Food Handler Card — San Diego County, California

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido. California requires a food handler card for ALL food workers statewide — this applies in San Diego County.

California Statewide Mandate REQUIRED — 30-Day Grace Period ~$15 • 3 Years

San Diego County Quick Facts

Required — Statewide
Food Handler Card
REQUIRED (State Law)
Grace Period
30 days from hire
Cost
~$15
Valid For
3 years
Online Accepted?
Yes (accredited only)
Local Health Dept.
(858) 505-6900
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California Employers Must Pay (SB 476 — effective Jan 1, 2024): Employers in California are legally required to pay for food handler cards and must compensate employees for any training time during work hours. Workers cannot be required to pay out-of-pocket. This is unique to California among all 50 states.
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California state law requires ALL food handlers in San Diego County to hold a valid food handler card within 30 days of hire. This applies to every cook, server, prep worker, dishwasher, and barista who handles unpackaged food.

Food Handler Card Requirements in San Diego County

San Diego follows CA state law. County of San Diego DEH Food and Housing Division: (858) 505-6900.

The statewide requirement under AB 1978 / California Retail Food Code (CalCode) applies in every county in California — including San Diego County. There are no county-level exemptions. Contact California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at (916) 558-1784 for statewide program information, or the local health department at (858) 505-6900 for San Diego County-specific food service permits and inspections.

How to Get Your Food Handler Card in San Diego County

  1. Choose an accredited online courseSelect an ANAB-accredited food handler training course. Most major providers (StateFoodSafety, 360training, ServSafe Food Handler) offer accredited online courses for $10–$25.
  2. Complete the training and pass the testTraining typically takes 30–90 minutes. A passing score of 70–75% is required. Most courses allow retakes if you don't pass on the first attempt.
  3. Download and save your certificateUpon passing, save or print your certificate immediately. Keep a digital backup. Your certificate is valid as proof of completion.
  4. Provide a copy to your employerYour employer is required to keep food handler certifications on file. Provide a copy before or on your 30th day of employment.
  5. Renew before expirationYour card expires 3 years from issue. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration. Renewal requires completing a full training course and test again — no abbreviated renewal process exists.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions — San Diego County

How long do I have to get my food handler card after starting a new job in San Diego County?▾
30 days from your hire date. California state law gives food workers 30 days to complete an accredited food handler training program. Plan ahead and complete your training early in this window — do not wait until the last day.
Does my employer have to pay for my food handler card in San Diego County?
Yes — California employers are legally required to pay for food handler cards under SB 476 (effective January 1, 2024). This includes the cost of the course and any training time during work hours. Workers cannot be required to pay out of pocket.
My food handler card is from another state. Is it valid in San Diego County?▾
Food handler cards are generally state-specific. A card from another state does not automatically satisfy California's requirement. Contact California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at (916) 558-1784 to confirm whether your existing card is accepted before assuming it qualifies.
What happens if an inspector finds a food worker without a valid card in San Diego County?▾
An inspector finding uncertified food workers in San Diego County will issue a Priority Foundation violation against the food establishment. The employer will be given a correction period to bring all workers into compliance. Repeated violations can affect the establishment's inspection score and permit standing. Individual workers may also be required by the employer to complete training before continuing to handle food.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at (916) 558-1784 or the local health department at (858) 505-6900.