Transient Food and Farmers' Market Vendors
We issue annual transient food and drink licenses to food vendors for special events. Events include:
- Fairs
- Festivals
- Sporting events
- Farmers’ markets
What is a Transient Food Stand?
A transient food stand serves food to the public at one location for no more than 14 consecutive days.
Food Safety Requirements & Resources
- Transient Food Stands Key Points
- Example of Food Stand Layout
- Farmers’ Markets Factsheets
- Supply List for Transient Food Vendors
- Cooking for Groups, USDA
How to Get Your Transient Food Stand Licensed
- Licenses are valid each year from July 1 to June 30. Each license we issue expires on June 30. Licenses issued after April 1 will be valid until June 30 of the following year. For example: A license issued on April 1, 2025 will expire on June 30, 2026.
- You can apply and pay for your annual Transient Food License online. If you are a new user, you will click "Register for an Account."
- You can also complete the application and pay by mail or in person: City of Madison Clerk's Office, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #103, Madison, WI 53703.
- Check with your local municipality for zoning, fire, and/or other local requirements.
- For any off-site preparation, a permanent retail license is required in advance at the off-site location. The transient food license covers on-site preparations only.
- You need extra licenses if you operate at multiple events simultaneously or operate multiple stands where food is sold at the same event. If food preparations are occurring on the same premise, but in a separate area from where food is sold, an additional license is not required.
- For questions, to get help completing this application in another language, or to contact a sanitarian, call Environmental Heath at (608) 242-6515 or email us.
- For events on the UW-Madison campus, contact UW Environmental Health & Safety for licensing.
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Licensing Exemptions
- A non-profit food stand serving meals may operate up to three days within a calendar year. After three days, a license and payment is required.
- A non-profit food stand serving retail foods (non-meals) is allowed to operate up to twelve days per calendar year. After twelve days, a license and payment is required.
- A non-profit food stand is exempt from licensing at off-site preparation locations if used in conjunction with fee exempt days.
- For fee exempt days, non-profit groups must:
- Register by sending a Transient Food and Drink license application to LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com
- Follow safe food handling practices
- Food stands at youth sporting events, such as a little league game, that operate for the benefit of the youth sports team or program.
- Free food samples that meet these guidelines
- Home bakers selling baked goods following DATCP Guidelines
Transient Food Licenses from Other Jurisdictions
- If you have a current transient food license from another jurisdiction, you can vend at Dane County events.
- Make sure to have the current license with you. If you can’t show your license, you may required to buy a transient food license from us.
- Please note: Even with a license from another jurisdiction, you may be subject to an inspection.
Information for Event Coordinators
Event coordinators have an important role in assuring food safety. By working together, we will:
- Identify and resolve potential public health concerns before the event
- Make sure vendors complete their license application and pay fees.
- Educate vendors about food safety requirements.
- Provide a Health Department representative at vendor meeting(s) if requested.
Event coordinators must complete and send the following to us at least 14 days before the event:
