Catering Business Permit Requirements in Meridian, ID

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via TAP)

   Free

   Immediate (online via TAP)

2. Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification

   Idaho's food code requires every licensed food establishment — including mobile food units and caterers — to have at least one person in a management or supervisory role certified as a Food Protection Manager. Certification must come from an ANSI-CFP accredited programme such as ServSafe, Prometric, or NRFSP. Your health district (Central District Health for Ada County, Southwest District Health for Canyon County) will ask for the certificate as part of licensing, and Southwest District Health teaches in-person CFPM courses. Cottage food producers selling direct to consumers under Idaho's Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act are outside this requirement.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, depending on provider and format·1–2 days for the course and exam; certification is typically valid five years.

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited course and exam, depending on provider and format

   1–2 days for the course and exam; certification is typically valid five years.

1. Central District Health — Food Establishment License

   Catering businesses operating out of Meridian must hold a Food Establishment License from Central District Health, the health district covering Ada County. You need a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary), a plan review, and a pre-operational on-site inspection before the license is issued.

   Official government source

   $200/year ($250 if more than two licenses are held on one premise), plus a one-time $100 plan review fee·Apply at least 30 days before opening; longer if new construction or an extensive remodel requires plan review

   $200/year ($250 if more than two licenses are held on one premise), plus a one-time $100 plan review fee

   Apply at least 30 days before opening; longer if new construction or an extensive remodel requires plan review

2. City of Meridian — No General Business License

   Meridian does not require a general business license, and there is no annual renewal or display requirement. A new business moving into a commercial space typically needs a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and a Certificate of Occupancy from Community Development before opening. Only specific activities need a license or permit from the City Clerk's Office: alcohol licenses and catering permits, mobile sales units, temporary use permits, vehicle immobilization, fireworks, pawnbroker and precious metal dealer licenses, and dog licensing. Most businesses need none of these.

   Official government source

   $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own fees·N/A — no general business license to apply for

   $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own fees

   N/A — no general business license to apply for

Official Sources

• Ada County Health Department
• Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

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