Catering Business Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Houston, Harris 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)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all catering businesses. Catering services in Texas are taxable when food and beverages are prepared and served at the customer's location. The combined sales tax rate in Houston is 8.25% (6.25% state + 2% local). Apply for free through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

    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

  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 Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. Houston Health Department — Food Dealer's Operating Permit

    Required for all catering businesses operating within Houston city limits. The Houston Health Department inspector must inspect and approve your commercial kitchen facility before issuing the permit. As of September 1, 2025, Houston aligns its food permit categories and fee structure with Texas DSHS standards. Food prepared in or obtained from an unlicensed private home is prohibited under the Houston Food Ordinance — caterers must use a licensed commercial or commissary kitchen. Permits expire one year from issuance and must be renewed annually. Contact the Houston Health Department at 832-393-5100.

    Official government source

    $224.44–$739.44/year by risk classification, plus $33.56 administrative fee and inspection fee ($112.57 or $225.14)2–6 weeks (application review, plan review, and inspection)

  2. Harris County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating under any name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Harris County Clerk in person at any of 11 locations or by mail. Valid 1–10 years.

    Official government source

    $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarizedSame 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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