Catering Business Permit Requirements in Kansas City, MO

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. Missouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%; local rates vary by city and county. Register online with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Missouri Department of Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

   Missouri's state Food Code (19 CSR 20-1.025) does not require a Certified Food Protection Manager; the person in charge must be able to demonstrate food-safety knowledge, and an ANSI-accredited CFPM certificate is one accepted way to do that. Several local health departments (including Kansas City) impose their own food manager/handler permit requirements — check the local health code.

   Official government source

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. Jackson County / Kansas City Catering / Food Service Establishment License

   Caterers operating in Kansas City, MO must obtain a Catering Food Service Permit from the KCMO Health Department (Environmental Public Health Program, 2400 Troost Ave). Application due at least 30 days before opening; fees are paid at the pre-opening inspection; a licensed commissary/commercial kitchen and inspection are required.

   Official government source

   Varies by length of operation per the KCMO Food Establishment Fee Schedule (exact amounts unverified)·2–6 weeks

   Varies by length of operation per the KCMO Food Establishment Fee Schedule (exact amounts unverified)

   2–6 weeks

2. Kansas City City Clerk / Revenue Division — Business License

   Kansas City, MO requires every business operating in the city to register for a city business license with the Finance Department's Revenue Division (Business License Office, Form RD-100 / Quick Tax online). Renewed annually; since Jan 1, 2026 renewals also require business personal-property tax documentation if the business owns/leases tangible assets.

   Official government source

   Fee is calculated from the business's gross receipts under KCMO Code Ch. 40 (varies by business category); no flat range - contact the Revenue Division (816-513-1120) or see the fee tables with Form RD-100.·1–3 weeks

   Fee is calculated from the business's gross receipts under KCMO Code Ch. 40 (varies by business category); no flat range - contact the Revenue Division (816-513-1120) or see the fee tables with Form RD-100.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Jackson County Health Department
• Missouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

Related Guides