Home Bakery (Cottage Food) Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery (cottage food) in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-12 6 stops $10–$120 est. 1-2 days (mostly just completing food handler training)
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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 operating as an LLC or if you have employees. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Texas

4 stops

  1. Texas Cottage Food Operation (No Permit Required)

    Under Texas Health and Safety Code §437 (as amended by SB 541, effective September 1, 2025), no state or local permit, license, inspection, or fee is required to sell non-TCS cottage foods directly to consumers. Dallas local health departments cannot require a permit or impose a fee solely because you are a cottage food operator. Annual gross sales cap is $150,000.

    Official government source

    Free (no permit needed)N/A

  2. Texas Food Handler Card

    Required for all cottage food operators. Must complete a DSHS-accredited food handler training course and keep the certificate on file. Available online from multiple providers.

    Official government source

    $7-$152-4 hours online

  3. DSHS Registration (for TCS Foods only)

    If you sell time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods — such as cheesecakes, cream pies, or custard-filled pastries — you must register with DSHS. Effective September 1, 2025. Registration is free and requires date-of-production labeling and safe-handling instructions on packaging.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

  4. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required if selling taxable items. Most baked goods sold for off-premise consumption may be exempt; items sold for immediate consumption are taxable. Consult the Texas Comptroller for your specific situation.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Dallas / Dallas County

1 stop

  1. Dallas County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If operating under a business name other than your legal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Dallas County Clerk. Under Texas law, local governments cannot require permits, licenses, or fees specifically for cottage food operations. This DBA filing is optional but recommended for opening a business bank account and brand protection.

    Official government source

    $14-$21 (filing fee varies by number of owners)Same day (in-person) or 3-5 business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $10–$120 · 1-2 days (mostly just completing food handler training)

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Official Sources

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