Catering Business Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $400–$1,200 est. 3–8 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspection, 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)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all catering businesses selling food and beverages to customers in Texas. Catering services are taxable when food is prepared and served at the customer's location. Apply for free through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal. The combined tax rate in Austin is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Certified Food Manager Certification

    Texas requires each food establishment to employ at least one certified food protection manager - under 25 TAC 228.33(a), at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility must be a certified food protection manager who passed an accredited (ANSI/ANAB-CFP) exam such as ServSafe, Prometric, or National Registry (authorized by Health & Safety Code 437.0076; see also 25 TAC 229.177(b)). State rules do not require the CFM to be on-site at all hours - a person in charge must be present - but a city ordinance may require a CFM on-site at all times, so check the local health department.

    Official government source

    ~$35-$150 depending on provider (exam-only vs course + exam)1–2 days for course and exam; certification issued same day

  3. Texas Food Handler Card

    All food employees (anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces) must complete a DSHS-accredited food handler training course within 30 days of employment (25 TAC 228.31; Health & Safety Code ch. 438). Cards/certificates are valid to the expiration date printed, or 2 years from issuance if none (25 TAC 229.178). Accredited online courses cost roughly $7-$15.

    Official government source

    $7-$15 per employee2–4 hours online; card issued upon completion

City of Austin / Travis County

2 stops

  1. Austin Public Health — Fixed Food Enterprise Permit (Catering Kitchen)

    Caterers operating from a fixed commercial kitchen location in Austin must obtain a Fixed Food Enterprise Permit from Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services. As of October 1, 2025, permit fees are based on gross annual food sales rather than number of employees. A pre-opening inspection is required before a permit is issued. If you rent space in a shared/commissary kitchen, that facility must also hold a valid permit. Contact Austin Public Health at 512-978-0300.

    Official government source

    $178 pre-opening inspection fee + annual permit fee (varies by annual sales volume; contact APH for current fee schedule)2–6 weeks (includes application review, plan review, and inspection)

  2. Travis County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating under a business name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Travis County Clerk in person or by mail. Valid up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspection, and complete certifications

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