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California Food Handler Cards (all food employees): San Francisco restaurant guide
SFDPH / California Retail Food Code
What it is
Prep cooks, line cooks, bartenders, servers and hosts who handle food need a California Food Handler Card from an ANSI-accredited online class.
When a restaurant needs it
Within 30 days of hire for each food employee (state law); the employer pays for the course and the employee's time.
How to apply
Each employee completes an accredited online class and exam ($6.95–$15) and gives you a copy of the card.
Documents you’ll need
- Completion certificate per employee
- Copies kept on file for inspection
Fee
$6.95 to $15 per employee for the online class, per SFDPH
Processing time
About 2 hours
Renewal
Every 3 years (the card follows the employee)
Who files
Each employee obtains their own card; the employer keeps records.
Good to know
Only a person who personally holds a food safety manager certificate is exempt.
Official source
SFDPH — get a food handler card
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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.