Tulsa County Food Handlers Card: Oklahoma County Requirements (2026)

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Deadline
Must possess a valid permit while at work; no published grace period, so complete it wh…
Cost
$20
Valid for
3 years — then retake the course and test to renew

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Tulsa Health Department

How Tulsa County differs from the rest of Oklahoma

Tulsa County is the only Oklahoma jurisdiction with an individual food handler permit mandate: a $20, 3-year permit issued exclusively by the Tulsa Health Department. National online food handler cards are not accepted here.

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

What Tulsa County requires

Food employees in Tulsa County must hold a THD Food Handler Permit and keep it available at all times while working. The training is THD's own online course — roughly an hour, offered in many languages, doable on any device with internet; THD locations also have computer kiosks. Pass the test and the permit is issued. THD also offers free online training for volunteer food handler permits, and separately registers certified food service managers ($25, 5-year expiration) required for most Tulsa establishments.

Where to get your card in Tulsa County

THD Food Employee Permit Course (official)

Cost and validity

$20 (volunteer permits free). The card is valid for 3 years — then retake the course and test to renew.

Tulsa County FAQ

Can I use a national online food handlers card in Tulsa?

No. Tulsa County only accepts the Tulsa Health Department's own permit, earned through THD's online course and test. A $10 ANAB certificate from a national provider won't satisfy a THD inspector.

How long does the Tulsa food handler permit take and cost?

The online training takes about an hour and the permit costs $20. It's available in many languages, works on any internet-connected device, and THD offices have kiosks you can use. The permit lasts 3 years.

I volunteer at food events in Tulsa — do I pay?

No. THD offers a no-cost online training course for volunteer food handler permits, so occasional volunteers can get permitted without the $20 fee.

Official sources

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