Catering Business Permit Requirements in Louisville, KY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Updated 2026-03-15 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 Kentucky

2 stops

  1. Kentucky Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or certain services in Kentucky. Kentucky charges a flat 6% state sales tax with no local sales taxes (most transactions). Certain services including telecommunications, digital products, and some repair services are also taxable. Register online with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Kentucky One Stop Business Portal)

  2. Kentucky Department of Public Health — Food Safety Certified Manager Requirement

    Kentucky requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider such as ServSafe.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Louisville / Jefferson County

2 stops

  1. Jefferson County / Louisville Catering / Food Service Establishment License

    Catering businesses operating out of Louisville 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. Louisville Metro Revenue Commission — Business License

    Louisville (Louisville Metro / Jefferson County) requires an Occupational License for all businesses. The Revenue Commission processes license applications and collections. 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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