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How to Apply for a Food Service License

Stop! Are you a grocery store, or convenience store?
If so, then the application you need to complete can be located here.

Food Service Establishments:

Food Service Licensing Details and FAQ may be found here.

Food Service establishments, which include vending machines, restaurants, cafeterias, delicatessens, mobile units, temporary food service establishments, and special transitory food units (definitions located at bottom of page), are licensed via local/county health departments who set their own fees. All new food service establishments use a single application form EXCEPT for temporary food service establishments such as those found at state and county fairs, which use a form separate from the rest. Both forms may be found below.  

If you wish to license a food service establishment other than a temporary one, contact your Local Health Department. You can find the application below (but will need to contact your LHD for fee information). Previously licensed facilities will receive a pre-printed renewal application form each spring.  A new application form must be filled out for:

  • New Establishments
  • Change of ownership
  • Change in physical location of establishment
  • Change of license type

Download the Food Service License Application

INSTRUCTIONS:  Complete all applicable parts of Sections 1-6.  Be sure to sign the application.  The downloadable application can be filled out by hand or used as an electronic form.  Just click in the field, type and print.  Completed forms can be saved only if the user has the full version of adobe acrobat software.  Renewal applications and fee must be submitted 30 days prior to proposed opening date.  For new establishments, the local health department will conduct a plan review as needed, then conduct an on-site pre-opening inspection when the establishment is ready to operate.


Temporary Food Service License:

INSTRUCTIONS: Download application and complete all applicable parts of Sections A-F and complete Attachment A, if applicable.  Be sure to sign the application.  The attached application can be filled out by hand or used as an electronic form.  Just click in a field (box), type and then use the print button to print out your completed form.  This form can be saved if the user has the full version of adobe acrobat software.  Contact your local health department for fee and mailing address.  Make checks payable to your local health department.  Return completed application form along with the fee to your local health department at least 30 days prior to the event.  The local health department will conduct an on-site inspection when your establishment is ready to operate and issue the actual operating license.


Definitions

Type of Food Service

Description

Temporary

A temporary food service establishment means a food service establishment, which operates at a fixed location for a temporary period of time not to exceed 2 weeks.

Fixed

A fixed establishment is a facility that is a permanent location. This is an operation where food or drink is prepared for direct consumption through service on the premises or elsewhere, and any other eating or drinking establishment or operation where food is served or provided for the public.

Mobile

A mobile food service establishment means a food service establishment operating from a vehicle, trailer, or watercraft which is not fully equipped for full food service and, therefore, must return to a licensed commissary at least once every 24 hours for servicing and maintenance. The commissary license number must be recorded in the appropriate place in order for this application to be processed.

Vending Machine Location

A vending machine location is a room, enclosure, space, or area where one or more vending machines are installed and operated. Where there are multiple vending machine locations in a building, each shall be licensed separately.

STFU

A special transitory food unit (STFU) is a temporary food establishment licensed to operate throughout the state without the 14-day limits or a mobile food establishment that is not required to return to a commissary.

Each application for a license shall pay to the local health department having jurisdiction the required sanitation service fees and an additional state license fee (at the time an application is submitted).

Related Content
 •  Food Establishment Licensing Step-by-Step Guide
 •  Food Establishment Licensing Quick Guide
 •  Food Labeling Guide for Products Manufactured or Sold in Michigan PDF icon
 •  Food License Exemptions
 •  License Type Guide with Fees

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