Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery in Seattle, King County, Washington.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $50–$400 est. 1–4 weeks depending on sales volume and permit requirements
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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, obtained instantly online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Washington

3 stops

  1. Washington State Business License

    Required for all businesses in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue. Home bakeries selling directly to consumers must also register for state B&O tax.

    Official government source

    $19/year1–2 weeks

  2. WA Cottage Food Permit (up to $35,000/yr) — WSDA

    Washington's Cottage Food Law (RCW 69.22) allows home bakers to sell non-hazardous baked goods directly to consumers without a licensed commercial facility, up to $35,000 in gross annual sales (RCW 69.22.050, CPI-adjusted by WSDA every 4 years). A WSDA Cottage Food Permit IS required before selling — this is not a permit-free exemption. Allowed foods include breads, cookies, cakes, jams, and similar shelf-stable items; products must be labeled with your name, permit address, and allergen info.

    Official government source

    FreeNo waiting period

  3. WA Dept of Agriculture Food Processor License (over $25,000/yr)

    If you exceed $25,000 in annual cottage food sales or wish to sell through retail stores or online platforms, you must obtain a Food Processor License from the WA Department of Agriculture and operate from a licensed commercial kitchen.

    Official government source

    $85–$250/year2–4 weeks

City of Seattle / King County

2 stops

  1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

    Required for all businesses operating in Seattle, including home-based food businesses. Issued by City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services. Home bakers selling directly to consumers must hold a current certificate.

    Official government source

    $110/year1–2 weeks

  2. Seattle Home Occupation Permit

    Required if you operate a business from a residential property in Seattle. Issued by SDCI. Home bakeries must comply with limitations on signage, customer visits, employees on-site, and storage of commercial goods.

    Official government source

    $100–$2502–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$400 · 1–4 weeks depending on sales volume and permit requirements

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Official Sources

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