Catering Business Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

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)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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)

   Free·Immediate (online via bFile)

   Free

   Immediate (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

   $80–$150 (exam and course)

   1–2 days

1. Montgomery County — Food Service Facility License (Catering)

   Catering businesses based in Silver Spring must obtain a Food Service Facility License from Montgomery County DHHS Licensure & Regulatory Services before opening; licenses expire January 31 and must be renewed each year. Catering kitchens and commissaries are licensed establishments, and if you use a shared kitchen you must submit a lease agreement with the application. Confirm current fees with L&R (240-777-3986).

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

   Fees vary by facility type; confirm the current fee with Montgomery County L&R·2–6 weeks

   Fees vary by facility type; confirm the current fee with Montgomery County L&R

   2–6 weeks

2. Montgomery County — No General Business License (activity-specific licenses only)

   Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, so all local permits come from the county. Neither Maryland nor Montgomery County requires a general business license. Only specific activities are licensed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court License Department — e.g., retail sales require a Trader's License; garages, vending machines, and construction have their own licenses. Most service businesses need no county business license; confirm any activity-specific license with the Clerk's License Department (licenses expire April 30 annually).

   Official government source for Montgomery County — No General Business License (activity-specific licenses only) (opens in a new tab)

   $0 for most businesses; Trader's License (retail only) fee varies by inventory value·Not applicable for most businesses; Trader's License typically issued within days

   $0 for most businesses; Trader's License (retail only) fee varies by inventory value

   Not applicable for most businesses; Trader's License typically issued within days

Official Sources

• Montgomery County Health Department
• Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

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