Get a food license for a food service establishment, drive-in or carry-out business, bakery, catering, convenience store, mobile food service, non-profit, or other establishment with these four steps. Ensure you review all relevant health and safety manuals and codes.
Review Statutes & Rules Find Additional Resources Construction Requirements
STEP 1
Complete the Online Application and submit it with the correct fee.
Food Service License Online Application
Fill out the plan review questionnaire and email it to the Regional Advisor. The advisor will contact you or send a written notification regarding approval or any required changes.
Download the following materials, or call the Office of Health Protection at 605-773-4945 to request the packet:
- Food Service Establishment Guidelines
- Food Service Establishments Health and Safety Manual
- Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire
- Mobile Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire | Requirements
If your establishment is planning any construction or alteration projects, refer to the Construction Requirements for Establishments
STEP 2
Application Review
The Regional Advisor will review your application and contact you to schedule your inspection.
While you wait:
- Be sure to complete your Certified Food Service Manager (CFSM) course. ARSD 44:02:07:03 requires food service establishments to have a food service manager. This is required before the physical onsite inspection of your business. Find Certified Food Service Manager courses.
- Review Statutes and Rules
- Review Additional Resources
STEP 3
State Inspection
The Department of Health conducts an on-site inspection to determine compliance with administrative rules.
- Department staff reviews the layout plan and the plan review questionnaire.
- The department sends a written notification regarding approval or changes required.
- The department approves the plan once all areas of the plan comply with ARSD 44:02:07 (Food Service Code).
Questions? Contact a Health Protection Advisor in your region
STEP 4
Approval for Licensing
Steps 1-3 must be completed before issuance of a food service license.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LINKS
- If you need a food service license for a temporary event, use the Temporary Food Services Application and refer to Food Safety at Temporary Events.
- Administrative Rules of South Dakota 44:02:07 (Food Service Code)
- Sample Kitchen Layout
- Prep Sinks with Air Breaks Illustration
- Sample Mobile Floor Plan
- Governor's Office of Economic Development, Business Start-Up Information
- South Dakota Plumbing Commission
- South Dakota Electrical Commission
- South Dakota Department of Revenue
- Scheduled Certified Food Service Manager Courses