Is Your Texas Food Handler Card Expiring in 2026? Here’s How to Renew Fast.
If you started working in the Texas food service industry back in early 2024, stop what you are doing and check your wallet (or your phone) right now. Your Texas Food Handler and TABC certifications are likely approaching—or have already passed—their 2-year expiration date.
In the state of Texas, food handler cards are valid for exactly two years from the date of issue. Unlike a driver’s license, the state does not send you a renewal notice in the mail. It is entirely up to you—and your manager—to track your expiration date.
Why the “2-Year Rule” Matters in 2026 Health inspectors in major hubs like Austin, Dallas, and Houston are currently cracking down on what they call “expired compliance.” During a routine health inspection, one of the first things an inspector asks for is the roster of current employee certifications.
If your card is even one day past its expiration, it is considered invalid. This can lead to points being deducted from the restaurant’s health score, and you can be removed from the schedule immediately until you are re-certified.
Does TABC Expire at the Same Time? Often, yes. Most servers take their TABC and Food Handler courses as a bundle to save money. TABC certification is also valid for two years. If your Food Handler card is expiring, your ability to legally sell alcohol is likely expiring too. Selling alcohol with an expired TABC certificate exposes you personally to legal liability (“Safe Harbor” protections for the restaurant may be voided).
How to Check Your Status Not sure when you took the course?
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Check your email: Search your inbox for “ACE Food Handler” or “Certificate” from 2024.
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Check the card: Look at the “Date of Issue.” Add two years. If today’s date is past that, you are expired.
How to Renew in 3 Simple Steps The good news is that in 2026, you do not need to sit in a classroom to renew. The process is completely digital:
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Verify Expiration: If your old certificate says “Expires: 02/2026,” you need to act now.
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Take an Accredited Online Course: You cannot just “pay a fee” to renew; Texas state law requires you to retake the safety course to refresh your knowledge on foodborne illness, safe holding temperatures, and hygiene.
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Download Instantly: ACE Food Handler allows you to save your new certificate to your phone immediately after passing. There is no waiting for a card in the mail.
How to Get Certified Online
Ohio Person in Charge Training you can purchase a course for only $10
Texas Food Handler Training you can purchase a course for only $7
Food Handling Card - Courses
More detailed information about food safety can be found at FoodSafety.Gov and at the FDA US Food and Drug Administration website and ACE Training Platforms and ACE Continuing Education Credits. Tips and Tricks to ACE Your Next Health Inspection? The Proper Cooking Temperature for Chicken in a Restaurant
Alcohol Seller/Server Courses by State
TABC Training – online only $10RBS Training – online only $12RAMP Training – online only $10Louisiana RV Bar Card – online only $9
The Proper Cooking Temperature for Chicken in a Restaurant Environment
Food Handlers Coupon Code ACE20
Frequently Asked Questions (Texas Renewal)
Does my TABC expire at the same time as my Food Handler card? Often, yes. Both certifications are valid for 2 years. If you took them together as a bundle, they will expire together. Selling alcohol with an expired TABC certificate can void your legal protections.
How do I check if my Texas Food Handler card is expired? Check the “Date of Issue” on your physical or digital card and add exactly two years. If today’s date is past that, it is expired. You can also search your email for “ACE Food Handler” to find your original certificate.
How do I renew my Texas Food Handler card? To renew, you must retake a state-accredited safety course; you cannot simply pay a renewal fee. ACE Food Handler offers a digital course that allows you to renew instantly online and download your certificate to your phone immediately.