Everything food service workers and restaurant owners need to know about getting certified and permitted in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant counties — plain language, local details, no runaround.
For: Individual food service employees — cooks, servers, baristas, bartenders, line workers
A personal certificate proving you have completed food safety training. Required within 30 days of hire at any food service establishment operating under NKY Health jurisdiction.
How to get your food handler card →For: Restaurant owners, food truck operators, caterers, temporary event vendors
A business-level annual permit issued by NKY Health required to legally operate any food service establishment — permanent, mobile, or temporary — in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, or Grant counties.
How to get your establishment permit →Northern Kentucky does not use the statewide online-only certification system that many websites advertise. Here is what is actually required in NKY Health jurisdiction.
Any business that prepares, serves, or sells food in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, or Grant counties must hold a valid food establishment permit from NKY Health. This includes permanent restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and temporary vendors.
| Permit Type | Who Needs It | Key Requirement | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Food Establishment | Restaurants, cafes, delis, grocery delis, school cafeterias | Annual permit + inspection before opening | Annual |
| Retail Food Outlet | Any place selling pre-packaged, manufactured items only | Annual permit required; no food prep on site | Annual |
| Temporary Food Service | Festival vendors, farmers market booths, event caterers operating fewer than 14 days | Apply at least 3 business days before event; inspection before opening | Per event |
| Mobile Food Unit | Food trucks, carts, trailers | Annual permit; commissary agreement required | Annual |
NKY Health is a regional health department serving four Northern Kentucky counties from offices in the area. All food permit inquiries go through the same department.
The NKY/Cincinnati metro straddles two states with distinct food safety systems. If you work or operate on both sides of the river, here is what you need to know.
| Topic | Kentucky (NKY Health Counties) | Ohio (Hamilton County) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Handler Card | Required for all food service employees within 30 days of hire; county health depts enforce; cost capped at $15 | No statewide food handler card requirement; local jurisdictions may vary |
| Establishment Permit Issuer | NKY Health Department (regional, covers 4 counties) | Hamilton County Public Health (separate agency) |
| Temporary Vendor Lead Time | 3 business days minimum before event | Varies by event type; check with Hamilton County Public Health |
| Out-of-State Vendor | Must show current operating permit + most recent inspection report | Check with Hamilton County Public Health |
| Approved Handler Training Providers | ServSafe + ANSI-accredited programs; not all online providers accepted — verify with NKY Health | Check with local Ohio jurisdiction |
Yes — if you work in a food service establishment in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, or Grant County, you are required to obtain a food handler certificate within 30 days of being hired. This applies to cooks, servers, bartenders, and baristas. Bussers and general managers may be exempt; certified Food Protection Managers are also exempt.
Maybe — but do not assume. Many national websites sell online courses and claim they satisfy Kentucky requirements. Not all counties accept online-only certifications. Call NKY Health at 859-341-4151 before purchasing any course to confirm it is accepted in your specific county.
Kentucky state law caps the cost at $15. Most approved providers charge between $10 and $15. Beware of sites charging significantly more — they are not required by law.
Three years from the date of issue. You must renew before expiration. Your employer may be cited during an inspection if any employee's certificate is expired.
Yes, but you must apply for a temporary food permit from NKY Health and provide a copy of your current Ohio operating permit plus your most recent inspection report. Submit your application at least 3 business days before the event. Contact Brittany Fultz at brittany.fultz@nkyhealth.org or 859-363-2026.
NKY Health publishes inspection scores publicly on their website, searchable by county — Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton counties are all included. You can also request copies of inspection reports by calling 859-341-4151.
A food handler card is for individual employees and covers basic food safety. A Food Protection Manager Certification (such as ServSafe Manager) is a higher-level credential for supervisors and managers. Employees who hold a valid Food Protection Manager Certification are exempt from needing a basic food handler card in Kentucky.
You need an annual Mobile Food Unit permit from NKY Health, plus a commissary agreement — an arrangement with a licensed commercial kitchen where you prep and clean your truck. Contact NKY Health at 859-341-4151 before you purchase your truck to understand all facility and permit requirements.
Your permit covers the specific location where your establishment operates. If you operate in multiple NKY Health counties (e.g., a food truck that operates in both Boone and Kenton counties), contact NKY Health to clarify whether a single permit covers all locations or if separate permits are needed per location.
Out-of-state vendors & event operators
brittany.fultz@nkyhealth.org 859-363-2026Food trucks, commissary, and inspection reports
kevin.kellner@nkyhealth.org 859-363-2017