It depends on the accreditation, not the state. A food handler card from another state is valid in Texas if it was issued by a program accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or licensed by Texas DSHS. But a card approved only for a specific other state, without that national accreditation, will be rejected by Texas health departments.
Here is the simple rule: Texas gives reciprocity to nationally accredited (ANAB) food handler cards, so a properly accredited card earned in another state can carry over. What does not carry over is a card that was only valid in one state, such as a city or state-specific program that is not nationally accredited.
If you are not sure whether your old card qualifies, it is not worth risking a write-up or fine from a Texas health inspector. Because the Texas course takes about 30 minutes online with no exam and an instant certificate, the easiest move is usually to just get a fresh, fully compliant Texas card.
Just moved to the Lone Star State? Welcome!
State-approved and accepted statewide — find food handler details for your city (each page is available in English and Spanish):
