Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Meridian, ID

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via TAP)

   Free

   Immediate (online via TAP)

2. Certified Food Protection Manager Training (recommended, not required for cottage food)

   Idaho's Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act (Senate Bill 1283, signed March 20, 2026) removed licensing and regulatory requirements from the public health districts for anyone producing food in a home kitchen and selling it directly to consumers in Idaho, including online sales. A home baker operating that way needs no permit and no Certified Food Protection Manager credential. CFPM certification from an ANSI-accredited provider is still worth having — it is what wholesale accounts, farmers markets, and commercial kitchens often ask for, and it becomes mandatory the moment you step outside the direct-to-consumer exemption.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited CFPM course and exam (ServSafe, Prometric, NRFSP and similar); $0 required by Idaho for a direct-to-consumer home baker.·1–2 days for the course and exam; certification is typically valid five years.

   $80–$150 for an ANSI-accredited CFPM course and exam (ServSafe, Prometric, NRFSP and similar); $0 required by Idaho for a direct-to-consumer home baker.

   1–2 days for the course and exam; certification is typically valid five years.

1. Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act (Home Food Production)

   Idaho allows home food producers to sell directly to consumers under the Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act (Idaho Code Title 37, Ch. 2, eff. March 2026). No license, registration, or inspection is required. Sellers must give consumers a written notice that the product is not government-inspected and disclose ingredients/allergens. Wholesale sales remain separately regulated.

   Official government source

   Free (no license required)·N/A (no registration required)

   Free (no license required)

   N/A (no registration required)

2. City of Meridian — No General Business License

   Meridian does not require a general business license, and there is no annual renewal or display requirement. A new business moving into a commercial space typically needs a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and a Certificate of Occupancy from Community Development before opening. Only specific activities need a license or permit from the City Clerk's Office: alcohol licenses and catering permits, mobile sales units, temporary use permits, vehicle immobilization, fireworks, pawnbroker and precious metal dealer licenses, and dog licensing. Most businesses need none of these.

   Official government source

   $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own fees·N/A — no general business license to apply for

   $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own fees

   N/A — no general business license to apply for

Official Sources

• Idaho Cottage Food Law
• City of Meridian Development Services

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