Licenses & Permits
in Illinois

Before you can register with your local health department, you must hold a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. Choose an ANSI-ANAB accredited provider, complete at least 8 hours of food safety training, and pass the proctored exam. You'll receive your certificate immediately or within a few days of passing. Keep a physical copy — you'll need it for your LHD application.

Your local health department will review your labels as part of the registration process. Before applying, create compliant labels for every product you plan to sell. Labels must include your operation name, county, all ingredients, allergens, net weight, and the required home kitchen disclaimer. You cannot include a registration number yet — you'll add it after receiving your number from the LHD. See the full requirements on the Label Requirements page →

Locate your county's health department using the IDPH LHD directory. Contact them to request the cottage food registration application. Each LHD has its own forms — there is no statewide online portal. Submit your completed application along with your CFPM certificate copy, all product labels, and the home self-certification checklist. For acidified/fermented foods, also include your food safety plan and pH documentation. If your home uses private well water, some counties require a recent E. coli water test as well.

Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) before your first sale. Use MyTax Illinois and complete Form REG-1. Registration is free and processes in 1–2 business days. As of January 1, 2026, the 1% state grocery tax on packaged food has been eliminated — most cottage food products now carry 0% state sales tax. However, candy and prepared foods are still taxed at 6.25%. Check your local jurisdiction for any local grocery tax (up to 1%) that may apply in your city or county.

Once you receive your registration number from your local health department, add it to all product labels. The label must display the registration number and the name of the county or municipality where you registered. You'll also want to print or acquire your point-of-sale placard — the required 8" × 10" home kitchen disclaimer sign that must be displayed at every physical selling location (market booth, home sales table, etc.).

Illinois cottage food rules operate at the state and county level, but your city or village may have additional requirements. These can include: a local business license or home occupation permit, zoning restrictions on commercial activity from a residential address, signage rules for in-home pickup sales, parking requirements if customers visit your home, and farmers market vendor permits specific to your city's market program. Contact your city hall, village clerk, or local planning/zoning office to confirm what's required in your municipality before hosting customers at home or displaying signage.