Food Handlers Expiration: How to Renew Your Food Handlers Card

Imagine the stress of arriving at work only to discover your food handler's card has expired. Not only could this lead to embarrassment, but it could also jeopardize your job. To avoid this situation, it's important to stay on top of your certification.

Whether you are a seasoned food handler or just starting your career in the food service industry, this blog post will provide you with everything you need to know about renewing your food handler's card, ensuring you remain a valuable asset to your team.

What Is a Food Handler Card? 

A food handler's card, also known as a food handler's permit or food service worker card, is a food safety certification or card that verifies that an individual has completed a food safety training course and has a basic understanding of safe food handling practices. The food handler's card aims to ensure that food service workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent foodborne illness and provide safe food to the public.

The card is typically required for people who work in food service, such as servers, bartenders, chefs, bakers, dishwashers, and others who handle food. The requirements for obtaining a food handler's card vary by state and jurisdiction. Still, most programs require successfully completing a food handler training course and passing an exam for food service certification. 

Why Is Having a Valid Food Handler Card Important? 

Maintaining a valid food handler card is crucial for anyone working in the food service industry. A valid card ensures that food service workers continue to meet essential food safety standards and help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases in the United States. 

These statistics highlight the importance of ongoing education and food safety certification. By keeping your food handler card up to date, you're not only complying with regulations but also actively contributing to public health by minimizing foodborne illness risks.

How Long Does a Food Handler’s Card Last? 

The lifespan of a food handler's card varies by state and jurisdiction, but it is typically valid for 2 to 5 years. After this period has expired, the food handler's card must be renewed by taking a food handler course and passing a food safety exam.

It's essential to check with your local health department or regulatory agency to determine the specific requirements in your area, including how often you need to renew your food handler's card and what steps you need to take to do so. 

What Are the Common Reasons for Card Expiration? 

While a food handler's card typically lasts between 2 to 5 years depending on the jurisdiction, it can expire for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of expiration include:

1. Failure to Renew on Time: The most frequent reason is simply forgetting to renew the card before it expires.
2. Job Changes: Some people assume their card is only valid for their current employer and may let it expire after changing jobs, even though many cards are transferable.
3. Jurisdictional Differences: Moving to a new state or region may require different certifications or renewal timelines, which can cause confusion.
4. Outdated Contact Information: If you change your address or email, you may miss renewal notices from your local health department.

How Long Is a Food Handler’s Card Good for, Per State? 

Generally, food handler certifications typically require renewal every 2 to 5 years to ensure the holder's knowledge of food safety remains current. This renewal frequency is necessary to maintain a high standard of food safety practices.

Here you can see how long a food handler card is good for, per state: 

Complying with the frequent renewal dates helps to reinforce proper food safety practices. Remember, to ensure that you meet your area's renewal requirements, always check with your employer or local health authority.

Steps for Food Handler Card Renewal 

As a food handler permit holder, you must renew your certificate before the expiration date of your current food safety certification. The process of renewing your food handler’s license is straightforward and without hassle. 

The process for renewing a food handler's permit will vary depending on the state or jurisdiction where you work, but here are some general steps that you may follow:

1. Determine the Expiration Date of Your Food Handler Permit

Check the expiration date of your food handler's permit and renew it before it expires. If you let it expire, you may have to start the process from the beginning.

2. Check the Requirements

Contact your local health department or regulatory agency to determine the specific requirements for renewing your food handler's permit. Some states require that you take a food safety training course, while others may require you to take a food safety exam.

3. Take a Food Safety Course or Exam

Depending on the requirements in your state, you may need to take a food safety training course and/or complete a food safety exam with a passing score. Some courses are available online, while others may be offered in person. Check with your local health department or regulatory agency to determine your options. 

Online vs. In-Person Food Handler Training 

When renewing your food handler’s card, you can typically choose between online and in-person training. Both options have their benefits:

Online Training 

Online training is often the more convenient option, allowing you to complete the training at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. Many accredited programs offer comprehensive courses that are easy to follow, with immediate access to exams and certification upon passing.

Online courses are ideal for people with busy schedules or for those who live in areas without easy access to in-person classes.

In-Person Training 

Some people prefer face-to-face instruction, where they can interact with the trainer and ask questions in real time. However, you may not have access to your course from anywhere, and you may not be able to go at your own pace. Certain states or employers might still require in-person training, so it's essential to check the requirements for your jurisdiction.

4. Submit Proof of Completion

Once you have completed the food safety course and/or passed the food safety exam, you must submit proof of completion to your local health department or regulatory agency. This may involve submitting a certificate of completion, an official transcript, or other documentation.

5. Receive Your Renewed Food Handler Permit

Once your local health department or regulatory agency has received proof of completion, they will issue you a new food handler's permit. The new license will be valid for a specified period, typically 2 to 5 years.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for renewing a food handler's permit may vary from state to state, so it's a good idea to check with your local health department or regulatory agency for the most up-to-date information. 

Start your safe food handling journey today and quickly obtain your food handler certificate online with our Food Handler Online Training.

How long does a food handler's card last? 

The lifespan of a food handler's card varies by state and jurisdiction, but it is typically valid for 2 to 5 years. After this period has expired, the food handler's card must be renewed by taking a food handlers course and passing a food safety exam.

It's essential to check with your local health department or regulatory agency to determine the specific requirements in your area, including how often you need to renew your food handler's card and what steps you need to take to do so.

How long is a food handler's card good for? 

Generally, food handler certifications typically require renewal every 2 to 5 years to ensure the holder's knowledge of food safety remains current. This renewal frequency is necessary to maintain a high standard of food safety practices.

Here you can see how long a food handlers card is good for, per state: 

Complying with the frequent renewal dates helps to reinforce proper food safety practices. Remember, to ensure that you meet your area's renewal requirements, always check with your employer or local health authority.

How to Renew Food Handlers Card

A food handler permit holder needs to renew their certificate before the expiration date of their current certification. The process of renewing the permit is straightforward and without hassle. 

The process for renewing a food handler's permit will vary depending on the state or jurisdiction where you work, but here are some general steps that you may follow:

1. Determine the Expiration Date of Your Food Handlers Permit

Check the expiration date of your food handler's permit and renew it before it expires. If you let it expire, you may have to start the process from the beginning.

2. Check the Requirements

Contact your local health department or regulatory agency to determine the specific requirements for renewing your food handler's permit. Some states require that you take a food safety training course, while others may require you to take a food safety exam.

3. Take a Food Safety Course or Exam

Depending on the requirements in your state, you may need to take a food safety training course and/or complete a food safety exam with a passing score. Some courses are available online, while others may be offered in person. Check with your local health department or regulatory agency to determine your options.

4. Submit Proof of Completion

Once you have completed the food safety course and/or passed the food safety exam, you must submit proof of completion to your local health department or regulatory agency. This may involve submitting a certificate of completion, an official transcript, or other documentation.

5. Receive Your Renewed Food Handlers Permit

Once your local health department or regulatory agency has received proof of completion, they will issue you a new food handler's permit. The new license will be valid for a specified period, typically 2 to 5 years.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for renewing a food handler's permit may vary from state to state, so it's a good idea to check with your local health department or regulatory agency for the most up-to-date information. 

Start your safe food handling journey today and quickly obtain your food handler certificate online with our Food Handlers Online Training.