Food License Apply Online in India – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you're wondering how to Food License Apply Online in India, you're in the right place. Every food business operator (FBO) in India must obtain a valid food license (officially called FSSAI registration or license) before starting operations. The good news? The entire application process is now online through the FoSCoS portal, making it fast, paperless, and accessible from anywhere. Whether you're launching a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, manufacturing unit, or any food business, this guide walks you through every step to successfully food license online apply and get your 14-digit FSSAI number.

How to Apply for a Food License Online – Overview

Applying for a food license online involves registering on the FoSCoS portal, submitting your business details, uploading required documents, paying the government fee, and tracking your application until approval. The entire process is conducted digitally—no physical visits to government offices required.

The online food license application process:

• Step 1: Determine your food license type (Registration, State License, or Central License) based on annual turnover.
• Step 2: Gather all required documents and information.
• Step 3: Register on the FoSCoS portal and create your account.
• Step 4: Fill out the online application form (Form A or Form B).
• Step 5: Upload documents and submit the application.
• Step 6: Pay the application fee online.
• Step 7: Track your application status.
• Step 8: Download your food license certificate once approved.

Let's break down each step in detail so you can complete your online food licence apply process smoothly and avoid common mistakes.

Step 1: Determine Your Food License Type

Before you start the application, you must determine which type of food license you need. FSSAI offers three tiers based on your business's annual turnover:

How to calculate turnover: Count all food-related revenue (sales, subscriptions, contracts) in a financial year. Exclude non-food revenue.

For a detailed comparison, visit our FSSAI Registration vs License guide.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before starting your online application, collect all required documents. The exact checklist depends on your food license type, but here are the common documents:

For FSSAI Registration (Up to ₹12 lakh turnover)

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID) of the proprietor/partner/director
• Address proof of business premises (rental agreement, electricity bill, property deed)
• Passport-size photograph of the applicant
• List of food categories you'll handle (e.g., bakery, restaurant, retail)
• NOC from property owner (if rented premises)

For FSSAI State License (₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore turnover)

• All documents for Registration, plus:
• Form B details (filled during online application)
• Layout plan of premises (showing kitchen, storage, packaging areas)
• List of directors/partners with ID and address proof for each
• Partnership deed / Incorporation certificate / MOA & AOA (for firms/companies)
• Food safety training certificate for the designated officer
• Water testing report (if applicable)

For FSSAI Central License (Above ₹20 crore OR multi-state)

• All documents for State License, plus:
• List of all branches/locations (if multi-state)
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
• Recall plan and traceability system documentation
• Import/Export Code (IEC) if importing/exporting

Pro Tip: Scan all documents in PDF format (max 2MB per file). Ensure they're clear, legible, and self-attested. Poor-quality scans are a common reason for rejection.

Step 3: Register on the FoSCoS Portal

The FoSCoS portal (Food Safety Compliance System) is the official FSSAI online platform for all food license applications, renewals, and modifications.

How to Register on FoSCoS:

1. Visit the official portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. Click on "Sign Up" or "New Registration"
3. Choose "Food Business Operator (FBO)" as your user type
4. Enter your email address and mobile number (you'll receive OTP verification)
5. Create a strong password and complete the registration
6. Verify your email and mobile number using the OTPs sent
7. Log in to your account using your credentials

Important: Use a valid, active email address and mobile number. All official communication from FSSAI will be sent to these.

Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Once logged in, you'll start your food license application by filling out either Form A (for Registration) or Form B (for State/Central License).

Key Sections in the Application Form:

1. Business Details

• Business name (as per registration documents)
• Type of business (Proprietorship, Partnership, Company, LLP)
• PAN card number
• GST number (if applicable)

2. Premises Details

• Complete business address (street, area, city, state, PIN code)
• Type of premises (own/rented)
• Contact details (phone, email)

3. Food Categories

Select all food product categories your business will handle. FSSAI has a detailed dropdown menu with categories like:

• Dairy products
• Bakery wares
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat foods
• Restaurant services
• And many more

Pro Tip: Choose all relevant categories. If you miss any, you'll need to apply for modification later (additional fees).

4. Director/Partner Details (for State/Central License)

Provide name, ID proof, and address proof for all directors, partners, or authorized signatories.

5. Designated Officer Details (for State/Central License)

Enter the name and food safety training certificate details of your designated food safety supervisor.

Step 5: Upload Documents and Submit Application

After filling out the form, you'll upload all required documents:

• Identity proof
• Address proof
• Photographs
• Business registration documents
• Layout plan (if applicable)
• NOC from property owner
• Food safety training certificate

File Upload Tips:

• Format: PDF only (images must be converted to PDF)
• Size: Maximum 2MB per file
• Quality: Clear, legible scans (not blurry or cut-off)
• Self-attest: Add "Self-attested" and your signature on each document

Once all documents are uploaded, review your application carefully. Check for typos, missing information, or incorrect food categories. Then click "Submit".

You'll receive an application reference number. Save this number—you'll need it to track your application and for all future communication with FSSAI.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee Online

After submission, you'll be redirected to the payment page. FSSAI application fees vary by license type and validity period (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years).

Payment Methods:

• Net banking
• Debit/Credit card
• UPI
• Demand draft (for offline payment, if chosen)

Once payment is successful, download and save the payment receipt. Your application is now officially submitted to FSSAI.

Step 7: Track Your Application Status

After payment, you can track your application status on the FoSCoS portal:

1. Log in to your FoSCoS account
2. Go to "My Applications" or "Track Application"
3. Enter your application reference number
4. View the current status (Submitted, Under Review, Query Raised, Approved, Rejected)

Possible statuses:

• Submitted: Application received and pending review.
• Under Review: Being processed by the Food Safety Officer.
• Query Raised: Additional information or clarification needed. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
• Approved: Your food license is granted! Proceed to download the certificate.
• Rejected: Application denied (check rejection reason and re-apply after corrections).

Processing Time:

• FSSAI Registration: 7–10 working days
• FSSAI State License: 30–60 days
• FSSAI Central License: 45–60 days

If a query is raised or inspection is scheduled, respond within the given timeframe to avoid rejection.

Step 8: Download Your Food License Certificate

Once your application is approved, you'll receive an email and SMS notification. Log in to the FoSCoS portal and download your food license certificate:

1. Go to "My Licenses/Registrations"
2. Click on your approved license
3. Download the certificate as a PDF
4. Print the certificate and frame it for display

Your certificate will show:

• 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number
• Business name and address
• Food categories covered
• Validity period (1–5 years)
• Issuing authority (State or Central)

What to do next:

• Display the certificate at your business premises (entrance, billing counter, or kitchen)
• Print your 14-digit FSSAI number on all product labels and packaging (if you manufacture food)
• Upload the certificate to food delivery platforms (Swiggy, Zomato) if applicable
• Set a reminder to renew your license before expiry

Why Should You Choose IndiaFilings for Food License Apply Online?

Applying for a food license online can be time-consuming and confusing—especially if you're navigating the FoSCoS portal for the first time. Common pitfalls include choosing the wrong food categories, uploading incorrect documents, or missing required fields. IndiaFilings eliminates the hassle with expert-assisted, done-for-you food license application services.

Our team of qualified professionals handles your entire application from start to finish—determining the correct license type, preparing and uploading all documents, filling out the online form accurately, paying the fee, and tracking approval until your certificate is issued. We ensure error-free submissions, fast approvals, and full compliance with FSSAI regulations. With pan-India support and deep expertise in food licensing, IndiaFilings is your trusted partner for hassle-free food license applications.

Ready to get your food license without the portal hassle? Prefer done-for-you? Let our experts apply today and get certified quickly and correctly.

Prefer done-for-you? Let our experts apply