Catering Business Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.

Updated 2026-03-14 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. 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 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 Handler Requirement

    Indiana requires all food establishments to have at least one certified food handler. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider.

    Official government source

    $15–$20 per personSame day (online)

City of Indianapolis / Marion County

2 stops

  1. Marion County / Indianapolis Catering / Food Service Establishment License

    Catering businesses operating out of Indianapolis must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.

    Official government source

    $200–$500/year2–6 weeks

  2. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

    Indianapolis (Marion County) requires a Commercial Zoning Certificate and may require a Business License depending on the business type. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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