FAQs

DPHSS provides SNAP, Medicaid, immunization support, senior services, public health programs, child wellness services, and environmental health inspections. View available programs through the DPHSS Services Page.

You may apply through the Bureau of Economic Security and submit required documents such as ID, proof of income, and residency verification. Visit the SNAP Program Page.

Applications are handled through DPHSS BES offices and require eligibility documentation including income and household information. Visit the Medicaid & MIP Page.

DPHSS oversees Guam’s Immunization Program and maintains vaccination records while working with medical providers and clinics. Learn more through the Immunization Program Page.

Shot records may be requested through the Guam Immunization Program with proper identification and supporting documents. Visit the Immunization Program Page.

Yes. Vital records including birth and death certificates are processed through the Office of Vital Statistics under DPHSS. Visit the Vital Statistics Page.

Yes. The Division of Environmental Health conducts inspections for restaurants, food vendors, and other regulated establishments. Learn more through the Environmental Health Page.

Residents may contact DPHSS to report sanitation issues, food safety concerns, environmental hazards, or health-related complaints through the Contact DPHSS Page.

DPHSS offers senior programs including nutrition assistance, caregiver support, wellness services, and senior center activities. Visit the Senior Services Page.

WIC is a nutrition assistance program for eligible women, infants, and children that provides food assistance, education, and health support services. Learn more through the WIC Program Page.

Yes. DPHSS administers child care assistance programs for eligible families through the Bureau of Child Care Services. Visit the Child Care Services Page.

Suspected child abuse or neglect should be reported immediately to the appropriate DPHSS protective services division or emergency authorities. Visit the Protective Services Page.

Yes. DPHSS supports women’s health, pregnancy counseling, STI screening, reproductive health, and related public health services. Learn more through the Maternal & Child Health Page.

Residents may contact DPHSS through its main offices, division offices, official website, or program-specific phone numbers and emails through the DPHSS Contact Page.

Requirements vary by facility type:

Food Facility renewals: 
No skin test is required for renewal.
You must take and pass the Food Safety Health Certificate Training Course annually, unless you hold an approved Food Safety Manager’s Certificate.

All other categories (Cosmetic, Institutional, Laundry/Dry Cleaning, Therapeutic Massage): 
A TB/PPD skin test reading AND a physical examination on DEH’s original Physician’s Certification of Examination form, both dated within the last 6 months from your application date, are required.

No. At this time, all Health Certificate applications must be submitted in person at our Processing Center Section.

Processing Center 155 Hesler Place, Hagåtña Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm (Closed on observed Government of Guam holidays)

• An authorized representative may renew on your behalf. They must bring:
  • A signed and dated letter of authorization from you, naming the representative;
  • A copy of your government-issued photo ID;
  • Their own valid government-issued photo ID;
  • A completed renewal application form; and Payment.
• You may also renew up to 30 days before your expiration date.

The following types of establishments require a Sanitary Permit:

• Food Facility (e.g., restaurants, food manufacturers, food trucks)
• Institutional Facility (e.g., schools, childcare facilities, nursing homes)
• Hotel, Motel, or Dormitory
• Cosmetic Establishment (e.g., beauty salons, barber shops, beauty schools, therapeutic massage establishments)
• Laundromat or Dry Cleaner
• Swimming Pool at a hotel, condominium, or apartment
• Cemetery

Where to apply:

• Visit the Business License and Permit Center (BLPC) in the Department of Public Works compound in Upper Tumon. A DPHSS representative is available Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00-4:00 pm (except Government of Guam holidays).
• Download the Sanitary Permit application from: https://dphss.guam.gov

Required supporting documents:

• Floor Plan
• Vicinity Map
• Smoking Policy
• List of personnel with required Health Certificate(s)
• Equipment Listing
• Manager’s Certificate (Food Facility only)

Application process (step-by-step):

• Submit a completed application with all supporting documents and a non-refundable deposit to the BLPC.
• DPHSS reviews your application.
• Once deemed complete, DPHSS schedules a Pre-Operational Inspection.
• Pass the Pre-Operational Inspection.
• Make full payment at the Processing Center, 155 Hesler Place, Hagåtña, and receive your Sanitary Permit.

Fee schedule:

Chemical Toilet operators are also required to obtain a permit.

*Fees increase annually after the second anniversary of the adoption of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Issuance of Sanitary Permits (which was on Nov. 19, 2021). Prorated rates apply for permits spanning multiple fee years.

Because the permit fee increases each year and most permits span two calendar years, your renewal fee is calculated in two parts. Use the monthly rates in the table below:

Step-by-step calculation:

• Count the months remaining in the current year after the permit expires and multiply by the 2026 monthly rate ($47.33).
  Example: Permit expiring June 2026 → 6 months (July–December 2026) × $47.33 = $283.98
• Count the months in the following year your permit will be active and multiply by the 2027 monthly rate ($55.67). 
  Example: 6 months (January–June 2027) × $55.67 = $334.02
• Add the two amounts together for the total base fee.
• If your establishment has more than 10 employees, add $5.00 per additional employee.

Individual applicants must provide:

• Completed application form
• Copy of your Guam Health Professional License
• Copy of your DEA registration (if applicable)
• $500.00 payment by check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the Treasurer of Guam

Institution applicants (e.g., pharmacies) must provide:

• Completed application form
• Copy of Guam Pharmacy License and DEA registration (if applicable)
• Pre-operational requirement checklist
• Personnel information listing
• Floor plan
• Vicinity map
• $500.00 payment by check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the Treasurer of Guam

All other institutions must provide proof of authorization under Guam law to practice their profession or business (e.g., business license), along with the pre-operational checklist, personnel listing, floor plan, and vicinity map.

Note: Institutions must pass a pre-operational inspection before a Registration is issued.

Application forms are available:

• In person at the Processing Center, 155 Hesler Place, Hagåtña (Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-4:00 pm, except Government of Guam holidays).
• For download at: https://dphss.guam.gov
• The pre-operational checklist, personnel listing, floor plan, and vicinity map templates may also be picked up at the Processing Center.

The process requires two separate steps at two different offices:

Step 1 – Office of Vital Statistics

• Obtain and submit an application with a copy of the death certificate to the Office of Vital Statistics for initial approval.

Step 2 – DEH Processing Center (after Vital Statistics approval)

• Submit your disinterment or disinterment-reinterment permit request along with:
• Copy of the Vital Statistics approval
• Authorization by the next of kin (typically handled by the cemetery, funeral home, or funeral service provider)
• Copy of the requesting individual’s government-issued photo ID