Catering Business Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California Food Handler Card (HSC §113948)

   Food handlers must obtain a food handler card from an ANSI/ANAB-accredited program within 30 days of hire; cards are valid 3 years. Under SB 476 (eff. 2024), the employer must pay card costs and compensate training time.

   Official government source

   $7–$15 per card, payable by the employer (SB 476)·2–3 hours online; card issued upon completion

   $7–$15 per card, payable by the employer (SB 476)

   2–3 hours online; card issued upon completion

2. Certified Food Protection Manager

   California requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food facility. The manager must pass an ANSI-accredited exam (ServSafe, Prometric, NRFSP, etc.). The certificate must be posted at the facility.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 (course + exam)·1–2 days

   $80–$150 (course + exam)

   1–2 days

1. LA County Environmental Health — Public Health Permit (Caterer)

   Caterers in Los Angeles County — including the City of Los Angeles, which has no city health department — must obtain an annual Public Health Permit from the LA County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division. Fees are set by facility square footage. A pre-opening inspection is required, and caterers operating from a commissary must have both the business and the commissary permitted. Contact LA County Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995.

   Official government source

   $2,179–$3,018/year depending on facility square footage (FY 2025-26: $2,179 for 0–999 sq ft; $2,379 for 1,000–1,999 sq ft; $3,018 for 2,000+ sq ft); plan-check fees additional for new construction·3–8 weeks (application, plan check, and pre-opening inspection)

   $2,179–$3,018/year depending on facility square footage (FY 2025-26: $2,179 for 0–999 sq ft; $2,379 for 1,000–1,999 sq ft; $3,018 for 2,000+ sq ft); plan-check fees additional for new construction

   3–8 weeks (application, plan check, and pre-opening inspection)

2. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration itself has no fee. The first year of business is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first annual renewal. Businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less pay $0 tax under the Small Business Exemption, provided the annual renewal is filed on time.

   Official government source

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)·1–2 weeks

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)

   1–2 weeks

3. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

   Required for collecting California sales tax on taxable food sales. Catering where food is prepared and served is generally taxable in California. The combined sales tax rate in the City of Los Angeles is 9.75% (state + county + district). Register free with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

Official Sources

• LA County Environmental Health Services
• City of LA Office of Finance — Business Tax
• CDTFA — Register for a Permit or License

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