Indiana Food Licensing Laws
The Indiana State Food law requires that all food establishments be registered through the state or the county health department. Indiana state law requires that the test and license not cost more than $15.
- Food vendors in Indiana get their license at the local level.
- The term, and the Indiana food vendor license rules, includes restaurants, grocery stores, bars, caterers, and food trucks.
- Indiana retail food vendors are subject to county regulation and licensing unless they operate on state property.
Food Safety Certification in Indiana
- If you’re applying for an Indiana food truck license, you have to meet many of the same requirements as a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
- The Indiana Cottage Food Law (IC 16-42-5) states that individuals operating a cottage food business are exempt from obtaining a food handlers license.
- The State requires a food handler certification for anyone employed in a restaurant or food service setting.
Vendor Licensing and Requirements
- Every employee who prepares or serves food in Indiana must get their Food Handler’s license within 30 days of being hired.
- Registration for Sales, Use, and Income Taxes. There is a $25.00 non-refundable application fee for a Retail Merchants Certificate.
- A state law, passed in 2009, bans home-based food producers from selling their kitchen creations anywhere except physical farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
Additional Information
- How much does a food license cost in Indiana? The cost of the permit is $100 and must be renewed annually.
- What do you need to serve food in Indiana? The Indiana State Food law requires that all food establishments be registered through the state or the county health department.
- In Indiana, you will need a Temporary Food Establishment permit to operate a food booth.