Permit guides › Washington, D.C. › DC-TR-16

Food Services BBL — Caterer activity (off-site catering): Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

DLCP — Business Licensing Division

What it is

DLCP's Food Services license category includes 'Caterers'. If you prepare food for events held somewhere else, the Caterer activity must be on your Basic Business License, and DC Health inspects the kitchen you cater from.

When a restaurant needs it

Any off-premises catering. DC Health also uses the Caterer category for operators working out of a shared/commissary kitchen.

How to apply

In BOSS, add the Caterer activity to your Food Services Basic Business License (or select it when you first apply). Reference your C of O and DC Health inspection report.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
$99.00 (2-year) or $198.00 (4-year) Food Services license; DLCP does not list a separate caterer fee
Processing time
Varies — online
Renewal
Every 2 or 4 years with the BBL
Who files
Owner or authorized agent in BOSS.

Good to know

Serving alcohol at catered events needs a separate ABCA Caterer's License (DC-TR-17); your restaurant Class C/R or D/R license covers only your own premises.

Official source

DLCP: Food Services category (activities list) · DC Health: shared kitchens, caterers and food manufacturers

Get your personalized Washington, D.C. permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.