How To Become A SNAP Retailer

You can now apply online to become a SNAP authorized retailer at a farmers market or food store. Fill out the SNAP retailer application within 15 minutes. While you wait, you can check your current EBT application status online through your USDA account. Follow the three steps below to become an authorized SNAP retailer and accept EBT cards at your location.

Step 1: Sign up For A USDA Account
The first step when applying online is to sign up for a USDA eAuthentication account. In order to sign up you must have a valid email address because the USDA will have to send a confirmation email to activate your account. Once you receive this email and click the link to activate your account, you then go back to this page to sign in and start the application process. If you do not have internet access, call their toll-free hotline at 1-877-823-4369.

Step 2: Apply Online And Check Status of Online EBT Application
The next step, after you create your account and activate it, is to sign in and fill out the SNAP retailer application. It is very fast and easy, it even allows you to start and stop the application process. You are given 30 days to complete and submit the online SNAP retailer application to Food & Nutrition Service (FNS). To help you get started, make sure you have your information ready. This includes the owners name, home address, social security number and estimated sales. To start step 2, fill out the online EBT application. If you have already filled out and submitted your online application to become an authorized SNAP retailer and want to check the current status, check your current application status.

Step 3: Complete Your SNAP Retailer Application
All completed SNAP retailer applications or any supporting documents for an online or paper SNAP retailer application should be submitted to:

SNAP Retailer Service Center
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
PO Box 14500, Washington DC 20044

Note: UPS and FedEx will not deliver to a PO Box Address. If there is a time where you have questions or issues about this process, please contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

Once your application has been completed and submitted, it can take FNS up to 45 days to process it. FNS evaluates your store for eligibility, reviews all applications for accuracy and conducts background checks for SNAP history. During this process the FNS may also visit your store in person to confirm eligibility requirements.

If your store or farmers market has been approved to receive food stamps at their location, store owners must accept responsibility for the actions of their employees. It is highly recommended all store owners review the SNAP Retailer Training Guide and watch the instructional video that comes in their approval package with all employees to make sure everyone is in compliance with the rules and regulations. If you are a drug and alcohol treatment center, group home, battered women's and children's shelter, homeless meal provider, senior communal dining or meal delivery service; you must contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 to obtain a paper Meal Service Application, Form FNS-252-2.

Remember, that for your store to be eligible to accept EBT cards, you must meet the eligibility criteria below.