Catering Business Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $500–$1,200 est. 6-12 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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Michigan

3 stops

  1. MDARD Food Establishment License for Catering

    The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) may require a food establishment license for catering operations serving food at multiple locations or counties throughout the state. Required in addition to local county licenses.

    Official government source

    $130-$400/year4-8 weeks

  2. MI Sales Tax License

    Required by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Catering services in Michigan are generally subject to sales tax when food and service are bundled. Operators must register and collect and remit Michigan sales tax.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

  3. Food Safety Manager Certification

    Michigan requires at least one certified food safety manager per catering operation. ServSafe or equivalent ANAB-accredited certifications are accepted. All food handlers should also complete a food handler training program.

    Official government source

    $15-$1501-2 weeks

City of Detroit / Wayne County

3 stops

  1. Detroit Health Department / Wayne County — Catering Food Service License

    Catering food-service licensing depends on where your kitchen operates: WITHIN Detroit city limits it is the Detroit Health Department; in Wayne County OUTSIDE Detroit it is the Wayne County Environmental Health Section. Includes a commissary/commercial kitchen inspection and review of food safety procedures.

    Official government source

    Fee set by the licensing health department — confirm current amount (needs_review)3-6 weeks

  2. City of Detroit Business License

    Issued by Detroit BSEED, this is the base business license required for commercial operation in Detroit. Catering businesses based in Detroit must hold this license in addition to the county health permit.

    Official government source

    $50-$100/year1-2 weeks

  3. Commissary Kitchen Arrangement

    Michigan requires caterers to prepare food in a licensed commercial kitchen. A written agreement with an approved commissary is required as part of the licensing process. The commissary must be inspected by the health department that licenses it (Detroit Health Department inside city limits; Wayne County Environmental Health outside).

    $300-$800/month (commissary rental)1-3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,200 · 6-12 weeks

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Official Sources

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