Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

Updated 2026-03-14 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 Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Department of Health — Food Service 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–$150 (exam and course)1–2 days

City of Silver Spring / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. Maryland Cottage Food Law

    Maryland allows home bakery operations under its Cottage Food Law. Cottage food products (baked goods, jams, etc.) can be sold directly to consumers without a food facility license. Annual gross sales are limited to $50,000 (raised from $25,000 by HB0178, effective Oct 1, 2022). Products must be labeled with ingredients and the statement "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations."

    Official government source

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

  2. Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services — Business License

    Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County; permits are issued by Montgomery County. 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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