Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Des Moines, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $100–$400 est. 1–3 weeks
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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 have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Iowa

2 stops

  1. Iowa Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Iowa. Iowa charges a 6% state sales tax; local option sales taxes of up to 1% may apply. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via eFile & Pay)

  2. Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals — Food Safety Manager Certification

    While cottage food producers may be exempt from food manager certification, it is strongly recommended for food safety best practices.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Des Moines / Polk County

2 stops

  1. Iowa Cottage Food Law

    Iowa allows home food production under the Iowa home food establishment / cottage food exemption (Iowa Code § 137F.20). Non-potentially hazardous foods can be sold directly to consumers at farmers markets and home sales. Current Iowa Code § 137F.20 (as amended by the 2022 cottage food law) contains no annual gross-sales cap.

    Official government source

    Free to $50 (varies by state)1–2 weeks (if registration required)

  2. City of Des Moines Development Services Department — Business License

    Des Moines requires a Business License for regulated businesses and a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. The Development Services Department processes permits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$400 · 1–3 weeks

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Official Sources

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