New SAFHER Food Licensing Database

The Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) Food Safety Bureau is implementing a new online licensing system for food and hotel establishments and social and charitable gambling across the state. SAFHER replaces USA Food Safety and will be used for all new licenses and renewals going forward.

On Oct. 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. CDT, the current system, USA Food Safety, will no longer be accessible for new license applications or renewals.

Beginning Oct. 20, 2026, all food, hotel, and social and charitable organizations in Iowa must apply for or renew through their licenses via the new licensing system. Licenses will continue to expire based on their original purchase date, and each establishment is responsible for renewing its license prior to its individual expiration date.

What this Means for You

• New licenses and renewals will not be accepted from 5 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2026, through Oct. 19, 2026.
• Failure to renew your license before the expiration date may result in an expired license and penalties.
• Information about how to navigate the new licensing system will be available on the DIAL website once the new system is ready for use.

More information on the new licensing system, including frequently-asked questions, can be found on the SAFHER transition FAQ page.