadline: 30 days in California and Texas, and 14 days in San Bernardino County.
- Using a course your state does not accept, such as a non-Washington card in Washington.
- Confusing a food handler card with Certified Food Protection Manager certification.
- Keeping cards only on employees’ phones, so they cannot be shown when an inspector asks.
Other jurisdictions
Texas
Food employees must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of employment. A certificate is valid until the date on it, or 2 years from issue if no date is shown. Establishments must keep a certificate on premises for each food employee. Certified Food Managers are exempt.[3]
Illinois
Food handler training is generally expected within 30 days of hire, and employees may need to renew it every 3 years. Courses must be ANSI-accredited, or an internal program approved by IDPH. Establishments should keep copies of training records for inspections.[4]
Washington
All food workers need a Washington food worker card; cards from other states are not accepted. The first card lasts 2 years and renewals last 3 or 5 years. You can work up to 14 days before getting the card if your employer gives you food safety training.[5]
San Bernardino County, California
The county runs its own food handler program. Workers have 14 calendar days from the start of employment to get a card, and the employer pays for the training.[2]
For teams and managers
Running a kitchen team or several restaurants?
Give every employee a record with their card date and location. ExpiryEdge reminds staff and managers before cards lapse, collects the new card by upload link, and shows each site's status before the inspector arrives.
See how restaurants track staff certificatesExpiryEdge · Tracked item
Food handler card · M. Lopez (CA)
ValidOwner
Restaurant general manager
Expires
3 years after issue
Reminders before expiration
60d
30d
14d
7d
Due
Food handler card questions, answered
It depends on the state. California cards are valid for 3 years. Texas certificates are valid until the date on the card, or 2 years if none is shown. A first Washington food worker card lasts 2 years, and renewals last 3 or 5 years.
There is usually no automatic renewal. You take an approved food handler course and test again before the card’s expiration date, then give your employer a copy of the new card. In Washington, renewal cards last 3 years, or 5 years with proof of extra food safety training.
In California and Texas, within 30 days of hire. Illinois generally expects training within 30 days. San Bernardino County, California, allows 14 calendar days, and Washington lets a worker start for up to 14 days with employer food safety training.
Since January 1, 2024, the employer pays for the training, and the time spent on the course and exam counts as paid work time. Employers also cannot require applicants to already have a card.
No. A food handler card shows a worker completed training. A Certified Food Protection Manager certification is a separate exam-based credential for the person in charge. In California and Texas, a valid manager certification exempts you from the food handler card.
Sometimes. Texas recognizes ANSI-accredited cards from other states. Washington does not accept cards from other states.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources.
1.
California Food Handler Card (revised November 2022)County of Fresno, Department of Public Health · fresnocountyca.gov · checked 20 Oct 2026
2.
SB 476 food handler card FAQSan Bernardino County Department of Public Health · sbcounty.gov · checked 20 Oct 2026
3.
Frequently Asked Questions: Food Handler Education or Training ProgramsTexas Department of State Health Services · dshs.texas.gov · checked 20 Oct 2026
4.
Food Handler TrainingIllinois Department of Public Health · dph.illinois.gov · checked 20 Oct 2026
5.
Food Worker CardWashington State Department of Health · doh.wa.gov · checked 20 Oct 2026
6.
Certificate Issuers: Accreditation Directory (ANSI/ASTM E2659)ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) · anab.ansi.org · checked 20 Oct 2026
7.
Credentialing: enhancing food safety in the U.S.ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) · blog.ansi.org · checked 20 Oct 2026
8.
FDA Food Code 2022U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov · checked 20 Oct 2026
Guidance, not legal advice. This covers Varies by state and reflects the sources as checked on 20 Oct 2026. Check the official source or take professional advice for your situation.