Applying to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a retailer is a simple, online process that
costs you nothing. You can complete an online application in as little as 15 minutes.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the only source that authorizes retailers – no one else. FNS
does not work with outside entities to authorize retailers for SNAP. There is no cost to apply.
Do not complete an application if:
- You are not a Retail Food Store or a Famers Market. Instead, call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.
- If you are a retailer that wants to accept SNAP-EBT on your website or mobile app, please do not complete this application. Instead, follow the requirements listed on the retailer requirements page.
If you are a Retail Food Store or a Famers Market, you can apply to accept SNAP benefits at your store or market locations by following the steps below.
1. Create a Login.gov account
Before you start your application, you must create an account on Login.gov.
You'll need to provide the following information:
- Email address
- Secure password
- One additional authentication method to keep your account secure (for example, a mobile phone number to receive texts for verification).
2. Complete the SNAP Retailer Application
- Once you start your application, you have 30 days to complete it. If your application is not complete within 30 days, it will be deleted.
- You will need to submit the required supporting documents. Instructions for submitting your documents are provided at the end of the application. Make sure that you have name(s), home address(es), and Social Security Number(s) for each store owner, and sales data your store(s).
- If you own 10 or more stores, consider whether you are a Multi-Store Owner (MSO).
3. Wait for a Decision from FNS
- FNS will process your application and we will contact you if we need any further information.
- After you complete it, you can check the status of your application in real time.
- If you have additional questions, please call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.
- You must be authorized by FNS before you can accept SNAP. You cannot accept EBT in your store until
you are authorized by FNS. You will know you are authorized when you receive an FNS issued SNAP
Permit.
4. Choose your Point of Sale (POS) Equipment
All authorized SNAP retailers must use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) equipment and transaction services. Most retailers are required to purchase EBT equipment and services on their own.
Exceptions: Eligible farmers markets, direct-marketing farmers, military commissaries, non-profit food buying cooperatives, group living arrangements, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and prepared meal services (other than for-profit restaurants participating in State-option restaurant programs) may continue to qualify for free EBT equipment and services until further notice.
- After successful authorization, you are issued a SNAP Permit, which includes the store name, store location,
your name and the names of any additional owners, and the FNS Number. Use the FNS Number when you are ordering your POS equipment and when your POS device is programmed. - If you already have equipment, talk to your current processor about programming it to accept EBT and to
obtain cost information. - Guidance for selecting a third party processor is available. You should review the cost of leasing or purchasing equipment and services. Then, you should make the best choice for your business.
Retailers may only use manual vouchers during a system outage or disaster. Your business may currently use manual vouchers to conduct SNAP transactions. If so, and you were SNAP authorized prior to March 22, 2014 or are one of the retailer exceptions identified above, you may continue to use manual vouchers unless notified by FNS. However, you must still purchase EBT equipment and work with your EBT terminal provider regarding manual voucher supplies and processing. Other retailers may not use manual vouchers except during a system outage or disaster.