How much can a cottage food business make in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. limits cottage food operations to $25,000/yr in gross annual sales.

Can you sell homemade baked goods online in Washington, D.C.?

Online sales: Limited. Shipping: Not allowed. Approved venues include Farmers markets, Public events, Direct to consumer.

Washington, D.C. Cottage Food Laws

Q: Do you need a permit to sell baked goods from home in Washington, D.C.?

Cottage food registration required. The District's program is narrow compared with neighboring Maryland and Virginia; many DC bakers register in one of those states instead if they have a qualifying address.

The District's program is narrow compared with neighboring Maryland and Virginia; many DC bakers register in one of those states instead if they have a qualifying address.

Fast facts

Permit: Cottage food registration required
Annual sales cap: $25,000/yr
Online sales: Limited
Shipping: Not allowed

What makes Washington, D.C. different

DC registration with DC Health plus a food safety certificate is required
$25,000 annual gross sales cap
Sales are largely tied to farmers markets and public events

Where you can sell in Washington, D.C.

Farmers markets
Public events
Direct to consumer

What you can and can't make

Washington, D.C. follows the standard cottage food logic: shelf-stable items are in, anything needing refrigeration is out. Check the DC Department of Health product list for state-specific exceptions.

Generally allowed

Breads, rolls, biscuits and buns
Cakes, cupcakes and brownies (without cream-cheese or custard fillings)
Cookies, bars and biscotti
Fruit pies and fruit-filled pastries
Candy, brittle, fudge and chocolate-covered items
Dry mixes, granola, popcorn and roasted nuts
Jams, jellies and preserves made from high-acid fruit

Generally prohibited

Cheesecake and cream-cheese frostings or fillings
Custard, meringue, pudding and Bavarian-cream pies
Anything containing meat, poultry or seafood
Fresh-dairy items, ice cream and buttercream that requires refrigeration
Canned vegetables, salsas and other low-acid canned goods
Garlic-in-oil, pickled goods and fermented foods (in most states)
Kombucha, juices and other beverages requiring a process authority

Washington, D.C. labeling requirements

The name and physical address of your home kitchen business
The common name of the product
A full ingredient list in descending order by weight
Allergen declaration for the major allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
Net weight or volume
A cottage food disclosure such as "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to routine state inspection"

Official source for Washington, D.C.

DC Department of Health administers cottage food rules in Washington, D.C..

Last verified: July 25, 2026

Visit DC Department of Health

Not legal advice. This summary is for general education. Confirm with DC Department of Health before you start selling.