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

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

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $10–$150 est. 1-2 weeks (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 cottage food law, no state permit, license, or inspection is required for cottage food operations. Local governments cannot require fees, permits, or inspections solely for cottage food. You can sell baked goods, candy, jams, and other non-TCS foods directly to consumers.

    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. 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. Requires date-of-production labeling and safe-handling instructions.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

  4. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required if selling taxable items. Most baked goods sold for immediate consumption are taxable; however, many cottage food items sold for off-premise consumption may be exempt. Consult the Texas Comptroller for specifics.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Houston / Harris County

1 stop

  1. City of Houston Business License

    General business registration with the City of Houston. Required for all businesses operating within city limits, including home-based cottage food operations.

    $50-$100/year1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $10–$150 · 1-2 weeks (mostly just completing food handler training)

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Official Sources

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