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State Cert Guide

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Do I need a food handlers permit in Washington?

Yes, if you work with unwrapped food. That also means food equipment, utensils, and any surface where unwrapped food goes. Washington calls it a food worker card, or a food handlers permit. Take the course at foodworkercard.wa.gov and pass the test before you pay the fee and print your card. Other websites that sell a card are not valid in Washington.

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The rule, fact by fact

Cost
$10The fee is set by state rule, and you pay it after you finish the course.
Verified. Washington State Department of Health · Food Worker Card (opens state website) · checked Nov 12, 2026
Valid for
2 years for your first cardBefore it expires, you must take the class and pass the exam again. Renewal cards after that are good for 3 or 5 years.
Same source and date as above
Working before you have the card
Up to 14 days, if your employer trains you in food safetyGet your card before those 14 days are up.
Same source and date as above
If your card lapses
The state's course site says an expired card gets you only a two-year cardRenew before the date on your card. If it has already passed, ask your local health department what it will issue.
Verified. www.foodworkercard.wa.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 12, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check that the rule covers your job. Washington says all food workers need food safety training before they handle food served to the public. You count as a food worker if you work with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or any surface where people put unwrapped food. Keep the card, or a copy of it, with you at work so the health department can check it during an inspection.

  2. Step 2. Pick the online course Washington authorizes. The only authorized online training program is foodworkercard.wa.gov. Other websites that appear to offer a similar card online are not valid in Washington.

  3. Step 3. Choose your language and take the course, then pass the test. Every local health department offers the whole process online. The state's Food Worker Manual is a study guide for the class and the exam.

  4. Step 4. Pay the fee and print your card. After you finish the course, you can purchase and print a Washington State Food Worker Card. Your card is valid throughout the state.

Before you pay

Use the course at foodworkercard.wa.gov. Washington says other websites that appear to offer a similar card online are not valid.

Expect to pay $10 for the card, after you finish the course. Washington sets that fee by state rule.

If you hold a card from another state, you still need a Washington card.

Note the date on your first card. It is good for 2 years. Take the class and pass the exam again before it expires.

Questions

I lost my card. Can I get a replacement?

Yes. If you got your card online, sign back in at foodworkercard.wa.gov and select "Returning User." Enter your registration information and answer your security question exactly as you entered it when you signed up. Then choose "Replace My Valid Food Worker Card." A payment may be required. If you got your card at an in-person class, contact your local health department to see how to get a replacement.

Can I renew my card before it expires?

Yes, if your current card will not expire until 1 to 60 days after you get your renewal card. Show your current valid card when you apply.

What if my card has already expired?

It depends on who issues your new card. King County Public Health says a renewal within 30 days after expiry usually still gets a 3-year card.

How do I get a 5-year renewal card?

You need a current card and proof of additional food safety training from the past 2 years. That means any approved, comprehensive food safety training that lasted at least 4 hours. You also complete the regular renewal: attend the food safety training and pass the exam. To apply online, send the proof to foodworkercard@tpchd.org.

Who do I contact if the online course or test fails, or my card won't print?

Contact the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at FoodWorkerCard@tpchd.org or 1-800-204-4418. It developed the online course at foodworkercard.wa.gov.

What to do next

Start with the online course Washington authorizes, at foodworkercard.wa.gov. Not sure your job counts? Read the state's page on the food worker card first.

doh.wa.gov

Sources we read