The fun part of starting a catering business? Developing your menu and your brand.
The not-so-fun part? Permits and paperwork.
Getting your catering license may not be the most thrilling part of joining this thriving industry, but it is crucial to comply with local laws. It doesn’t have to be complicated and frustrating, though! We’ve broken this process down into six steps and included a free checklist you can download to stay on track.
Starting your catering business? We’ve got you covered with these helpful resources:
• How to Start a Catering Business
• What Kind of Insurance Does a Caterer Need?
How Does a Catering License Work?
A catering license is a type of food business permit issued by your local or state health department that allows you to serve food at public or private events.
While some areas have specific catering licenses, others have a general food service business permit that includes catering operations. To get one, you typically need a handful of other credentials, including:
- Business registration
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Employer identification number (EIN)
- Food handler’s permit
- Health department inspection and approval
- Sales tax permit
Operating your catering business without a license leaves your business vulnerable to:
- Fines
- Shutdown orders
- Denied event contracts
Obtaining the proper licenses keeps your business running smoothly and saves you the financial strain of penalties and missed opportunities.
Here’s a snapshot of catering licenses across all 50 states, including which governing agency issues them and what it’s typically called.
Swipe →
| State | Where to Apply | What It's Called |
|---|---|---|
|
Alabama |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Alaska |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Arizona |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Arkansas |
Food service permit |
|
|
California |
Food service permit |
|
|
Colorado |
Retail food establishment license |
|
|
Connecticut |
Food service license |
|
|
Delaware |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Florida |
Food service license (restaurant/caterer) |
|
|
Georgia |
Retail food establishment license |
|
|
Hawaii |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Idaho |
Food establishment license |
|
|
Illinois |
Retail food license/catering permit |
|
|
Indiana |
Retail food establishment permit |
|
|
Iowa |
Food establishment license |
|
|
Kansas |
Food service establishment license |
|
|
Kentucky |
Food service establishment permit |
|
|
Louisiana |
Retail food permit |
|
|
Maine |
Food establishment license |
|
|
Maryland |
Food service facility license |
|
|
Massachusetts |
Food service establishment permit |
|
|
Michigan |
Food service establishment license |
|
|
Minnesota |
Food establishment license |
|
|
Mississippi |
Food facility (food service) permit |
|
|
Missouri |
Retail food establishment permit |
|
|
Montana |
Retail food establishment license |
|
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Nebraska |
Food establishment permit |
|
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Nevada |
Food establishment permit |
|
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New Hampshire |
Food service license |
|
|
New Jersey |
Retail food establishment license |
|
|
New Mexico |
Food establishment (retail food) permit |
|
|
New York |
Food service establishment permit |
|
|
North Carolina |
Food service establishment permit |
|
|
North Dakota |
Food establishment license |
|
|
Ohio |
Food service operation license |
|
|
Oklahoma |
Food establishment license |
|
|
Oregon |
Food service license |
|
|
Pennsylvania |
Retail food facility license |
|
|
Rhode Island |
Food service license |
|
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South Carolina |
Retail food establishment permit |
|
|
South Dakota |
Food service license |
|
|
Tennessee |
Food service establishment permit |
|
|
Texas |
Your city/county health dept. or Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) if you don’t have a local dept. |
Retail food establishment permit |
|
Utah |
Food Establishment Permit |
|
|
Vermont |
Restaurant/food service license |
|
|
Virginia |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Washington |
Catering permit/food business permit |
|
|
West Virginia |
Food establishment permit |
|
|
Wisconsin |
Retail food license |
|
|
Wyoming |
Food establishment license |
Pro Tip: Most states won’t approve your catering license application without proof of insurance. With FLIP’s catering insurance policy, you get your COI instantly after checkout, so it’s ready to share with regulatory agencies, clients, and venues.
Catering From Home: Licensing Eligibility and Requirements
In recent years, it’s become more common for entrepreneurs to start a catering business from the convenience of their home kitchens. Many business owners choose this route because not renting a commercial kitchen or commissary can be a great way to save money.
However, whether you can run a catering business from home depends on your local cottage food laws. These are laws passed at the state level that regulate home-based food businesses, determining which types of businesses you can operate from home and what kinds of food you can sell from your own kitchen.
Common restrictions include:
- Gross revenue caps (e.g., Home-based food businesses in Washington cannot exceed $35,000 in gross revenue)
- Hazardous vs. non-hazardous foods (e.g., Hazardous foods often include dairy products, meat, seafood, and perishable items)
- Labeling requirements (e.g., California’s cottage food labeling requirements include displaying your cottage food permit number and allergen declarations)
More on which permits you need for a home-based catering business below.
How to Get a Caterer’s License in 6 Steps
Getting your catering license involves acquiring several necessary permits and establishing key aspects of your business before you can apply. Let’s take a closer look at each of these requirements so you know exactly what you need to get started.
1. Register Your Business and Get Your Tax IDs
You need to get a few things in order to register your catering business:
- Structure: Decide how you will organize your business, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation
- Employer identification number (EIN): Obtained through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), this number is used for tax purposes
- Business name: Choose your business name or your Doing Business As (DBA) name
- Business license: You will typically need all of the above to apply for your business license, which your local tax or zoning office often issues
- Sales tax permit: This allows you to collect and remit sales tax, although in some areas it is issued alongside your business license and not through a separate application with the tax authority
2. Obtain Food Safety Certifications
Food safety certifications are required in most states. Even if you live in an area where they aren’t mandated, they are still useful for learning proper handling and prep skills that can help you and your employees avoid the spread of foodborne illnesses or contamination.
There are two main types of certifications:
- Food handler’s permit: Sometimes called a food handler’s license or certification, this proves you passed a food safety and handling course. These courses cover topics like proper sanitization, safe temperatures for storing foods, and prep procedures that prevent cross-contamination. It’s required for anyone handling food that isn’t pre-packaged, so you and your employees need a valid certification.
- Food manager certification: This is similar to a food handler’s permit, except it’s geared specifically towards managers or supervisors in the food service industry. The training is more detailed, and many areas often require at least one certified food manager on-site during operations.
Every state has its own list of approved courses, so always check before you register to make sure yours is recognized. Some of the most popular options include:
3. Follow Kitchen Requirements
If you plan to prepare food and/or cook off-site, you’ll need to decide what kind of kitchen to operate out of. What your kitchen needs depends on two things: your state and whether it’s at home or commercial.
Home Kitchen
If your state allows you to run a home-based catering business, there’s a good chance your kitchen will need to meet certain standards in order to qualify for a cottage food permit.
Although these vary from state to state, you will likely be required to:
- Operate out of your primary residence kitchen (e.g., not a secondary home, rental home, etc.)
- Keep pets and/or non-employee family members out of the kitchen during food preparation
- Store ingredients away from your household food items and cleaners (including separate refrigeration/freezing for storing perishable food)
- Have a separate, easily accessible sink designated for handwashing
It’s important to assess whether your home kitchen can meet your state’s cottage food law standards, even if it needs a few upgrades or additions to make that happen. The good news is most states don’t require your home kitchen to contain commercial-grade equipment, making home-based operations more accessible.
Commercial Kitchen
Commercial kitchen requirements differ depending on where you live, but you generally need to rent one that meets the following standards:
- Proper ventilation: An installed system that properly releases steam, heat, and smoke
- Three sinks: Designated sinks for handwashing, food prep, and mops/cleaning
- Commercial-grade equipment: This includes your refrigerator, freezer, oven, stovetop, and dishwasher
- Health department inspection: Your commercial kitchen needs to pass regular health inspections
- Fire prevention: This includes fire suppression systems, the required amount (and type) of extinguishers, and alarms
- License and insurance: The kitchen you rent should have a valid license and an active general liability insurance policy
4. Insure Your Business
Insurance is often a prerequisite for a catering license. Most agencies will ask you to provide proof of insurance alongside your application.
However, insurance isn’t just another box to tick on the path to your license. It’s a critical part of your financial success, covering costs you may be held responsible for if an accident happens.
Not sure what coverage you need? Here’s a quick overview of the essential catering coverages offered by Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP).
Swipe →
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Example Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
|
General liability (responds to injuries to others or damage to others’ property caused by your catering operations) |
|
One of your servers accidentally knocks over a statue at a venue, and the venue demands a replacement |
|
Product liability (responds to injuries, illnesses, or property damage caused by your food or beverage (e.g., food poisoning or unlabeled allergens) |
|
A guest gets sick after eating undercooked chicken |
|
Personal and advertising injury (responds to lawsuits alleging false advertising, defamation, or copyright infringement) |
|
A competitor sues you, claiming your business logo and mascot are too similar to theirs |
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Commercial auto* (responds to damages to or caused by your work vehicle) |
|
On the way to an event, another vehicle runs a red light and collides with your catering van |
|
Cyber liability* (responds to cybercrime incidents) |
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A hacker gains access to your invoices and steals sensitive client information |
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Tools and equipment (inland marine)* (responds to damage, destruction, or theft to your mobile business equipment or inventory) |
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After driving over a series of potholes, several of the chafing dishes in your catering van are damaged and must be replaced |
|
Workers compensation* (workers compensation benefits required by your state) |
|
One of your servers injures their back while unloading your van at an event and requires medical attention and time off from work to heal |
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Liquor liability (responds to alcohol-related injuries to others or damage to others’ property you are held legally responsible for)* |
|
An intoxicated guest drives home from the event and causes a car accident that injures the other driver and their passenger |
*Available as an add-on coverage to FLIP’s base catering insurance policy
Running your catering business without insurance is like taking a cookie sheet out of the oven without a mitt — unnecessarily risky and potentially painful.
Learn more about the cost of catering insurance and how you can get coverage online from FLIP today!
5. Apply for Your Catering License With the Correct Department
With all of your ducks in a row, it’s time to apply for your catering license!
Keep in mind, this process varies from state to state, but the application process commonly includes two key steps: a plan review and a health inspection.
1. Plan Review
You may be asked to include your catering business plan or similar details about your business, such as your menu and the types of events you intend to work (weddings, corporate parties, long-term catering gigs, etc.).
It should also include details about where you plan to prepare and cook the food you’ll serve to guests, such as on-site kitchens, a rented commercial kitchen, or your own home.
The agency reviewing your application (usually your local health department or environmental services office) examines your plan to ensure you are following local laws. If they find any issues with it, your application will be denied, and you’ll need to reapply once you resolve the issue(s).
Pro Tip: Not sure what your business plan should include? Check out our guide to starting a wedding catering business that includes a free, downloadable business plan template!
2. Health Inspection
Your application process may include a health inspection. If you rent a commercial kitchen, its passing inspection may satisfy this requirement. If you use a home kitchen, you’ll likely get an inspector visit.
They will examine your home kitchen to make sure it adheres to your area’s cottage food requirements, like the ones we mentioned above.
Pro Tip: Pass your first inspection (and all the ones afterward!) with flying colors with a little help from our health inspection checklist.
6. Renew Your License
While you won’t be able to do this step immediately, it’s important to remember. Your catering license needs to be renewed (likely every one to two years), and you don’t want that expiration date to slip your mind.
Here are a few tips for staying on top of license renewal:
- Write your license expiration date in your digital and/or physical calendar
- Set a reminder in your phone at least a month ahead of the expiration date, alerting you that it’s almost time to renew
- Add the licensing agency’s email to your safe contacts list so their renewal notices don’t end up in your spam folder
- Read up on what license renewal entails (e.g., if you’ll need to resubmit certain paperwork, if you can renew entirely online, etc.)
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Catering License and How Long Does It Take?
The cost of a catering license varies widely by city or county, ranging from $100–$1,000. Sometimes, this fee is recurring, meaning you’ll pay it annually to renew your license. In other cases, there is a separate (generally lower) renewal fee.
It’s also likely that you’ll pay a processing fee on top of this amount, which is usually less than $100.
Keep in mind that your cost can also vary depending on the type of food you offer. Some health departments charge more if you sell or serve “potentially hazardous” (aka perishable) foods, so a permit for your catering business will likely cost more than it did for a business owner who sells jams and jellies at the farmers market.
It can take anywhere from 3–8 weeks to get your catering license, which also varies depending on where you live. Smaller counties or cities may have shorter waiting periods due to fewer applicants, whereas larger jurisdictions may take longer.
A good rule of thumb is to apply as soon as you can, in case you run into any difficulties. Bumps in the road can force you to delay opening your catering business.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Your Catering License (and How to Avoid Them)
Getting all of your paperwork in order can be stressful, and it’s normal to worry about messing up somewhere down the line. Here are some of the most common pitfalls caterers experience when navigating this process, plus tips on avoiding them yourself.
Submitting Your Application Before Renting an Approved Kitchen
Some caterers think they can apply for a license first and sign a rental agreement with a commercial kitchen later, but that’s not usually true.
The department issuing your license wants to make sure you are running your business out of a licensed commercial kitchen that meets all of the necessary legal requirements before giving its stamp of approval.
How to Avoid This:
- Contact your local health department before you apply for your catering license to confirm kitchen requirements
- Find a licensed commercial kitchen that holds a valid health permit
- Know your kitchen’s permit number in case you need it for your catering license application
Missing or Incomplete Documentation
As you’ve seen, there’s a lot of paperwork that happens before you start the license application process. It’s easy to forget what you need to include in your application materials, from your COI to your menu.
Your application will be rejected if you’re missing any required documents, even if you’ve already paid the application and/or processing fee (which may be nonrefundable).
How to Avoid This:
- Check to see if your agency offers an application checklist you can reference while gathering your materials (often a downloadable PDF on their site)
- If your agency doesn’t offer a checklist, create your own
Using a Home Kitchen Illegally
If you’re interested in using your home kitchen for food prep and/or cooking, it’s crucial to know if your state allows this. Just because some food businesses are permitted to operate out of the home doesn’t necessarily mean you can do the same with your catering business.
If you’re not allowed to run a home-based catering operation, you won’t be eligible for a catering license. Many states only allow foods they deem “low risk,” like baked goods or preserves, to be sold from home. Attempting to cater from home can result in fines or permanent closure.
How to Avoid This:
- Check your state’s cottage food laws before committing to a home kitchen setup
- When in doubt, contact your local health department with questions
- Play it safe and rent a shared-use commercial kitchen (chances are, you’ll have access to better equipment and more space if you go this route)
Not Having Insurance (or Forgetting to Submit Your COI)
Don’t fall into the trap of skipping insurance before you apply for your license. Most agencies require you to submit proof of general liability insurance with your application (that’s your COI!).
Even if your local health authority doesn’t require it, the clients and venues you work with will.
How to Avoid This:
- Get catering insurance with general liability limits that meet your agency’s requirements (usually $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 per policy period)
- Download a copy of your COI after you purchase your policy (available instantly through your online account with FLIP!)
Specialize in weddings? No problem! FLIP offers comprehensive wedding caterer insurance to cover you from apps to desserts. If you’re serving cocktails, don’t forget your liquor liability coverage, too!
FAQs About How to Get a License for Catering
Do I Still Need a Catering License If I Only Work Private Events?
Yes. No matter what kinds of events you work, your catering business needs the proper licenses to operate legally and avoid fines or closure. Operating an unlicensed catering business puts you at risk of fines, penalties, and closure.
What Extra Permits or Insurance Do I Need If I Serve Alcohol?
If you plan to serve alcohol, you need the following additional permits and coverage:
- Liquor license: Typically issued by your state’s alcoholic beverage control board, this license is often needed if you will purchase/provide the alcohol for an event
- Temporary event permit: If you only plan to serve drinks at one event, you can apply for this permit (sometimes called a special event permit)
- Server or bartender license: Some states require anyone serving alcohol to get certified through an approved responsible server course
- Liquor liability insurance: Legally required if your business includes serving, providing, or selling alcoholic beverages
Which Types of Caterers Need Insurance?
- A guest getting food poisoning from something you served
- A guest tripping over your equipment and injuring themselves
- Accidentally damaging the venue’s property while you’re working there
- Intoxicated guests causing injuries or property damage (if you serve alcohol)
Alex Hastings
Seattle-based copywriter and (WA) licensed insurance agent Alex Hastings leverages her experience as a lover of fast-casual food, baked goods, and iced oat milk lattes. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Washington University. Before working at Veracity, she was a retail copywriter at Zulily and an English language teacher in South Korea. Alex is fully trained on FLIP insurance coverages and writes content that connects food and beverage business owners with the policies they need.
Seattle-based copywriter and (WA) licensed insurance agent Alex Hastings leverages her experience as a lover of fast-casual food, baked goods, and iced oat milk lattes. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Washington University. Before working at Veracity, she was a retail copywriter at Zulily and an English language teacher in South Korea. Alex is fully trained on FLIP insurance coverages and writes content that connects food and beverage business owners with the policies they need.
Kyle Jude
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP). As a dedicated program manager with 10+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Kyle offers insight into different coverages for food and beverage business professionals who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP). As a dedicated program manager with 10+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Kyle offers insight into different coverages for food and beverage business professionals who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.