Catering Business Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington State Business License

   Required for most 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

   $50 (initial processing fee) + $5/year renewal, plus applicable endorsement fees·1–2 weeks

   $50 (initial processing fee) + $5/year renewal, plus applicable endorsement fees

   1–2 weeks

2. Food Worker Card

   All food service workers in Washington must obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 calendar days of beginning work at a food service establishment (WAC 246-217-015). For temporary food establishments the person in charge on each shift must already hold a valid card before the event. Getting the card means at least 30 minutes of instruction plus a written exam scored 80% or better, given by the local health jurisdiction - Public Health - Seattle & King County for Seattle. Initial cards are valid 2 years; renewal cards are valid 3 years, or 5 years if you document additional food safety training within the prior 2 years. Any card issued in Washington is valid statewide, and employers must keep copies on file.

   Official government source

   $10 per worker, set statewide by WAC 246-217-025. Employers may pay it, but the fee is the same at every local health jurisdiction.·Same day - the training and exam are completed online or in person and the card is issued immediately on passing.

   $10 per worker, set statewide by WAC 246-217-025. Employers may pay it, but the fee is the same at every local health jurisdiction.

   Same day - the training and exam are completed online or in person and the card is issued immediately on passing.

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 prepare food in an approved commissary kitchen and pass an inspection; the permit fee depends on the risk category of the food served.

   Official government source

   Annual caterer permit: $567 (Risk 1), $756 (Risk 2), or $945 (Risk 3) for 2026. The permit year runs April 1 to March 31 and the first year is prorated (100/75/50/25 percent by quarter of entry). Plan review is billed separately: a 4-hour base fee of $1,008 plus $252 an hour for new construction, or $756 plus $252 an hour for a remodel. Changing your commissary costs $25.·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

   Annual caterer permit: $567 (Risk 1), $756 (Risk 2), or $945 (Risk 3) for 2026. The permit year runs April 1 to March 31 and the first year is prorated (100/75/50/25 percent by quarter of entry). Plan review is billed separately: a 4-hour base fee of $1,008 plus $252 an hour for new construction, or $756 plus $252 an hour for a remodel. Changing your commissary costs $25.

   2–4 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

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

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

   $400–$1,200/month (commissary rental cost)

   Secured before permit application

Official Sources

• Public Health — Seattle & King County: Catering
• City of Seattle: Business License Tax Certificate
• Washington DOR: Apply for a Business License
• Public Health — Seattle & King County: Food Worker Cards

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