Applying to Become an Authorized Retailer

Any retailer that would like to accept food stamp benefits (EBT) must be licensed to participate in the Food Stamp Program. This page provides information for retailers who want to apply for a Food Stamp Program permit from the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

Store Stock and Inventory Requirements:

A retail store must meet store stock and inventory requirements as described in the Store Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet.

Ownership Information:

Each store location under your ownership must have a separate food stamp program permit; you must submit a separate application for each of the stores that you own.

It is against the rules and regulations of the Food Stamp Program for you to accept or redeem any food stamp benefits until you are authorized by USDA, FNS.

How to obtain an application package for retailer authorization:

To apply for a food stamp permit, you will need to complete an application. The application package consists of three documents:

There are four ways to obtain an application package:

Drug and alcohol treatment centers, group homes, battered women’s and children’s shelters, homeless meal providers, senior communal dining and meal delivery services may be eligible to accept food stamp benefits under the USDA, FNS “meal service” umbrella. To apply to become a licensed meal service provider: Click here to download a Meal Service application, Form FNS-252-2. Because some States have multiple field offices that cover a geographic area, you should click on the USA State Map and select the State or US Territory where the meal service is located or from the State or US Territory list. In some instances you may be required to select the county where the Meal Service is located in order to mail the application back to the appropriate field office. If you need assistance in completing this application, please contact the FNS field office that services your area for assistance.

Important things to know:

Local Food and Nutrition Service field offices are responsible for the licensing and monitoring of retail food stores participating in the Food Stamp Program. The Food Stamp Program Application for Stores, Form FNS-252 (or the FNS-252-2, Meal Service Application), should be filled out completely and accurately, as well as signed and dated. The FNS Field Office Cover Letter provides specific information on how and where to return the completed application along with the telephone number and address of the FNS field office that will process your application request. If you have any questions regarding the application process you should contact the FNS field office that services your area for assistance. Failure to properly follow the instructions contained in the application package could result in a delay in processing your application.

The majority of applicants will be asked to provide the following documentation with a completed application:

Some applicants may be required to submit additional information. Your field office will let you know if you need to submit additional paperwork.

Under no circumstances can you accept any food stamp benefits until your firm receives a food stamp permit from USDA FNS, even if you already have a retail grocery store participating in the Food Stamp Program.

How long will it take to become authorized?

The FNS field office has up to 45 days from the date they receive a completed application to approve or deny your application for a food stamp program permit. As part of the application process, you may be asked to answer additional questions regarding your application, or to provide additional documentation. Your firm may also be visited by a Food Stamp Program representative. Contact the FNS field office that is responsible for servicing your area to find out the status of your application. The FNS Field Office Cover Letter, which is part of the application package, has the telephone number and address of the FNS field office that services your area.

Additional Questions?

If you are just starting to learn about the Food Stamp Program or need a "refresher" on the dos and don'ts of the Program, you may want to review the training and other materials found on our website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/retailers/. If you have questions we have not addressed, please contact the local FNS field offices in your area. To find the nearest Field Office, please click here. Should you call one of our offices, our professional staff will be more than happy to assist you.

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