Cottage food law
Washington D.C. cottage food laws, in plain English.
What you can make in your home kitchen in Washington D.C., where you can sell it, how much you can earn and whether you need a permit. No legalese, just the facts.
Updated for 2026 · Always confirm with your state
At a Glance
Where You Can Sell
Washington D.C. cottage food vendors are permitted to sell through the following channels:
Wholesale to licensed D.C. food establishments was added by D.C. Law 26-7, effective June 10, 2025.
Online Sales & Shipping
Online sales are allowed within the District. You may not sell or ship a cottage food item outside D.C. Note that DC Health's older applicant PDF still says internet sales are not permitted — that guidance predates D.C. Law 23-61 and the statute controls.
License & Permit Requirements
Permit type: Cottage Food Business Identification Number
Annual Sales Limits
Important Notes
D.C. does have a cottage food law — the Cottage Food Act (D.C. Law 20-262), significantly expanded by D.C. Law 23-61 in 2020. Operating requires a Cottage Food Business Registration Certificate ($50, valid 2 years), a District-issued Certified Food Protection Manager certificate, and a Home Occupancy Permit. All products must be prepackaged; unpackaged or bulk sales are not allowed. Meat, poultry, canned goods, pressed juices, pet treats, alcohol and fruit butters are prohibited.
Official Sources
Always verify cottage food laws directly with your state agency — laws change, and we want you selling with confidence.
Information last updated: October 11, 2026. Cottage food laws change frequently — always confirm with your state.
Ready to sell in Washington D.C.?
Rules checked. Now open your shop.
A free Butter & Sage shop takes the orders, the payments and the pickup times, so you can stay in the kitchen. Neighbors in Washington D.C. find you on our map and order ahead.
- A free shop with your own look
- Pre-orders with pickup or delivery times
- Your shop on the local map and the farmers market directory
- Labels with your state’s required statement filled in
More free tools
Free tools for small food businesses.
No sign-up, no catch. Use them as often as you like.
- Bread CalculatorBaker's percentages to batch size, hydration and levain.
- Cake CalculatorGuest count to cake size, or cake size to servings, with a cutting map.
- Market Prep PlannerHow much to bring to market, with a safety buffer.
- Recipe Pricing CalculatorIngredients, labor and margin to a price that pays you.
- Recipe ScalerAny recipe up or down, with smart rounding.
- Cottage Food Label MakerA compliant label for your cottage food products.
- Brand Generator & Social StudioBooth signs, labels and posts that all match.Bloom
Checking another state? All 50 are here.
Every state’s cottage food law, side by side.
