Food Dealer License

Required for any establishment that prepares, serves, or sells food to the public in Wisconsin. Regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 97 and DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) rules. Restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, caterers, and food manufacturers all need a food dealer license. Municipal health departments conduct inspections; state licensing is through DATCP.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$100–$600
annual
Typical Timeline
2–6 weeks (includes health inspection)
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Food Dealer License Required?

  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Grocery stores and convenience stores selling prepared food
  • Bakeries and food production facilities
  • Catering operations and food trucks

When Is a Food Dealer License NOT Required?

  • Home bakers selling under Wisconsin's cottage food law (Pickle Bill)
  • Temporary food stands at farmers markets (separate temporary permit)

Related Permits You May Also Need

General Business License
Required for operating most types of businesses within a Wisconsin municipality. The general business license (sometimes called a business registration or business tax certificate) ensures that the business complies with local zoning, building, fire, and health codes. Requirements and fees vary by municipality — not all Wisconsin cities require a general business license.
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Fire Suppression System Permit
Required for installing specialized fire suppression systems beyond standard sprinklers in Wisconsin, including commercial kitchen hood suppression systems, clean agent systems, dry chemical systems, and foam systems. Commercial kitchens with grease-producing cooking equipment must have a UL 300-listed hood suppression system per NFPA 96 and the Wisconsin fire code.
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Occupancy Permit
Required before occupying a newly constructed or substantially renovated building in Wisconsin. Also known as a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), this permit confirms that the building has passed all required inspections and complies with the applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and fire safety requirements. A temporary occupancy permit may be issued while minor punch-list items are completed.
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Food Truck Permit
Required for operating a mobile food vending unit in Wisconsin municipalities. Food trucks must comply with both state food safety regulations (DATCP) and local municipal ordinances that govern where, when, and how food trucks can operate. Requirements vary significantly between municipalities — some are food truck-friendly, while others impose heavy restrictions.
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Required Licenses

The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.

Food Dealer License Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for food dealer license permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$200-$7002-4 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$175-$6002-4 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$150-$5002-3 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$160-$4752-3 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$140-$4502-3 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$130-$4252-3 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$175-$5252-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$120-$4002-3 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$110-$3752-3 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$100-$3502-3 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$126-$4732-3 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$102-$3832-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$96-$3602-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$132-$4952-3 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$94-$3512-3 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$144-$5402-3 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$132-$4952-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$84-$3152-3 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$126-$4732-3 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$130-$4862-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$126-$4732-3 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$86-$3242-3 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$102-$3832-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$114-$4282-3 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$114-$4282-3 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$86-$3242-3 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$96-$3602-3 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$126-$4732-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$132-$4952-3 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$150-$5632-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$120-$4502-3 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$84-$3152-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$82-$3062-3 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$78-$2932-3 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$102-$3832-3 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$94-$3512-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$82-$3062-3 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$86-$3242-3 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$78-$2932-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$108-$4052-3 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$90-$3382-3 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$78-$2932-3 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$70-$2612-3 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$86-$3242-3 weeksCurrent

Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.

Frequently Asked Questions — Food Dealer License

How do I get a food dealer license in Wisconsin?

Apply through DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) or your local municipal health department if your city has a delegated inspection program. You'll need to pass a health inspection of your facility, have a certified food manager on staff, and pay the annual license fee. Madison, Milwaukee, and some other cities issue their own food licenses.

Can I sell food from my home in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's cottage food law (the 'Pickle Bill') allows home bakers to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous baked goods, canned goods, and other items directly to consumers without a food dealer license — up to $25,000/year in gross sales. However, prepared meals, dairy products, meat, and potentially hazardous foods require a licensed facility.

How often are food establishments inspected in Wisconsin?

Most food establishments in Wisconsin are inspected at least once or twice per year. High-risk operations (restaurants, caterers) may be inspected more frequently. Inspections check food storage temperatures, sanitation, employee hygiene, pest control, and equipment condition. Inspection results are typically public record.

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