Catering Business Permit Requirements in El Paso, 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 a customer's location) are taxable. The combined tax rate in El Paso is 8.25% (6.25% state + 2% local). Apply for free through the Texas Comptroller's 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 El Paso — Food Establishment Permit (Catering/Mobile Food)

   Caterers in El Paso must hold a Food Establishment Permit from the City of El Paso Department of Public Health Food Inspection Program. Fixed commercial kitchens permit as fixed food establishments; caterers using a commissary must use a permitted facility. A plan review/site assessment and pre-opening inspection are required before the permit is issued. Applications are processed at the One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., (915) 212-6610.

   Official government source

   Tiered by facility size - see the Food Inspection Program fee schedule (since Sept. 1, 2025, Texas SB 1008 caps local food permit fees at the state DSHS fee schedule)·2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and pre-opening inspection)

   Tiered by facility size - see the Food Inspection Program fee schedule (since Sept. 1, 2025, Texas SB 1008 caps local food permit fees at the state DSHS fee schedule)

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

2. El Paso County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating your catering business under any name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the El Paso County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)·Same day to 1 week

   $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)

   Same day to 1 week

3. City of El Paso Fire Marshal Inspection

   Commercial kitchens and catering facilities in El Paso require a fire safety inspection by the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office before the Environmental Health permit is issued. Inspectors verify proper suppression systems, fire extinguishers, and compliance with fire code requirements for food service operations.

   Official government source

   Confirm current fire inspection fees with the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office·1–3 weeks to schedule and complete

   Confirm current fire inspection fees with the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office

   1–3 weeks to schedule and complete

Official Sources

• City of El Paso — Environmental Health Food Establishment Permits
• El Paso County Clerk
• City of El Paso — Fire Prevention
• Texas DSHS — Food Establishments
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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