Catering Permit Requirements in Las Vegas, NV
Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Las Vegas / Clark County Requirements
4 requirementsCity of Las Vegas Business License
Required for all businesses operating within Las Vegas city limits. Obtained through the City of Las Vegas Department of Planning. Catering companies must list their specific business activity. Renew annually. If operating primarily in unincorporated Clark County, a separate county business license is required instead.
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Food Establishment Permit
Issued by the Southern Nevada Health District. Required for the commissary or base kitchen where catering food is prepared. SNHD inspects for food temperature controls, handwashing facilities, sanitation, and equipment. Caterers using a shared or commissary kitchen must provide a written commissary agreement. Permit class and fee vary by facility size and risk level.
SNHD Catering / Mobile Food Permit
Issued by the Southern Nevada Health District for catering vehicles or off-site food service. Covers temperature-maintaining equipment, handwashing facilities in the vehicle, and sanitary food transport and serving. Required if food is transported and served from a catering vehicle at event locations.
Clark County Business License (if operating in unincorporated areas)
Required if your catering base of operations or service area includes unincorporated Clark County. Issued by the Clark County Business License Department. Many event venues (convention centers, hotels, resort corridors) fall within unincorporated Clark County.
Nevada State Requirements
3 requirementsNevada SilverFlume Business Registration
Nevada's official online business portal (SilverFlume) is the starting point for all business registrations. File your business entity (LLC, corporation, or sole proprietor DBA) through SilverFlume. Nevada LLCs provide strong liability protection — particularly important for catering operations at large events. Includes state business registration and links to other required state filings.
Nevada Food Handler Card
Required by the Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). All food handlers must obtain a valid Food Handler Card from an SNHD-approved training provider. At least one Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe or equivalent) must be present at each catering event. Cards must be renewed periodically.
Nevada Modified Business Tax (MBT) Registration
Businesses with employees in Nevada must register with the Nevada Department of Taxation and file the Modified Business Tax quarterly. Catering companies with event staff, servers, or cooks are subject to MBT. Register through the Nevada Department of Taxation.
Federal Requirements
2 requirementsEmployer Identification Number (EIN)
Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you have employees (catering crew, servers, bartenders), operate as an LLC or corporation, or need a business bank account. Apply online through the IRS website for immediate issuance.
USDA/FDA Food Safety Compliance (if applicable)
Caterers handling certain foods (e.g., USDA-regulated meats) or operating across state lines may have federal food safety obligations. Most local caterers are covered under state/local health permits, but large-scale or interstate operations should review FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements.
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