Catering Business Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri.

Verified 2026-08-28 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 Missouri

2 stops

  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

    FreeImmediate (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–$1501–2 days

City of St. Louis / St. Louis City

2 stops

  1. City of St. Louis — Permanent Food Permit (catering)

    Catering businesses operating in the City of St. Louis must obtain a permanent food permit from the City Department of Health (Food and Beverage Control Program) and pass a pre-opening inspection. Prerequisites include an Occupancy Permit from the Building Division and a business license; facilities must meet commercial kitchen standards (hot/cold water, handwashing, refrigeration, designated food safety manager). Permit fees are not published online — confirm current fees with the program at 314-657-1539.

    Official government source

    Fees vary; confirm with the City Department of Health Food and Beverage Control Program2–6 weeks

  2. City of St. Louis License Collector — Business License

    St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of St. Louis County) and requires a Graduated Business License (GBL) from the License Collector's Office before commencing business. The license must be renewed annually; renewal applications and payment are due before June 1 to avoid penalties.

    Official government source

    $200 initial fee ($100 if starting between January 1 and May 31); annual renewal is graduated by number of St. Louis employees, from $200 (0-2 employees) up to $37,5001–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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