Catering Business Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $900–$2,000 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

2 stops

  1. California Food Handler Card (AB 1978)

    All food handlers employed by a food facility in California must obtain a California Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for 3 years. Accredited online courses are available for as little as $7–$15.

    Official government source

    $7–$15 per employee2–3 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

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

3 stops

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

    Caterers operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County must obtain a Public Health Permit from LA County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division. For caterers within the City of Los Angeles, contact the LA County Environmental Health Services as the County administers food safety for most of LA city. A pre-opening inspection is required. Caterers operating from a commissary must have both their business and the commissary permitted. Contact LA County Environmental Health at 888-700-9995.

    Official government source

    $650–$1,200 annually (based on seating capacity and risk level); plan check fee if new construction3–8 weeks (application, plan check, and pre-opening inspection)

  2. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in the City of LA must register with the LA City Office of Finance. For caterers, the applicable tax category is typically 'Services.' New businesses receive a first-year exemption if gross receipts are under $100,000.

    Official government source

    $0 first year (new business exemption under $100K); $150–$500/year thereafter1–2 weeks

  3. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

    Required for collecting California sales tax on taxable food sales. Catering services where food is prepared and served are generally taxable in California. The combined rate in the City of Los Angeles is 10.25% (state + county + city). Register free with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $900–$2,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides