Catering Business Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

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)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Virginia VDACS Food Manufacturing Permit (if applicable)

   If your catering business also manufactures/packages food products for retail sale (e.g., bottled sauces, jarred items), that packaging/manufacturing operation may require a VDACS food establishment permit and inspection under the Virginia Food and Drink Law — separate from the catering service itself, which falls under the Virginia Department of Health. Confirm applicability and fees with VDACS Office of Dairy & Foods.

   Official government source

   Fees vary; confirm current amount with VDACS Office of Dairy & Foods·2–4 weeks

   Fees vary; confirm current amount with VDACS Office of Dairy & Foods

   2–4 weeks

2. Food Handler Certification

   Virginia requires that catering establishments ensure food handlers are properly trained. At least one person in the catering operation must hold a food safety manager certification from an accredited program (e.g., ServSafe). Virginia Department of Health guidelines apply.

   Official government source

   $100–$200 (exam and certification)·1–4 weeks

   $100–$200 (exam and certification)

   1–4 weeks

3. Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) Business Registration

   All formal business entities operating in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. An LLC is strongly recommended for catering businesses due to liability exposure at events. Filing costs approximately $100.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks

   $100 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks

4. Virginia Department of Taxation Sales Tax Registration

   Catering services in Virginia are generally subject to sales tax. Caterers must register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for a sales tax certificate and collect and remit applicable state and local taxes on taxable services and food sales.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate — Virginia Tax issues your account number and sales tax certificate as soon as you complete the online registration

   Free

   Immediate — Virginia Tax issues your account number and sales tax certificate as soon as you complete the online registration

1. Virginia Beach Health Department Catering Permit

   The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, operating under the Virginia Department of Health, issues food establishment permits to caterers that prepare food off-site and transport it to events in Virginia Beach, under the Virginia Food Regulations (12VAC5-421). A licensed commissary kitchen is required — home kitchens do not qualify. Annual renewal and routine inspections apply.

   Official government source

   Fees are not published online — call VBDPH Environmental Health at 757-518-2700 (option 3) for the current food establishment permit fee·2–4 weeks

   Fees are not published online — call VBDPH Environmental Health at 757-518-2700 (option 3) for the current food establishment permit fee

   2–4 weeks

2. Virginia Beach BPOL License (Business, Professional, Occupational License)

   Virginia Beach requires all businesses to obtain a BPOL license from the Commissioner of Revenue. This is Virginia Beach's primary local business authorization, based on the BPOL system unique to Virginia's independent cities. Catering companies are classified under the service/contractor business category, and fees are based on gross receipts. Must be renewed annually by March 1.

   Official government source

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.20 per $100 of gross receipts (Retail Merchant rate, typical for prepared-food sales).·1–2 weeks

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.20 per $100 of gross receipts (Retail Merchant rate, typical for prepared-food sales).

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Kitchen Arrangement

   Virginia's food-safety rules require caterers preparing food off-site to work out of a permitted food establishment (a commercial or commissary kitchen); whether a written commissary agreement must be filed depends on your operation and Virginia Beach Environmental Health's review. Confirm requirements with VB Environmental Health (757-518-2700). A private home kitchen does not qualify as a permitted commissary. Commissary rental typically costs $15-30/hour or $200-600/month depending on the facility.

   Official government source

   Varies — confirm with VB Environmental Health; commissary rental typically $15-30/hour or $200-600/month·Arranged before licensing

   Varies — confirm with VB Environmental Health; commissary rental typically $15-30/hour or $200-600/month

   Arranged before licensing

Official Sources

• Virginia Department of Health — Virginia Beach Local Health District
• Virginia VDACS — Food Safety
• Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue — Business License (BPOL)
• Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax

Related Guides