Home Bakery (Cottage Food) Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery (cottage food) in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-03-13 4 stops $50–$600 est. 2–6 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 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 Illinois

2 stops

  1. Illinois Cottage Food Operation — IDPH Framework

    Illinois' Cottage Food Operation Law allows home-based food producers to make and sell non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, fruit pies, jams, jellies, fruit preserves, dry herbs, dry tea blends) directly to consumers for up to $50,000/year in gross sales. Operations are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Chicago residents must additionally comply with Chicago's local cottage food registration (see city-level requirements). An approved Food Protection Manager certificate is required statewide.

    Official government source

    No additional state fee beyond local registrationN/A

  2. Illinois Business Registration (if LLC or corporation)

    If operating as an LLC or corporation in Illinois, register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using their legal name do not need to register. If using a trade name (DBA), file an assumed name certificate with the Cook County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $150–$500 (LLC formation with IL Secretary of State); DBA filing ~$30 with Cook County Clerk1–3 weeks

City of Chicago / Cook County

1 stop

  1. Chicago Department of Public Health — Cottage Food Operation Registration

    Chicago has its own cottage food registration requirement administered by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), separate from the Illinois state cottage food framework. Home bakery operators in Chicago must complete a cottage food application and submit it to CDPH's Food Protection Division. Operators must hold an approved Food Protection Manager certificate. The registration fee is capped at $50 by Illinois state law. Contact CDPH at (312) 746-8030 or [email protected].

    Official government source

    $50 (maximum, set by state law)2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$600 · 2–6 weeks

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Official Sources

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