Catering Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in New York City, New York (Manhattan) County, New York.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $600–$1,500 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspections, and complete certifications
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New York

2 stops

  1. New York Food Protection Certificate

    The NYC Health Code requires each food service establishment (including caterers) to have a supervisor with a Food Protection Certificate on site during all hours of operation. Obtain it by completing the NYC DOHMH Food Protection Course: the in-person classroom course costs $114 (15 hours over 5 days), or take the free online course and pass the in-person final exam ($24 exam fee). The certificate does not expire.

    Official government source

    $114 (in-person course) or free online course + $24 in-person final exam1–2 days for course; exam scheduled separately

  2. New York Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Catering services in New York are generally taxable. The combined sales tax rate in New York City is 8.875% (4% state + 4.5% city + 0.375% MTA). Register free with the NY Dept of Taxation and Finance for a Certificate of Authority (vendor's permit) before making any taxable sales.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

City of New York City / New York (Manhattan) County

2 stops

  1. NYC Dept of Health — Catering Food Service Establishment Permit

    Caterers operating in New York City must obtain a Food Service Establishment permit from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). All food must be prepared in a permitted food service establishment, and a pre-permit inspection is required. Off-site catering at venues must comply with the NYC Health Code.

    Official government source

    $280 (flat) + $25 if making frozen desserts3–8 weeks (application, pre-permit inspection)

  2. No DCWP license; DBA via borough County Clerk if using a trade name

    New York City does not require a general DCWP registration for catering businesses — the required city permit is the DOHMH Food Service Establishment permit (listed separately). If operating under a trade name as a sole proprietorship or partnership, file a Business Certificate (DBA) with the County Clerk of the borough where the business is located ($100 in New York County). LLCs and corporations register with the NY Department of State instead.

    Official government source

    $0 city registration; $100 County Clerk Business Certificate if using a trade name1–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspections, and complete certifications

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Official Sources

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