Catering Business Permit Requirements in San Diego, 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

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

   2–3 hours online

2. Certified Food Protection Manager

   At least one Certified Food Protection Manager required per food facility. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam. 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. San Diego County DEH — Food Facility Permit (Caterer)

   Caterers operating in San Diego County (including the City of San Diego - the County DEHQ is the local health enforcement agency countywide) must obtain a health permit from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), Food, Water, and Housing Division. Caterers must operate from a permitted commissary or fixed food facility, and a pre-opening inspection is required. Contact DEHQ at (858) 505-6900.

   Official government source

   $715/year (full-service catering / direct sales catering, DEHQ fee schedule effective July 10, 2026); $526 plan-check fee for new caterer facilities·3–8 weeks (application, plan review, and inspection)

   $715/year (full-service catering / direct sales catering, DEHQ fee schedule effective July 10, 2026); $526 plan-check fee for new caterer facilities

   3–8 weeks (application, plan review, and inspection)

2. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks

3. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

   Required for collecting California sales tax. Catering services with prepared food service are generally taxable. The combined rate in San Diego is 7.75% (state + county). Register free with CDTFA.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

Official Sources

• San Diego County DEH — Food and Housing Division
• City of San Diego — Business Tax
• CDTFA — Register for a Permit

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