Yes. A state-approved (Texas DSHS-accredited) online food handler certificate is accepted across the City of Dallas and all of Dallas County, with no extra local registration fee. One state card covers you anywhere in the Dallas metroplex.
Trusted by thousands of Dallas-area food workers since 2010, Food Handlers of Texas is a Texas DSHS-licensed provider (License #16). Whether you cook, serve, bartend, or work a food truck in Dallas, Irving, Garland, or Mesquite, the same state-approved certification applies.
Dallas County Health and Human Services and the City of Dallas recognize food handler training accredited by the State of Texas (DSHS) or ANAB. Under Texas law (SB 1089), your state-approved certificate is valid across every city and county in the metroplex with no extra local registration fee, so you do not need a separate card for each suburb.
Does one card work across Dallas County and the suburbs?
Yes. A state-approved certificate is recognized statewide, so the same card covers Dallas, Irving, Garland, Mesquite, and the rest of the county.
Do I owe an extra city or county registration fee?
No. Under Texas law there is no additional local registration fee for a state-approved certificate.
How long does it take, and is there an exam?
About 30 minutes, with no final exam. Your certificate prints instantly and is valid for two years.
A food handler card covers you as an employee. To open or operate a food business in the City of Dallas, you also need a permit from Dallas Code Compliance — Consumer Health (7901 Goforth Rd, Dallas, TX 75238 — 214-670-8083):
Get your Dallas food handler card today: one state-approved card for the whole metroplex.
