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.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $34–$825 est. 3–8 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or if you have employees. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their Social Security Number instead. Apply free online through the IRS.

    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)

    If selling taxable goods in California, you must register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for a seller's permit. Most cottage food products sold directly to consumers may be subject to sales tax. Registration is free.

    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

    Contact LA County Environmental Health for current Class A registration fee (Class B permit is $292; Class A fee is separately scheduled)2–4 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 within the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance. Home-based cottage food operations are included. The annual tax is calculated based on gross receipts; small businesses with annual receipts under $100,000 may qualify for a reduced rate. Apply online through the LA City Business Tax portal.

    Official government source

    $34–$500+ depending on gross receipts (small business exemption available under $100,000/year)1–2 weeks

Terminus

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

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides