Food licenses and permits you need in California

From food trucks to 5-star restaurants, every eatery has one thing in common: licensing. 

While not the most glamorous aspect of running a restaurant, obtaining the correct food licenses and permits is essential to ensure your business operates legally before you can serve up your first order.

So how exactly do you get a food license? California has several regulatory bodies you’ll need to work with. This guide aims to help you understand where to start and what you need to do to comply with state regulations. 

Food handler card in CA

Anyone who handles others’ food in California, including restaurant, cafe, and food truck workers, must obtain a California Food Handler Card within 30 days of being hired.

This card, also known as a food handlers certificate or food handlers license, demonstrates that the individual has completed a food safety training course and passed an exam. 

The training for a food handler card generally covers topics such as: 

• Foodborne illness
• Proper food handling
• Personal hygiene 

This license typically costs $10 or less per person, and must be renewed every three years. 

Note that the Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties have distinct exams for food handlers. Restaurants in these areas must be sure to obtain the correct license at the county level, which is distinct from (and eliminates the need for) the general California Food Handler permit.

Food facility permit

All food businesses in California must obtain a permit from their local health department before opening. This permit ensures your facility—and the way you run it—meets necessary health and safety standards. 

To obtain a food facility health permit, you’ll need to: 

1. Submit an application
2. Pay a fee (which varies by county, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars) 
3. Undergo an inspection 

During inspection, the county health department will review your facility’s layout, equipment, and food safety procedures to ensure compliance with regulations.

Seller’s permit

If you plan to sell taxable goods, such as packaged foods or merchandise, you’ll need to obtain a seller’s permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). This permit allows you to collect customers’ sales tax and remit it to the state. 

You can apply for a seller’s permit in person at a CDTFA office or online through the CDTFA website, which will help guide you through the application process. 

In addition to your personal information, the application process for a seller’s permit requires:

• Names and addresses of your suppliers, accountant, and personal references
• Anticipated monthly sales, and the taxable amount of those sales
• Personal information for partners, corporate officers, and limited liability company members

While there are no fees or costs for the seller’s permit itself, a security deposit is occasionally necessary.

Can I sell food I make at home California?

Cottage Food Operation (CFO) permits allow you to sell certain products (baked goods, jams, dried herbs, etc.) directly to customers or through venues like a farmers’ market. Local public health departments also issue this permit.

It’s important to note, though, that California law only allows home-based food producers to sell low-risk foods. These are specifically identified on a list from the Department of Public Health.

Generally, this list includes foods that don’t need temperature control to be safe for consumers. That’s why, for instance, products containing meat are usually off-limits for home producers.

California’s regulations for a home-based food business also differentiate sellers into two tiers. The first tier, Class A, lets you sell food directly to consumers in various places like farmers’ markets, festivals, or even through deliveries.

The second tier, Class B, allows you to sell to third parties, such as grocery stores or even restaurants. Both classifications permit online sales.

Both Class A and Class B require a Food Handler Training license and a Food Establishment Permit.

How much is a food license in California?

It’s tough to give you a clear-cut number for this cost, as prices vary depending on your county, the type of restaurant, and even the number of employees you have.

On top of that, each of these classifications will require a different set of licenses, which will impact your final cost.

For example, the Food Handler Card is regulated by California’s state law SB602, which sets a maximum of $15 for the test to get the license. However, it’s important to remember that this license is a per-employee cost.

The California Food Service License, also known as the California Health Permit for Food Facilities, varies widely based on the county and the type of operation. Generally speaking, the cost can range from around $320 to $2,000, depending on these variables.

Food Truck Permits, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable, usually falling between $250 and $500.

Finally, Cottage Food Permits, while also varying, typically cost between $100 and $250.

Other permits and licenses

Depending on the nature of your food business, you may need additional permits and licenses. Consider just a few common examples of situations that require additional permits:

• Selling alcohol – Requires a liquor license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Different types of licenses are required depending on the type of alcoholic beverages sold and the nature of your establishment.
• Operating a food truck – Food trucks in California require a Mobile Food Facility Permit, which is issued after an inspection by the local county’s public health department.

In any scenario, thoroughly checking your county’s local food facility requirements is essential to ensure your venture is compliant, laying the foundation for success.

Best practices for maintaining permits 

To ensure ongoing compliance, food business owners must stay vigilant in keeping all licenses and permits up to date.

Consider the following best practices for maintaining permits:

• Keep permits current – Regularly renew necessary permits before their expiration dates. Inform relevant organizations of changes in address or contact information.

• Stay informed – Stay up-to-date with regulation and permit requirements for ongoing adherence to the latest standards.

• Train employees – Provide regular training to employees on food safety, hygiene, and permit requirements to maintain a culture of compliance.

• Maintain good records – Save details for all permit-related documents and inspections. Consider using a calendar application to remind you of upcoming renewals.

Failure to obtain (or maintain) necessary permits can result in significant penalties—ranging from hefty fines and legal action to outright closure. 

Streamline your restaurant licensing venture with a ghost kitchen

When it comes to getting a food license, California has several distinct requirements that often depend on your county. By researching and following local regulations, you maintain your restaurant’s reputation and pave the way for 100% licensed operational success.

But there’s another option you may not have considered: partnering with a ghost kitchen.

With CloudKitchens, licensing is baked into our streamlined process—meaning you can focus on people more than paperwork. You simply provide permits for your staff, and our ghost kitchens handle the rest, enabling your food business to hit the ground running without drowning in documentation.

From Sacramento to Sunnyvale and many more, book a tour of one of our locations in California and get started today.

Read More

• How to Secure a Food Handlers License in Fort Worth
• Tips on Securing a Food Handlers License in Houston, TX
• Tips on Securing a Food Handlers Permit in Dallas, Texas
• Tips on Securing a Food Handlers License in San Antonio
• Texas food licenses & permits: A guide for restaurants

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

---

Sources: 

eFood Handlers. How to get your California Food Handlers Card. https://www.cafoodhandlers.com/California-Food-Handlers-Card

County of LA Public Health. How to Obtain a Restaurant (Food Facility) Permit. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/inspection/how-to-obtain-restaurant-food-facility-permit.htm

California Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration. Obtaining a Seller’s Permit. https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/faqseller.htm

California Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Application Fee Schedules. https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-fees/application-fee-schedules/

County of LA Public Health. About Food Trucks. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/business/food-trucks-carts.htm

California Dept. of Public Health. Cottage Food Operations. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx