How to Apply for a Food Service License

If so, these types of facilities are regulated directly by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. You need to complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment License Application.

Food Service Establishments

Food Service establishments, which include restaurants, cafeterias, delicatessens, mobile units, temporary food service establishments, and special transitory food units are licensed via local/county health departments who set their own fees. All new food service establishments use a single application form EXCEPT for temporary food service establishments, which use a form separate. Both forms may be found below.

Types of Food Service Establishments

Fixed

A fixed establishment is a facility that is a permanent location. This is an operation where food or drink is prepared for direct consumption through service on the premises or elsewhere, and any other eating or drinking establishment or operation where food is served or provided for the public.

Temporary

A temporary food service establishment means a food service establishment, which operates at a fixed location for a temporary period of time not to exceed 14 consecutive days. Temporary food service establishments use a different application then a fixed, mobile, or special transitory food unit food service establishments.

Mobile

A mobile food service establishment means a food service establishment operating from a vehicle, trailer, or watercraft that returns to a mobile food establishment commissary for servicing and maintenance at least once every 24 hours. The commissary license number must be recorded in the appropriate location on the application for it to be processed.

Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU)

An STFU is a temporary food establishment licensed to operate throughout the state without the 14-day limits or a mobile food establishment that is not required to return to a commissary.

Licensing

If you wish to license a fixed, temporary, mobile, or STFU food service establishment, contact the Local Health Department for the region in which your food service establishment will be located. You can find the appropriate applications below (but will need to contact appropriate LHD for fee information). Currently licensed fixed, mobile, and STFU facilities will receive a pre-printed renewal application form each spring. A new application form must be filled out for: