Catering Business Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $500–$1,500 est. 4–8 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Utah

2 stops

  1. Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

  2. Utah Department of Agriculture and Food — Food Safety Manager Certification

    Utah requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider. Certified food protection manager (CFPM) certification is overseen by DHHS-approved providers under Utah Admin. Code R392-101 — not the Department of Agriculture and Food (which covers farm-level food safety).

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Salt Lake City / Salt Lake County

2 stops

  1. Salt Lake County / Salt Lake City Catering / Food Service Establishment License

    Catering businesses operating out of Salt Lake City must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.

    Official government source

    $200–$500/year2–6 weeks

  2. Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License

    Salt Lake City requires a Business License for all businesses operating within city limits. The Business License Division processes applications and issues licenses by business category. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides