Catering Business Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Seattle, King County, Washington.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $700–$1,600 est. 3–6 weeks to obtain permits and secure commissary
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Washington

2 stops

  1. Washington State Business License

    Required for all businesses in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue. Registers the business for state B&O tax and sales tax collection on taxable catering services.

    Official government source

    $19/year1–2 weeks

  2. Food Worker Card

    All food service employees in Washington State must obtain a Food Worker Card by completing an accredited food safety training course. Cards are valid for 2 years and must be obtained within 2 weeks of starting work.

    Official government source

    $10 per employeeSame day (online or in-person course)

City of Seattle / King County

3 stops

  1. King County Public Health Catering Establishment Permit

    Required for all catering businesses operating in King County. Issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County. Caterers must operate from an approved commissary kitchen and undergo an inspection. Permit category and fee depend on annual food sales volume.

    Official government source

    $400–$500/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

    Required for all businesses operating in Seattle. Issued by City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services. Must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $110/year1–2 weeks

  3. Commissary Kitchen Agreement

    King County Public Health requires catering businesses to operate from a licensed commercial commissary kitchen for food prep, storage, and equipment cleaning. A signed agreement with the commissary must be submitted with your permit application.

    Official government source

    $400–$1,200/month (commissary rental cost)Secured before permit application

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$1,600 · 3–6 weeks to obtain permits and secure commissary

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Official Sources

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