Catering Business Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $500–$1,500 est. 4–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Indiana

2 stops

  1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

    Official government source

    $25 one-time registration feeImmediate (online via INBiz)

  2. Indiana Department of Health — Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement

    Indiana's food protection rule (410 IAC 7-26, with certification under 410 IAC 7-22 as amended by HEA 1210) requires every retail food establishment — including catering operations and mobile food units — to employ at least one certified food protection manager. The certification must come from an ANSI/ANAB-accredited program such as ServSafe Manager, the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or Prometric; a basic food handler card does not satisfy it. Certification is typically valid five years, and the certificate holder's name and expiration date must be listed on your local health department permit application.

    Official government source

    Set by the training provider, not the state. Examples listed by Vanderburgh County Health Department: ServSafe Manager class, book and exam about $160; exam only $65; or a $36 ServSafe voucher plus a $45 proctor fee ($81 total)Same day for the exam; 1–2 weeks for the certificate

City of Evansville / Vanderburgh County

2 stops

  1. Vanderburgh County Health Department — Food Permit (Catering)

    A catering business in Evansville must hold a Food Permit from the Vanderburgh County Health Department, which lists Catering as its own establishment category on the food permit application. Food must be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen or commissary that meets Evansville Water & Sewer Utility grease trap requirements — no food preparation, storage, water supply or utensil cleaning may occur in a private residence. Plans and menus are submitted to the Food Section for review, and an on-site inspection is required before the permit is issued. Under 410 IAC 7-24 Section 118 at least one person per facility must be a certified food employee. Permits are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed by March 1 to avoid a late fee.

    Official government source

    Annual permit fee is set by the Vanderburgh County Health Department and is not published online — request the current amount from the Food Section at 812-435-2400 or [email protected]. A late fee applies after March 12–6 weeks (plan review and on-site inspection)

  2. No General Business License in Evansville

    Evansville does not require a general/universal business license for most business types. The City Controller's office issues licenses only for specific activities (e.g., street vending, hotels, pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers) — none apply to a typical service business. Verify zoning compliance and, if applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy with the Area Plan Commission / Building Commission before opening.

    Official government source

    Not applicable (no general license fee)Not applicable

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks

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