A license is required for any self-service food or drink vending machine offered for public use. Vending machine does not include a micro-market or a device which dispenses only bottled, prepackaged or canned soft drinks; a one-cent vending device; a vending machine dispensing only candy, gum, nuts, nut meats, cookies, or crackers; or a vending machine dispensing only prepackaged grade A pasteurized milk or milk products.
Foods Requiring a Vending License
Beverages in aluminum foil sealed plastic
Bulk popcorn
Cold foods
Cotton Candy
Cup cold beverages
Cup hot beverages
Canned soups/stews
Coin/token operated machines dispensing unbottled potable water
Dessert items
Any non-Grade A milk product
Cheese products
Processed cheese products
French-fries
Fruit
Frozen foods, examples:
Ice cream
Ice milk
Popsicles
Hot Foods
Jell-O
Yogurt
Pastry with fillings that have a pH greater than 4.6 or a water activity (aw) of greater than .85 under standard conditions. Examples:
Meat jerky
Sausage products
Wax paper carton beverages except milk
Foods NOT Requiring a Vending License
Brownies with a minimum of a 10 day shelf life
Cakes with a minimum of a 10 day shelf life
Donuts
Canned juices
Candy
Gum
Nuts
Nutmeats
Cookies
Crackers: chips, pretzels, curls, etc.
Commercially canned/bottled potable water
Prepackaged popped/unpopped popcorn
Packaged corn nuts
Canned/bottled beverages
Little Debbie Snack Cakes
Hostess products
Pastry with fillings that have a pH of 4.6 or below or water activity (aw ) of .85 or less under standard conditions. Example:
Non-coin/token operated machines
Canned fruit juices
Grade A pasteurized milk or milk products
Duration
One year beginning July 1 ending June 30 of next calendar year. If initial license is issued after April 1, the license expires the next calendar year on June 30. For example, a license issued April 30, 2017 expires June 30, 2018.
Fees
Type of License | Annual License Fee | One-time Pre-inspection Fee |
Vending Machine Operator | $125 + $9 per vending machine | N/A |
*Note: The support and operation of vending machines will occur from a licensed food processing plant, a licensed retail food establishment, or a licensed food warehouse.
Instructions
- To obtain a license through the department, first 608-224-4923 or email our licensing specialists.
- The licensing specialist will get you the information you need and will explain the process steps to you.