Catering Business Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

$500 -- $1200 3–6 weeks to complete permits and secure commissary 5 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Denver / Denver County Requirements

2 requirements
1

DDPHE Catering Food Establishment License

Required for all catering businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. Caterers must operate from an approved commissary or licensed commercial kitchen. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

$200–$350/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection
Official government source
2

Denver Business License

Required for all businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses. Must be obtained in addition to the health department catering license.

$25–$50/year1–2 weeks
Official government source

Colorado State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Colorado CDPHE Retail Food Establishment License

Required for catering operations in Colorado. Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. In Denver, the local DDPHE license typically satisfies this requirement through a concurrent inspection process.

$100–$300/year2–4 weeks
Official government source
2

Colorado Sales Tax License

Required for catering businesses that sell taxable food and beverages. Issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Caterers must collect and remit Colorado sales tax (2.9%) plus applicable Denver city taxes.

$16/yearImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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