Catering Business Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you have employees (catering crews, servers, cooks), operate as an LLC or corporation, or need a business bank account. Apply online for immediate issuance.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). Catering services — including food, labor, and equipment — may be subject to TPT. The taxability depends on the nature of the catering contract (food-only vs. full-service). Register through AZTaxes.gov and consult ADOR for guidance on catering-specific tax classifications.

   Official government source

   $12 one-time registration·1–2 weeks

   $12 one-time registration

   1–2 weeks

2. Arizona Food Handler Card / Manager Certification

   Required by the Arizona Department of Health Services. All food handlers must have a valid food handler card. At least one certified food manager (ServSafe or equivalent) must be present at all catering events. Certification must be renewed periodically.

   Official government source

   $10–$100 per person/certification·1 day to 1 week

   $10–$100 per person/certification

   1 day to 1 week

3. Arizona Corporation Commission Business Registration

   Register your LLC or corporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Catering businesses face liability at events and should operate as an LLC for liability protection. Required before opening a business bank account.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Phoenix Food Establishment Permit

   Issued by the City of Phoenix Environmental Services Division. Required for all catering operations based in Phoenix. Covers the commissary or commercial kitchen where food is prepared. Caterers operating out of a licensed shared-use or commissary kitchen must provide proof of that agreement. Inspections verify food temperature controls, sanitation, and equipment compliance.

   Official government source

   $200–$350/year·2–4 weeks

   $200–$350/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Maricopa County Mobile Food Vehicle Permit (if using catering vehicle)

   Required by Maricopa County Environmental Health if food is transported and served from a vehicle at event locations. Covers vehicle inspection for temperature-maintaining equipment, handwashing facilities, and sanitary food storage. Separate from the base kitchen permit.

   Official government source

   $200–$300/year·2–3 weeks

   $200–$300/year

   2–3 weeks

3. City of Phoenix Business License

   Required for all businesses operating within Phoenix city limits. Obtained through the Phoenix Finance Department. Must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $50/year·1 week

   $50/year

   1 week

Official Sources

• phoenix.gov
• maricopa.gov
• azdor.gov
• azdhs.gov

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