Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-03-13 5 stops $100–$500 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 have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Tennessee

3 stops

  1. Tennessee Cottage Food Registration

    Tennessee's Cottage Food Law (TCA 53-8-117) allows home bakers to sell directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen license, up to $20,000 per year in gross sales. Eligible foods include baked goods, jams, jellies, and candy. You must register with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and label all products with required information including your name, address, and the statement 'Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the state or local health department.'

    Official government source

    Free (registration only)1-2 weeks

  2. Tennessee Food Establishment License (if sales exceed $20,000/year)

    If annual gross sales exceed $20,000, you must move production to a licensed commercial kitchen and obtain a Tennessee food establishment license from the Department of Agriculture. This triggers full commercial kitchen inspections and ongoing compliance requirements.

    Official government source

    $100-$400/year3-6 weeks after commercial kitchen setup

  3. Tennessee Secretary of State Business Registration

    Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Even cottage food operators who want liability protection should register a business entity with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

    Official government source

    $50-$300 depending on entity type1-2 weeks (online filing)

City of Nashville / Davidson County

1 stop

  1. Metro Nashville Home Occupation Permit

    Required if you operate a commercial baking business from a residential property in Nashville. Issued by the Metro Nashville Planning Department. Zoning regulations restrict commercial activity in residential zones, and home occupation permits set limits on signage, traffic, and employees on-site.

    Official government source

    $50-$1502-4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$500 · 2-6 weeks

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Official Sources

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