Last verified: June 2026. Confirm with the Virginia Department of Health or your locality before paying.
Virginia doesn’t require a worker food handler card. Its requirement is a certified manager — and a 2023 change made that manager’s on-site presence stricter than in most states. Here’s the accurate picture.
Quick answer
Virginia requires each food establishment to have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). There’s no statewide food handler card for regular workers, though some localities require one.
- Regular workers: no state-required card (some localities differ — see below).
- The requirement: at least one CFPM per establishment (since July 1, 2018), via an ANSI-CFP accredited exam.
- On-site rule: since June 24, 2023, the CFPM must be the on-site Person in Charge during all operating hours.
- Valid for: 5 years.
- Food code: Virginia uses the 2017 FDA Food Code.
The on-site PIC rule — Virginia’s distinctive twist
Most states require a certified manager “on staff.” Virginia went further: as of June 24, 2023, the CFPM must serve as the Person in Charge on-site during all operating hours. In practice that often means an establishment needs more than one certified person to cover every shift. Inspectors may ask to see the original Food Protection Manager certificate on-site.
One statewide exemption: establishments that sell only prepared foods — with no on-site food preparation — aren’t required to have a CFPM on-site at all times.
Northern Virginia’s own card
In Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, etc.), all licensed establishments must have a CFPM serving as the on-site PIC, and some of these jurisdictions issue a Northern Virginia Certified Food Manager (NVCFM) photo ID card as local proof of certification. If you’re certified elsewhere and move to Northern Virginia, check whether you need the NVCFM card.
Localities that require worker cards
While the state doesn’t require a worker food handler card, some localities do. Norfolk, for instance, requires food service employees to hold local food handler cards (the Norfolk Department of Public Health runs in-person classes). Local fees, validity periods, and acceptance rules vary, so check your city or county.
Allergen and handling rules
Virginia prohibits bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods without an approved variance, and requires HACCP plans for specialized processes (reduced-oxygen packaging, acidified rice, etc.). These are establishment-level rules the CFPM oversees.
Do regular workers need a food handler card?
Not under state law — but check your locality (e.g., Norfolk), and note many employers require training regardless. A voluntary ANAB-accredited food handler course (typically valid 3 years) is the standard option.
What to do
- Owner/manager: ensure a CFPM is the on-site PIC during all operating hours; you may need multiple certified staff to cover shifts. Renew every 5 years.
- Northern Virginia: check whether the NVCFM photo ID card is required.
- Regular worker: no state card required; check your locality and consider a voluntary course.
Virginia at a glance
| Statewide worker card? | No (some localities require, e.g. Norfolk) |
| State requirement | One CFPM per establishment (since July 1, 2018) |
| On-site rule | CFPM must be on-site PIC during all operating hours (since June 24, 2023) |
| Valid for | 5 years |
| Northern Virginia | May issue NVCFM photo ID card |
| Exempt | Prepared-food-only (no on-site prep) |
| Food code / regulator | 2017 FDA Food Code; Virginia Department of Health |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The Virginia Department of Health and your locality are the final word.