Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)·1–2 weeks

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)

   1–2 weeks

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

   Washington's Cottage Food Law (RCW 69.22, WAC 16-149) lets a resident make non-potentially-hazardous foods - baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, dry spice blends, dry tea blends - in their primary residential kitchen. A WSDA Cottage Food Permit must be issued before you sell anything; this is not a permit-free exemption. Gross sales of cottage food products may not exceed $35,000 annually (WAC 16-149.040). Products may be sold only directly to the consumer, never wholesale for resale, and only products WSDA has pre-approved may be made. Labels must carry your name, permit address, and allergen information. The permit covers only the applicant and the residence named on the application.

   Official government source

   $355 application fee, nonrefundable once received, covering a two-year permit. Adding new products requires an addendum with a $30 application processing fee plus a $75 public health review fee, and a $125 inspection fee may also apply (WAC 16-149.070).·On average 6-8 weeks from the time WSDA receives a complete application until the permit is issued. You may not sell before the permit is issued.

   $355 application fee, nonrefundable once received, covering a two-year permit. Adding new products requires an addendum with a $30 application processing fee plus a $75 public health review fee, and a $125 inspection fee may also apply (WAC 16-149.070).

   On average 6-8 weeks from the time WSDA receives a complete application until the permit is issued. You may not sell before the permit is issued.

3. WSDA Food Processor License (cottage food sales over $35,000/yr or wholesale)

   If your cottage food gross sales exceed $35,000 a year, or you want to sell wholesale through retail stores or online platforms rather than direct to consumers, you must obtain a Food Processor License from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and operate from a licensed facility. The license is annual and covers only the products and processes listed on the approved application.

   Official government source

   Annual license fee set by gross annual sales (RCW 69.07.040): $92 for $0-$50,000; $147 for $50,001-$500,000; $262 for $500,001-$1,000,000; $427 for $1,000,001-$5,000,000; $585 for $5,000,001-$10,000,000; $862 above $10,000,000. New operators pay based on estimated first-year sales.·After WSDA receives the completed application and license fee, a Food Safety Compliance Specialist contacts you to schedule an inspection of the facility; the license is issued after that inspection.

   Annual license fee set by gross annual sales (RCW 69.07.040): $92 for $0-$50,000; $147 for $50,001-$500,000; $262 for $500,001-$1,000,000; $427 for $1,000,001-$5,000,000; $585 for $5,000,001-$10,000,000; $862 above $10,000,000. New operators pay based on estimated first-year sales.

   After WSDA receives the completed application and license fee, a Food Safety Compliance Specialist contacts you to schedule an inspection of the facility; the license is issued after that inspection.

1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   Required for all businesses operating in Seattle, including home-based food businesses, and issued by Seattle City Finance (License and Tax Administration). Home bakers selling directly to consumers must hold a current certificate. The certificate is required regardless of revenue; Seattle B&O tax is owed only above $2 million in annual taxable gross revenue (the threshold rose from $100,000 on January 1, 2026).

   Official government source

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

2. Seattle Home Business Rules (self-certifying zoning compliance, not a permit)

   Seattle does not issue a discrete 'Home Occupation Permit.' Operating a home bakery from a residential property must comply with SDCI's home occupation rules (SMC 23.42.050, Director's Rule 8-87): the operator must live in the unit, use only small identification signage, and avoid noise/odor/traffic that changes the residential character of the dwelling. There is no application, fee, or standard processing time — compliance is self-certified, and violations can be fined $150-$500/day plus inspection costs.

   Official government source

   Not applicable — no permit fee (self-certified compliance; fines up to $150-$500/day for violations)·Not applicable — no application process

   Not applicable — no permit fee (self-certified compliance; fines up to $150-$500/day for violations)

   Not applicable — no application process

Official Sources

• WA Dept of Agriculture: Cottage Food
• City of Seattle: Home Occupation Permits
• Washington DOR: Apply for a Business License

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