Yes — You Need a County Registration or Permit
California requires all cottage food sellers to register with (Class A) or obtain a permit from (Class B) their local county Environmental Health Department before making their first sale. There is no state-level CFO registration — it all happens at the county level. Beyond the CFO registration, most counties also require a food handler card, and many require a Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Some cities additionally require a local business license. All are obtainable — and most are low-cost or free.
Complete Permit & Registration Overview
| Permit / Registration | Required? | Issuing Agency | Cost | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A CFO Registration | Required (Class A) | County Environmental Health Dept. | $50–$150/yr typical (varies by county) | Annual |
| Class B CFO Permit | Required (Class B) | County Environmental Health Dept. | $150–$400+/yr typical (varies by county) | Annual + inspection |
| ANAB-Accredited Food Handler Card | Required — Both Classes | Any ANAB-accredited provider | $10–$15 online | Every 3 years |
| Seller's Permit (CDTFA) | Varies by County | CA Dept. of Tax & Fee Administration | Free | No expiration (cancel when closing) |
| City / County Business License | Varies by City | City Clerk or County Clerk | $50–$100 typical | Annual |
| Zoning / Home Occupation Approval | Varies by City | City / County Planning Dept. | Free–$50 | One-time or annual |
| Label Sample Review | Some Counties | County Environmental Health Dept. | Included in permit fee | With application |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | If Hiring / LLC | IRS (irs.gov) | Free | No expiration |
Step-by-Step: Getting Your California CFO Registration
Follow these steps in order. Most sellers complete the process in 1–3 weeks depending on their county's processing time.
Confirm Your Product Is on the Approved List
Before anything else, verify that every product you intend to sell appears on the CDPH Approved Cottage Foods List. If any product is not on the list, it cannot be sold under a CFO registration — even if it seems safe. Download the current list at cdph.ca.gov or email CDPH with questions.
CDPH Cottage Food Operations page →Choose Class A or Class B
Decide how you plan to sell. If you'll sell direct-to-consumer only — from home, at farmers markets, online with in-state shipping — Class A is the right fit. If you want to supply a coffee shop, gift store, or restaurant, you need Class B. Most sellers start with Class A and upgrade later. You can always switch to Class B when you're ready.
Find Your County Environmental Health Department
All CFO registrations and permits are issued at the county level. Search "[Your County] California Environmental Health cottage food" or use CalGOLD to find your county's specific requirements, application forms, and fee schedule.
CalGOLD — Find Your County Permits →Complete the Application and Self-Certification Checklist
Download and fill out your county's CFO application. Both Class A and Class B applicants must complete a self-certification checklist confirming that your home kitchen meets the state's operational requirements: no pets or children during prep, surfaces sanitized before use, potable water source, no concurrent domestic activities during production, and so on. Class B applicants schedule an initial home kitchen inspection at this stage.
Many counties now accept applications online through their environmental health portal. Some require label samples for every product you intend to sell — prepare these in advance.
Pay Your Registration or Permit Fee
Fees vary by county and by class. Class A registration fees are typically $50–$150/year. Class B permit fees run $150–$400+/year. Contact your county EH department for the current fee schedule — fees are updated annually and can change. Permits are non-transferable and must be renewed each year.
Complete Your Food Handler Training
Within 3 months of receiving your registration or permit, every person involved in food preparation must complete an ANAB-accredited food handler course. Online courses are accepted statewide and typically take 60–90 minutes. Cost is $10–$15. You will need to renew every 3 years. Your certificate must be kept on file and available for inspection.
Find an ANAB-Accredited Course →Register for a Seller's Permit with CDTFA (If Required)
Many California counties require a Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration before they'll issue your CFO registration. Even where not strictly required, registering is recommended. The Seller's Permit is free and allows you to legally file quarterly sales reports with CDTFA — most cottage food sales are nontaxable food sales, so you'll report your income and owe $0.
Register for a Seller's Permit at CDTFA →Check for a City Business License
Many California cities require a general business license for any home-based business activity — separate from your CFO registration. Contact your city clerk's office (or county clerk if you're in an unincorporated area) to confirm whether a business license is required and how to obtain one. Cost is typically $50–$100/year.
Label Every Product Before Your First Sale
California's labeling requirements are strict and enforced — county inspectors check labels at farmers markets. Every product must have the required elements in place before you sell a single unit. See the Label Requirements guide for the complete list, including the exact "Made in a Home Kitchen" wording required by law.
Class A vs. Class B — Inspection Differences
Class A Registration
- ✓ No home kitchen inspection before you start selling
- ✓ Submit self-certification checklist with application instead
- ✓ Submit label samples with application (varies by county)
- ⚠ County EH can conduct follow-up inspections after complaints
- ⚠ Self-certification means you are legally responsible for compliance
- ✓ Lower annual fees and simpler application process
Class B Permit
- ⚠ Initial home kitchen inspection required before permit issued
- ⚠ Annual inspection each year at permit renewal
- ✓ Inspector verifies kitchen meets California Retail Food Code requirements
- ✓ Passing inspection unlocks wholesale sales to stores and restaurants
- ⚠ Higher permit fees to cover inspection costs
- ✓ Higher annual sales cap ($172,411 adjusted 2025)
California Has 58 Counties — Requirements Vary
California's cottage food framework is administered at the county level, which means requirements, fees, processing times, and specific rules can differ significantly from one county to the next. What's required in Los Angeles County may not be required in Sonoma County, and vice versa.
Always contact your specific county Environmental Health Department for current fees, application forms, and any county-specific requirements before applying. Some counties have moved to fully online applications; others still require paper submissions. Some require zoning approval; others do not. A 15-minute phone call with your county's EH office can save significant time and confusion.
Use CalGOLD (calgold.ca.gov) to find all permits and licenses required in your specific county by business type. Select "Cottage Food Operation" as the business type and enter your county to see a customized list.
Who to Contact
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Food and Drug Branch
Your County Environmental Health Department
California Dept. of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA)
Your City Clerk (Business License)
California Permit Tracker
Upload your CFO registration, food handler card, and business license — then track renewal dates, get advance reminders, and store all your compliance documents in one place.
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