Home Bakery (Cottage Food) Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery (cottage food) in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $34–$825 est. 3–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate

State of California

2 stops

  1. California Cottage Food Operation Registration (CDPH)

    The California Department of Public Health oversees the statewide Cottage Food Operation (CFO) program established under AB 1616 (the California Homemade Food Act). The actual permits and registrations are issued at the county level. CDPH provides the regulatory framework and approved food list. No separate state registration is required beyond what the county issues.

    Official government source

    No separate state fee — regulated at county levelN/A

  2. California Seller's Permit (if applicable)

    Most cottage food (cold baked goods and similar items sold to-go) is not subject to California sales tax. A free CDTFA seller's permit is needed only if you make taxable sales (e.g., hot prepared foods, sales for on-premises consumption, or taxable non-food items).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

3 stops

  1. LA County Cottage Food Operation — Class A Registration

    Class A cottage food operators sell directly to consumers only (farmers markets, roadside stands, internet sales for local pickup, personal transactions). Registration is issued by the LA County Department of Public Health Environmental Health division. Class A does not require a home kitchen inspection. You must complete an ANSI-accredited food handler course within 3 months of registration and renew every 3 years. Annual sales cap is approximately $86,206 (inflation-adjusted from $75,000 base).

    Official government source

    $118 Class A registration (LA County DPH Environmental Health); label reviews after the initial application may incur $167/hour2–4 weeks

  2. LA County Cottage Food Operation — Class B Permit (if wholesaling)

    Class B cottage food operators may sell indirectly through third-party retailers, restaurants, or other venues in addition to direct sales. A home kitchen inspection is required before the permit is issued. Annual sales cap is approximately $172,411 (inflation-adjusted). Label review fees may apply at $167/hour for labels beyond the initial set. Required only if you plan to sell wholesale.

    Official government source

    $292 (includes permit and initial review)4–8 weeks (includes home inspection scheduling)

  3. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration is free. The annual business tax is based on gross receipts; businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less owe $0 under the Small Business Exemption if the annual renewal is filed on time. The first year is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first renewal.

    Official government source

    $0 to register; annual tax gross-receipts-based ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal filed on time)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $34–$825 · 3–8 weeks

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