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Catering Business Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $500–$1,500 est. 4–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source for Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Department of Health — Food Service Manager Certification

    Maryland food service facilities are licensed by county health departments under COMAR 10.15.03. The counties covering Annapolis (Anne Arundel), Baltimore, and Silver Spring (Montgomery) require a certified food service manager (accredited exam such as ServSafe) for moderate/high-priority facilities, including caterers and food trucks — the requirement is county-administered, not a single statewide MDH rule.

    Official government source for Maryland Department of Health — Food Service Manager Certification (opens in a new tab)

    $80–$150 (exam and course)1–2 days

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

2 stops

  1. Anne Arundel County Food Service Facility License (Catering)

    Catering businesses operating in Annapolis must obtain a Food Service Facility license from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health (which covers the city). All food must be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen — a catering business may not operate from a private residence or unlicensed kitchen. Plan review and an inspection are required.

    Official government source for Anne Arundel County Food Service Facility License (Catering) (opens in a new tab)

    Fees vary — confirm with Anne Arundel County Department of Health Food Protection Services (410-222-7192)2–6 weeks

  2. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license. The Annapolis Department of Finance does not license businesses. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source for Annapolis — No General Business License Required (opens in a new tab)

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

Terminus

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

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