How to Apply for a Food Service License & Type of Food Service Establishments
2026 Fee Schedule
Licensing Information
Fixed Food Establishment
- Standard Operating Procedure Cover Sheet
- Standard Operating Procedure Manual
- Plan Review Manual
- Plan Review Submission Instructions
- Plan Review Application
- Plan Review Worksheet
- Food Service License
Mobile Food/Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU)
A Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU) is a temporary food establishment licensed to operate throughout the state without the 14-day limits of a Temporary Food Establishment license (TFE) or a Mobile Food Establishment that is required to return to a commissary. There are several requirements that must be met before an STFU license will be approved.
- STFU Mobile Plan Review Worksheet and SOP
- STFU Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review Manual
- STFU Mobile Plan Review Application
Temporary Food Establishment Information
A Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) license is for a food service establishment which operates at a fixed location for a temporary period of time not to exceed 14 days.
Please note - we must receive the application and payment more than seven days before the event to use column A for payment. (See Food Service Fee Schedule above.)
For Vending Machine License Please contact MDARD at 1-800-292-393
Other Important Information
Food Safety
Additional Resources
The Michigan Department of Agriculture has the Emergency Action Plans for Retail Food Establishments, this guide will provide practical guidance for retail grocery and food service establishments to plan and respond to emergencies that create the potential for an imminent health hazard.
