Catering Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $500–$1,300 est. 3–8 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspection, and complete certifications
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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 Georgia

3 stops

  1. Georgia Food Safety Certificate

    Georgia requires at least one certified food safety manager per food service establishment. The manager must pass an ANSI-accredited food safety manager exam (ServSafe, Prometric, etc.). Georgia Environmental Health inspectors verify certification during inspections.

    Official government source

    $80–$150 (course + exam)1–2 days

  2. Georgia Sales Tax Registration

    Catering services are taxable in Georgia. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration. The combined rate in Atlanta (Fulton County) is 8.9% (4% state + 4% county + 0.9% special purpose).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  3. Georgia Food Service License (GDPH)

    Some catering operations may also require a food service license through the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) Environmental Health section in addition to the county permit. Verify with Fulton County Environmental Health whether both are required for your type of operation.

    Official government source

    $150–$400 annually2–4 weeks

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  1. Fulton County Board of Health — Food Service Permit

    Caterers operating in Atlanta and Fulton County must obtain a Food Service Permit from the Fulton County Board of Health, Environmental Health Division. A pre-opening inspection of the catering kitchen is required. Caterers must operate from a permitted commercial kitchen or commissary. Contact Fulton County Environmental Health at 404-613-1584.

    Official government source

    $200–$600 annually (based on establishment category and risk level)2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and inspection)

  2. City of Atlanta Business License

    All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain a business license from the Atlanta Office of Revenue. Apply online through the Atlanta City portal.

    Official government source

    $75–$300 annually1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,300 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspection, and complete certifications

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Official Sources

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