Obtaining an Individual FNS License

Individual farmers can obtain their own FNS licenses to accept SNAP benefits independently or within a farmers’ market.

Manual Vouchers:
If the farmer does not have a fixed location with electricity and a phone line, the farmer can use manual vouchers.  This process requires a mobile phone to check if funds are available in the customer’s EBT account and to place a hold on the purchase amount.  The farmer must then mail the voucher to the State’s EBT processor by the deadline and will get paid by direct deposit.

Farmers who conduct $100 or more in SNAP business a month are eligible for a free POS device for EBT transactions only.  A farmer can keep the device at home and clear all manual vouchers through the device at the end of the day.  It is not necessary to mail the vouchers using this process.

Wireless Device:
A farmer can choose to purchase or lease a commercial wireless POS device that also accepts credit and debit card transactions and can be used at multiple locations.  However, in most States, all costs associated with the device are the farmer’s responsibility.