By Menu & Margin editorial team · Published · Updated
Restaurant licenses & permits
Requirements vary by state, county, and city. Confirm every item with the issuing agency and your attorney or CPA. Full opening path: Opening hub.
Which permits do most U.S. openers need?
The table below lists common permits with an official lookup link. California examples are included where a statewide portal exists; always prefer your local environmental health and building desks for facility permits.
| Permit | Agency | Official link | When needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business entity formation | State secretary of state (CA: Business Entities) | Open agency page | Before contracts, bank accounts, or payroll |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Internal Revenue Service | Open agency page | After entity formation; free via IRS |
| Seller’s permit / sales tax account | State tax agency (CA: CDTFA) | Open agency page | Before collecting sales tax |
| Food facility health permit / plan review | Local environmental health (example: LA County EH Food) | Open agency page | Plan review often before construction; permit before public service |
| Food handler / food protection manager | State/local rules (CA CDPH food handler summary) | Open agency page | Before staff serve food unsupervised—confirm county providers |
| Alcohol license (if serving) | State ABC (CA: California ABC) | Open agency page | Often months of lead time; ask before build-out finishes |
| Building, fire, signage, occupancy | City/county building & fire departments | Open agency page | Permits during build-out; certificate of occupancy before open |
Sources / last checked: agency landing pages linked above · Nov 2026. Building/fire row links to CA SOS as a starting directory only—use your city building portal for permits.
Where do I find fee amounts?
We do not invent national permit prices. Use each agency’s published fee schedule for your address, then enter bids into the startup cost worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need every permit on this table before signing a lease?
- Not always, but confirm zoning/change-of-use and health plan-review timing before non-refundable deposits when you can. Liquor licenses often have the longest lead time—ask early.
- Are the California links required for every U.S. opener?
- No. They are examples. Use your state secretary of state, tax agency, local environmental health department, and city building/fire desks for authoritative fees and forms.
- Is an EIN free?
- Yes. The IRS online EIN application does not charge a fee. Beware third-party sites that charge to file the same form.