Service overview
You need this license to operate a food business in a permanent location where you prepare food to be sold off-site for public consumption. You may need this license for a:
- Commissary.
- Catering company.
- Mobile food establishment that serves food that is prepared at a permanent location.
You do not need a separate caterer license for catering services that are part of a restaurant or banquet hall.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License or Activity License Number
- Plan Review and License Eligibility Report (LER) issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Zoning approval
The location must have proper zoning approval and associated construction permits, if applicable.
To find zoning information, search the Zoning Map.
Tax compliance
The business must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE, or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must:
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Provide a valid email address.