Apply Online to Become Authorized to Accept SNAP at your Retail Food Store or Farmers’ Market.

Apply online to accept SNAP benefits at your store or Farmers’ Market. It’s fast and secure. You can complete the online application in as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy. By applying online, you can also check the real-time status of your application online using your USDA account.

Applying to accept SNAP benefits at your store or Farmers’ Market is a three step process: get a USDA account, fill out an application online, and mail us your supporting documentation to complete your file.  

Get a USDA Account To Apply Online you first need to set up and activate a USDA eAuthentication account. To create an account, click on the Set Up An Account link below. You must have a valid email address as USDA will send you a confirmation email. Once you receive the email, it includes a hyperlink to activate your account. Return to this page after you activate your account to apply online.   Set Up An Account If you do not have internet access, call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-823-4369.

Apply Online/Check Status of Online Application Filling out the Online Application is fast, easy and convenient. You can start and stop the application process. You have up to 30 days to complete and submit the online application to FNS. Be prepared with the following information ahead of time and click the Fill Out Application link below: owner's name, home address, social security number, and estimated sales.   Fill Out Online Application Check the Status of Your Online Application

Complete Your Application You’re almost done! Completed SNAP retailer applications or supporting documentation for an online or paper SNAP retailer application should be sent to: SNAP Retailer Service Center, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, PO Box 14500, Washington DC 20044. If a situation arises that you are not sure how to handle, please contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

FNS may take up to 45 days to process an application once it’s complete.  FNS reviews all applications for accuracy, conducts a background check for past SNAP history, and evaluates your store for eligibility.  FNS may visit your store to confirm eligibility.  Click here to review store eligibility requirements.

Store owners accept responsibility for the actions of their employees.  Store owners should review the SNAP Retailer Training Guide and instructional video in their approval package with all employees to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.  Click here to access electronic versions of the SNAP Retailer Training Guide and Video

You are responsible for the actions of your employees. You must read the SNAP Retailer Training Guide and watch the instructional video. All of your employees must read the SNAP Retailer Training Guide and watch the instructional video. You may get electronic versions of the SNAP Retailer Training Guide and video by Clicking here.


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.

Last updated: 02/19/2013