Texas law requires all food handlers to obtain a food handler card within 60 days of being hired. Here's everything you need to know about Texas food handler card requirements in 2025.
📋 Key Facts — Texas Food Handler Card
- Required within 60 days of hire
- Valid for 2 years
- Must be from a DSHS-accredited provider
- Starting at $7.99 at FoodCardNow
- Accepted statewide
Who Needs a Texas Food Handler Card?
- Cooks, line cooks, prep cooks
- Servers, bartenders, baristas who handle food or garnishes
- Dishwashers and staff who clean food-contact surfaces
- School cafeteria, hospital kitchen, and nursing home kitchen workers
- Catering workers who handle food on-site
Cost Comparison
| Provider | Price | Time | Spanish |
|---|---|---|---|
| FoodCardNow | $7.99 | < 2 hours | ✅ |
| ServSafe | $15.00 | 8 hours | ⚠️ |
| National Registry | $12.00 | 3 hours | ❌ |
| Learn2Serve | $9.95 | 2–4 hours | ❌ |
How to Get Your Texas Food Handler Card Online
- Visit FoodCardNow.com/pricing — Select the Food Handler course for $7.99.
- Create a free account — Takes about 60 seconds.
- Complete the course — 5 modules, available in English and Spanish.
- Pass the final exam — 30 multiple-choice questions.
- Download your certificate — Instant PDF with QR code for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a food handler card in Texas?
All food handlers who prepare, store, or serve food must obtain a food handler card within 60 days of hire.
How much does a Texas food handler card cost?
FoodCardNow charges $7.99 — the lowest price of any DSHS-accredited provider.
How long is the Texas food handler card valid?
Texas food handler cards are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Is the Texas food handler card accepted statewide?
Yes. A DSHS-accredited certificate is valid at any food establishment in Texas.
Can I take the course in Spanish?
Yes. FoodCardNow offers the course fully in Spanish. Visit foodcardnow.com/es.
Get Your Texas Food Handler Card Now
$7.99 · Under 2 hours · Instant certificate · English & Spanish
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