Catering Business Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 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 New Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

  2. New Jersey Department of Health — Food Manager Certification

    New Jersey 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–$150 (exam and course)1–2 days

City of Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. City of Paterson Division of Health — Food Service Establishment License

    Catering businesses operating out of Paterson must obtain a retail food establishment license from the City of Paterson's Division of Health (Department of Health & Human Services, Environmental Health / Environmental Food Retail program) — Passaic County does not administer Paterson's food licensing. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection, and operations must comply with N.J.A.C. 8:24, Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments.

    Official government source

    Fee set by City ordinance and not published online; confirm with the Division of Health (973-321-1277)2–6 weeks

  2. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

    Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

Terminus

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

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