Catering Business Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all catering businesses in Texas. Catering services (prepared food served at customer's location) are taxable. The combined tax rate in Dallas is 8.25%. Apply free through the Texas Comptroller eSystems portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (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; certification issued same day

   ~$35-$150 depending on provider (exam-only vs course + exam)

   1–2 days; 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 employee·2–4 hours online; card issued upon completion

   $7-$15 per employee

   2–4 hours online; card issued upon completion

1. City of Dallas — Food Establishment Permit (Catering)

   Caterers operating from a fixed commercial kitchen in Dallas must obtain a Food Establishment Permit from the City of Dallas Consumer Health Division (Code Compliance Services Department). Fees are based on gross annual sales, and inspections are charged separately. Caterers without a fixed location must operate from a permitted commissary. Contact Dallas Consumer Health at 214-670-8083.

   Official government source

   $258, $515, or $773 per year (gross annual sales <$50,000 / $50,000-$149,999 / $150,000+), plus $150 per inspection (2025 City of Dallas retail food fee schedule)·2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and pre-opening inspection)

   $258, $515, or $773 per year (gross annual sales <$50,000 / $50,000-$149,999 / $150,000+), plus $150 per inspection (2025 City of Dallas retail food fee schedule)

   2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and pre-opening inspection)

2. Dallas County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating under a business name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Dallas County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)·Same day to 1 week

   $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• City of Dallas — Environmental Health
• Texas DSHS — Food Establishments
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Dallas County Clerk

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