Catering Business Permit Requirements in Montgomery, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $500–$1,500 est. 4–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Alabama

2 stops

  1. Alabama Department of Revenue - Sales Tax License

    Required for businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property in Alabama. Alabama sales tax is a privilege tax on retail sales; most services are not taxable, so service-only businesses may not need to register. Local city and county sales taxes are also due on top of the state rate and vary by jurisdiction - use ADOR's local tax rate lookup for your address. Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT); state and local returns are filed together through ONE SPOT.

    Official government source

    No registration fee is published by ADOR; registration is made through the My Alabama Taxes portalNot published by ADOR; confirm current processing time with the Department of Revenue

  2. County Health Department - Food Handler / Certified Food Protection Manager Training

    Alabama regulates food establishments under ADPH Chapter 420-3-22, and permits plus employee food-safety training are administered by County Health Departments - ADPH publishes no statewide food handler card mandate or fee. Confirm what your county requires before opening.

    Official government source

    Set by each County Health Department and not published statewide; for example Jefferson County charges $15 for its Food Safety Course and $150 for the Certified Food Safety Manager CourseNot published statewide; confirm with your County Health Department

City of Montgomery / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. Montgomery County Health Department - Food Service Establishment Permit

    Catering businesses operating out of Montgomery must obtain a Food Service Establishment permit from the Montgomery County Health Department ((334) 293-6400), a local office of the Alabama Department of Public Health - not from the city. A licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection are required before the permit is issued.

    Official government source

    Not published by ADPH or the county health department; confirm the current permit fee with Montgomery County Health Department ((334) 293-6400)Not published; confirm with Montgomery County Health Department

  2. City of Montgomery Finance Department, License and Revenue Division - Business License

    Montgomery requires a city business license (occupational license) for all businesses operating in the city, issued by the Finance Department's License and Revenue Division. Fees are set by schedule and vary by business type and, for many classifications, gross receipts. The license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    Not published on the city's site (which blocks automated access); confirm the fee for your business classification with the License and Revenue DivisionNot published; confirm with the License and Revenue Division

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks

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Official Sources

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