(a) An applicant seeking voluntary certification must submit a completed application on a form approved by the department to the state headquarters in Austin. Application forms may be obtained online at www.texasagriculture.gov. Once the application is received, reviewed and approved, an invoice will be emailed to the designated contact for payment online within 5 business days.(b) Within 15 days of receipt of a completed application for certification, the commissioner or an authorized agent shall notify the applicant in writing of the approval or denial of his application. If approved, the department shall issue to the recipient the farmers market certificate, which shall expire on the following January 31.(c) Certifications must be renewed annually. The department shall send each certified farmers market a renewal form setting forth the requirements for renewal. Within 30 days of receipt of the renewal form, the farmers market shall complete and return the form to the department, together with all the items required by §17.73(2) of this chapter (relating to Eligibility Requirements) to be filed with the department on an annual basis.(d) Applications must be submitted for the calendar year period. Fees shall not be prorated.