Lexington-Fayette County Food Handlers Card: Kentucky County Requirements (2026)

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Deadline
Required to work in food service — no published grace period
Cost
$23 for the food handler test
Valid for
3 years (stated on LFCHD's online portal; confirm against the date on your card)

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Lexington-Fayette County Health Department

How Lexington-Fayette County differs from the rest of Kentucky

Fayette County has required food handler cards since 1987 — one of the oldest programs in the region. Every food service worker needs the $23 card, and only cards issued by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department are valid.

For the statewide picture, see the full Kentucky food handlers card guide.

What Lexington-Fayette County requires

All persons working in food service in Fayette County must hold a valid food handler card issued by LFCHD. The training and test are online, available any time, and work on computers, tablets, and smartphones; on-site training can also be arranged. The test costs $23. Certified food managers are exempt from the handler card — LFCHD offers a food manager certification option for $85. Cards from national online providers or other counties are not valid in Fayette County.

Where to get your card in Lexington-Fayette County

LFCHD Food Handler and Manager Certification
LFCHD online training portalANAB-accredited

Cost and validity

$23 for the food handler test ($85 for the food manager certification alternative). The card is valid for 3 years (stated on lfchd's online portal; confirm against the date on your card).

Lexington-Fayette County FAQ

Can I use a national online food handler certificate in Lexington?

No. Only food handler cards issued by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department are valid in Fayette County. Take the LFCHD training and $23 test through the health department's own online system.

How do I take the Lexington food handler test?

Online, any time — LFCHD's training and test are compatible with computers, tablets, and smartphones. Pay the $23 fee and pass the test to get your card; on-site training can also be arranged through the health department.

Do certified food managers need the Fayette County handler card?

No. Certified food managers are exempt. If you're on a management track, LFCHD's $85 food manager certification covers you and satisfies the Kentucky Food Code's certified food protection manager requirement.

Official sources

Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.