Tulsa County requires a food handler permit for anyone who handles food commercially in the county. The permit is issued by the Tulsa Health Department (THD), costs $20, and can be completed online or at a THD kiosk.
Quick answer
- Permit name: Tulsa County Food Handler Permit
- Issued by: Tulsa Health Department
- Cost: $20
- Format: Online at the THD portal, or at a THD kiosk (Tulsa City Hall, etc.)
- Valid for: 3 years
- Portal: tulsa-health.org/food-safety/food-handler-permit
- Deadline: before you start work
The most important thing to know
Like Cleveland County, Tulsa County requires its own health department permit — a generic national food handler course does not satisfy it. The permit must be Tulsa Health Department’s own program. If you work in Tulsa and your employer says “get a food handler card,” they need THD’s $20 permit, not a national provider’s certificate.
Online or kiosk?
The Tulsa Health Department offers two ways to complete the permit:
- Online: Complete the training and exam through the THD portal. Print or save your permit certificate.
- Kiosk: THD kiosks are located at City Hall and select THD offices. Useful if you prefer in-person completion or do not have reliable internet access.
Renewing
Permits are valid for 3 years. Renew through the same THD portal or kiosk before your permit expires.
Other Oklahoma counties
- Cleveland County (Norman/Moore): separate $10 permit — see Cleveland County food handler card.
- Oklahoma County (OKC metro): no worker card required. The establishment needs a certified food protection manager on site.
- Everywhere else in Oklahoma: no card required by law.
