Cottage food rules
Cottage Food Operation Registration Permit (2026)
What the Washington cottage food permit costs, what it covers, and how to pass the kitchen inspection.
On this page
What to remember
- Washington calls it a Cottage Food Operation Permit.
- It costs $355 and lasts two years.
- You need an in home kitchen inspection first.
- The permit covers shelf stable foods like baked goods and jams.
The name of the cottage food operation registration permit changes from state to state. Some states call it a registration, some call it a permit, and some require nothing at all. Washington is one of the states that requires a permit and an inspection. Check your own state rules before you buy ingredients or print labels. You can start with our guide to cottage food law registration.
What the Washington permit covers
According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, a Cottage Food Permit allows you to make food that is not potentially hazardous. That includes baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, and dry spice blends. You can sell these foods directly to customers in Washington.
Not potentially hazardous means the food does not need refrigeration to be safe. Baked goods, candies, jams, and dry spice blends are examples. These foods can sit on a shelf without spoiling quickly. That is why the permit covers them.
The permit does not cover everything. Potentially hazardous foods that need refrigeration are not allowed under this permit. If you want to sell those, you need a different license. The Washington permit is for shelf stable foods only.
The permit is from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, also called WSDA. You apply to WSDA, not to your county health department. The state runs this program. The permit is for residents of Washington state.
What it costs and how long it lasts
The Washington cottage food permit costs $355 for two years, according to the Cottage Food Law Library. That works out to about $14.79 per month. The fee is nonrefundable, so make sure you are ready before you apply. The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
The permit also requires an in home kitchen inspection before it is issued. A WSDA inspector will visit your kitchen to check that it meets the requirements. You need to pass that inspection before you can sell any food. The $355 fee includes the inspection.
The $355 fee is an overhead cost for your business. You can spread it across the items you sell. To find your cost per item, divide $355 by the number of items you expect to sell in two years. If you sell 100 items, the permit adds $3.55 per item. If you sell 200 items, it adds $1.78 per item.
The permit is a one time cost for two years. You do not pay monthly. That makes it easier to budget. Set aside the $355 before you apply so you are not caught short.
How to apply for the permit
Check your kitchen
Make sure your kitchen has a sink, a refrigerator, and surfaces you can clean. The inspector will look for these.
Apply with WSDA
Submit the Cottage Food Operation Permit application to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Pay the $355 fee.
Schedule the inspection
WSDA will contact you to set up an in home inspection. Be ready to show your kitchen and your storage areas.
Pass the inspection
The inspector checks that your kitchen meets the rules. If you pass, WSDA issues your permit.
Start selling
Once you have the permit, you can sell shelf stable foods directly to customers in Washington.
What the inspection looks for
The inspection is to make sure your kitchen is clean and safe. The inspector will look at your sink, your refrigerator, and your storage. They want to see that you can keep food safe. Clean your kitchen and organize your storage before the visit.
Mistakes that cost you money
Another mistake is selling the wrong foods. The permit only covers shelf stable items. If you sell a cream filled pastry that needs refrigeration, you are breaking the rules. That can cost you your permit and your business.
A third mistake is ignoring local rules. Some counties have their own health department requirements on top of the state permit. A quick call to your county health department can save you time and money. See our guide to cottage baking permits for more.
A fourth mistake is not keeping your receipt. You need proof that you paid the $355 fee. Keep your receipt in a safe place. You may need it for your records.
What to check before you commit
Before you pay the $355, check your state rules. Washington is not the only state with a cottage food law. Some states have a registration instead of a permit. Some have no fee at all. The rules change, so check the current requirements for your state. For more on cottage food rules, see our rules hub.
Check the renewal rules for your state. The Washington permit lasts two years. After that, you will need to renew it. Find out what the renewal costs and what you need to do to keep selling.
Talk to other cottage food bakers in your state. They can tell you what the inspection was like and what the fees are. A local Facebook group or a farmers market can be a good place to ask.
The words registration and permit are often used for the same thing. In Washington, the official name is Cottage Food Operation Permit. In other states, it might be called a registration. The important thing is to have the approval you need before you sell.
What to do after you get the permit
Once you have your permit, you can start selling. You will need a way to take orders and get paid. You can use a simple order form, or you can set up an online shop. Brevl gives you a shop that works on your phone and computer.
You will also need to label your products. Washington has labeling rules for cottage food. Check the rules so your labels are correct. A wrong label can get you in trouble. You can find guides on our site, like this one on cottage food labels for sourdough bread.
- Cottage Food Law Permit: What Home Bakers Need to Know
- Can I Sell Bread From My House? Cottage Food Rules (2026)
Common questions
How much does the Washington cottage food permit cost?
The Washington cottage food permit costs $355 for two years, according to the Cottage Food Law Library. The fee is nonrefundable and includes an in home kitchen inspection. You pay once and the permit is valid for 24 months. There is no monthly fee.
Do I need a permit to sell baked goods from my home in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a Cottage Food Operation Permit from the Department of Agriculture before you can sell homemade shelf stable foods. You cannot legally sell without it. The permit covers baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, and dry spice blends.
What foods can I sell with a Washington cottage food permit?
You can sell foods that are not potentially hazardous. That includes baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, and dry spice blends. These foods do not need refrigeration. You cannot sell foods that need refrigeration under this permit.
How long does the Washington cottage food permit last?
The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. After two years, you need to renew it. Check the renewal rules before your permit expires. The renewal may have a different fee or process. Contact WSDA for details.
What happens if I fail the kitchen inspection?
If you fail the inspection, you may need to fix problems and schedule another inspection. The $355 fee is nonrefundable, so you may need to pay again. That is why it is important to prepare your kitchen before you apply.
Sources
General information, not legal or tax advice. Check your state and county rules for your situation.