Food Safety Licenses
The Kansas Department of Agriculture issues six types of food licenses to food businesses. They are Retail Food Store, Food Service in a Retail Food Store, Food Processor, Ice Cream Truck, Vending Machine Company and Vending Machine Dealer. A business may be required to have more than one license, depending on their operation. The most common combination is a Retail Food Store license and a Food Service in a Retail Food Store license.
In order to issue a license the department must have a passed inspection, a signed license application, and the appropriate fees. The fees include a one time application fee and an annual license fee.
All licenses expire on December 31 of each year. The department cannot prorate license fees.
Retail Food Store License
A business that offers food intended for consumption off premises needs a Retail Food Store license, or RSL. Some examples of this type of business are convenience stores, grocery stores, variety stores, and retail butcher shops. The application and license fees are based on the square footage of the facility.
Square Feet Application Fee License Fee Total Fee 1st Year Total Fee Subsequent Years
Under 5,000 $50 $50 $100 $50
5,000-15,000 $100 $100 $200 $100
Over 15,000 $150 $150 $300 $150
Please contact the program at (785) 296-3511 for more information.
Food Service in a Retail Food Store License
A business that is located in a retail food store that prepares or offers food for immediate consumption needs a Food Service in a Retail Food Store license, or FSG. Some examples of this type of business are deli counters, Chinese kitchens, fast food shops, soda fountains and hot dog roller grills. The application fee is $200 and the license fee is $200. The total fee the first year is $400. Subsequent renewals will cost $200.
Please contact the program at (785) 296-3511 for more information.
Food Service License in a Stand-Alone Restaurant
A stand-alone restaurant not connected to a retail store that prepares or offers food for immediate consumption is licensed by the 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment. You can reach the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at (785) 296-5600.
Food Processor License
A business that holds, manufactures, labels, packages, or otherwise handles food and provides it to other than the end consumer needs a Food Processor license. Some examples include food processors, food warehouses, and wholesale bakeries. The application and license fees are based on the square footage of the facility.
Square Feet Application Fee License Fee Total Fee 1st Year Total Fee Subsequent Years
Under 1,000 $50 $50 $100 $50
1,000 or more $150 $150 $300 $150
Please contact the program at (785) 296-3511 for more information.
Ice Cream Truck License
A business that sells commercially prepared, packaged, frozen ice cream and ice cream novelties needs an Ice Cream Truck license. The annual license fee is $5.
Please contact the program at (785) 296-3511 for more information.
Vending Machine Company License
A business that operates vending machines that offer food that requires temperature control for safety needs a Vending Machine Company License. This license has an annual $30 application fee. The annual license fee is $3 per vending machine.
Vending machine companies are required to report the location, name brand, and serial number of all vending machines as part of the application. In addition, all newly acquired vending machines must be reported to the department within 10 days and a $2 license fee per new machine must be submitted.
Please contact the program at (785) 296-3511 for more information.
Vending Machine Company License
Vending Machine Dealer License
A business that manufactures vending machines that dispense food that requires temperature control for safety needs a Vending Machine Dealer license. The annual license fee is $25.
Vending machine dealers are required to report all vending machine sales to the department monthly. The report must include the name and address of the purchaser, the brand name and serial number of the machine, and its sale price
Please contact the program at (785) 296-3511 for more information.