Food Handler Card Requirements in Nevada — Clark County (Las Vegas) Guide

Nevada has no statewide mandate — but Clark County (Las Vegas) requires an in-person health card for every food worker. No online option accepted.

NevadaClark County — Required

Nevada does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. However, Clark County — home to Las Vegas, Henderson, and the Las Vegas Strip — has one of the most well-established local food handler card programs in the western United States. The Clark County health card is issued by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and is required for all food handlers working in Clark County.

Clark County (Las Vegas) Food Handler Card Requirements

Clark County Quick Facts

Required
Card Required?
YES
Cost
~$22
Valid For
3 years
Online Accepted?
NO — In-Person Only
Health Authority
Southern Nevada Health District
SNHD Phone
(702) 759-1000

In-Person Testing — No Online Option

Clark County is one of the stricter jurisdictions in the U.S. — like Fayette County (Lexington, KY), no online food handler course satisfies the Clark County requirement. You must test in person at a Southern Nevada Health District office. SNHD has multiple testing locations throughout Clark County for convenience given the large food service workforce. Visit snhd.info or call (702) 759-1000 for current locations, hours, and appointment requirements.

Who Needs a Clark County Food Handler Card

Any person who handles unpackaged food, food contact surfaces, or utensils in a licensed food establishment in Clark County must hold a current SNHD health card. This includes every casino resort buffet worker, restaurant cook, coffee shop barista, hotel kitchen employee, food truck operator, and school cafeteria worker in the Las Vegas metro area.

Renewal

Clark County health cards are valid for 3 years. Renewal requires returning to an SNHD testing location and retesting in person. There is no online or mail-in renewal option. Cards that lapse have the same compliance status as no card — plan renewal well before the expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a food handler card from California. Does it work in Las Vegas?▾
No. Clark County only accepts health cards issued by the Southern Nevada Health District through their in-person testing program. A California card, even from an ANAB-accredited provider, does not satisfy the Clark County requirement. You must obtain the SNHD card.
Do food workers in Reno (Washoe County) need a different card?▾
Yes. Washoe County (Reno) has its own food handler card program administered by the Washoe County Health District. It is separate from Clark County's SNHD program. If you work in Reno, contact the Washoe County Health District at (775) 328-2434 for their current requirements, cost, and testing locations.
What other Nevada counties require a food handler card?▾
Clark County and Washoe County are the primary counties with established food handler card programs. Other Nevada counties vary — contact your specific county health department to confirm whether a card is required in your area.
Disclaimer: Requirements vary by state and county and change over time. Always verify current requirements with your state or county health department before making compliance decisions.