Catering Business Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all catering businesses. Prepared food and beverages served at customer events are taxable in Texas. The combined tax rate in San Antonio is 8.25%. Free online registration 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. San Antonio Metropolitan Health District — Food Establishment Permit

   Caterers operating in San Antonio must obtain a Food Establishment Permit from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) Environmental Health Division. A pre-opening inspection is required before the permit is issued. Caterers without a fixed kitchen must use an approved commissary that holds a valid permit. Contact SAMHD Environmental Health at 210-207-8853.

   Official government source

   $310/year (gross food sales $0–$49,999), $618/year ($50,000–$149,999), or $928/year ($150,000+); reinspection $150; pre-CO consultation inspection $139·2–6 weeks (application review, plan review if new construction, and inspection)

   $310/year (gross food sales $0–$49,999), $618/year ($50,000–$149,999), or $928/year ($150,000+); reinspection $150; pre-CO consultation inspection $139

   2–6 weeks (application review, plan review if new construction, and inspection)

2. Bexar County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

   Official government source

   $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)·Same day to 1 week

   $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• San Antonio Metropolitan Health District — Food Establishments
• Texas DSHS — Food Establishments
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

Related Guides