Restaurant permits and licenses in Oregon
The statewide credentials every restaurant needs to operate in Oregon, plus city-specific guides for the cities we cover.
This page covers only the Oregon statewide credentials for restaurants. Federal credentials that apply nationwide are on the Restaurants overview, and each city layers its own permits on top.
The credentials below are the Oregon-wide requirements that apply to every restaurant in the state. Each city and county layers its own permits, fees, and inspections on top. To see the requirements for a specific city, choose it from the Oregon cities list below.
Oregon credential overview
| Credential | Level | Fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Business Registration (LLC, Corporation, or Assumed Business Name) | State | $100 for an LLC or Corporation, $50 for an Assumed Business Name | Annual for an LLC or Corporation, every 2 years for an Assumed Business Name |
| Combined Employer's Registration (Oregon BIN) | State | $0 (free) | None (one-time) |
| Oregon Food Handler Card and Food Manager Certification | State | $10 maximum for the food handler card | Every 3 years for food handler cards |
| Oregon Food Service Facility License | State | Set by each county. See your city page for local amounts. | Annual |
| Restaurant Plan Review | State | Set by each county. See your city page for local amounts. | None (one-time per build or remodel) |
| Full On-Premises Sales License | State | $800 per year | Annual |
| OLCC Alcohol Service Permit | State | $23 application fee | Every 5 years |
Oregon cities
City and county rules stack on top of the statewide credentials.
Each restaurant credential in Oregon, explained
Grouped by the level of government that issues it, broadest first. Every restaurant in Oregon needs these regardless of city.
State level
7 credentials
Oregon Business Registration (LLC, Corporation, or Assumed Business Name)
Registers your legal entity or trade name with the state so your company can operate in Oregon. You file Articles of Organization or an Assumed Business Name to claim your restaurant's identity.
- Issued by
- Oregon Secretary of State
- Fee
- $100 for an LLC or Corporation, $50 for an Assumed Business Name
- Renewal
- Annual for an LLC or Corporation, every 2 years for an Assumed Business Name
- Processing
- Immediate to 2 weeks
Combined Employer's Registration (Oregon BIN)
An Oregon Business Identification Number required for all businesses with paid employees. It is used to report and pay state payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, and workers benefit fund assessments.
- Issued by
- Oregon Department of Revenue
- Fee
- $0 (free)
- Renewal
- None (one-time)
- Processing
- 14 to 30 business days online
Oregon Food Handler Card and Food Manager Certification
A mandatory food safety card for all food service workers within 30 days of hire. Food manager certification is currently optional, but Oregon will require at least one certified food protection manager per restaurant by 2029, and one on-site at all times by 2031.
- Fee
- $10 maximum for the food handler card
- Renewal
- Every 3 years for food handler cards
- Processing
- Immediate upon course completion
Oregon Food Service Facility License
The core health license required to legally prepare and serve food to the public under state law (ORS 624). Though governed by statewide health rules, it is processed, issued, and priced by your local county health department.
- Fee
- Set by each county. See your city page for local amounts.
- Renewal
- Annual
- Processing
- 2 to 8 weeks
Restaurant Plan Review
A mandatory health and safety review of your restaurant's blueprints, equipment layout, and menu before any construction or remodeling begins. Like the food service license, it is mandated by the state but administered by the county.
- Fee
- Set by each county. See your city page for local amounts.
- Renewal
- None (one-time per build or remodel)
- Processing
- 2 to 4 weeks
Full On-Premises Sales License
The primary commercial liquor license that lets a restaurant sell and serve distilled spirits, beer, wine, and cider for on-site consumption. Only required if your restaurant serves alcohol.
- Fee
- $800 per year
- Renewal
- Annual
- Processing
- 4 to 8 weeks
OLCC Alcohol Service Permit
A state certification for any individual mixing, serving, or selling alcohol. Workers must complete an approved education course and pass an OLCC exam before they can begin serving.
- Fee
- $23 application fee
- Renewal
- Every 5 years
- Processing
- 1 to 2 weeks
Oregon-specific things to watch for
Frequently asked questions
How much is a restaurant license in Oregon?
There is no flat statewide fee. The license is mandated by the Oregon Health Authority but priced and issued by the county health department where your restaurant is located. Annual fees typically range from $400 to over $1,200 depending on your county and seating capacity.
Do I need a food manager certification in Oregon?
Currently it is recommended but optional. Oregon is phasing in a requirement: every restaurant must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager by January 1, 2029, and a certified manager on-site during all operating hours by January 1, 2031.
Can I serve alcohol while waiting for my OLCC permit?
No. Oregon eliminated the old 45-day grace period in 2025. Workers must complete the online training and pass the exam to receive a Temporary Service Permit before they can legally mix or serve alcohol.
How long does it take to get a liquor license in Oregon?
Most OLCC investigations take 4 to 8 weeks, but you must also factor in the prerequisite local government recommendation, so the end-to-end process frequently takes 8 to 12 weeks.
You just read through every credential your restaurant needs in Oregon.
Each one has a different renewal date, a different fee, and a different agency. CredentiAlert tracks all of them and reminds you before any of them lapse, so you can spend your time running your business, not managing a renewal calendar.
- IRS, Apply for an EIN
- Oregon Secretary of State, Business
- Oregon Dept. of Revenue, Withholding & Payroll Tax (BIN)
- Oregon Health Authority, Restaurant Licensing
- Oregon Health Authority, Food Handler Certification
- OLCC, Liquor Licensing
- OLCC, Alcohol Service Permits
Last verified 2026-06-02. Requirements change. Always confirm with the issuing department before applying.