Why this matters
What Virginia actually allows — and what it doesn't.
Virginia Code § 3.2-5130 (Home Kitchen Food Processing Exemptions). Virginia has one of the most restrictive online sales provisions among cottage food states.
Annual revenue cap
Virginia sets no cap on cottage food revenue.
Annual gross cap
Unlimited
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Virginia — and where you can't.
Online ordering
NoNoShipping
NoFederal restriction on uninspected food crossing state lines.
Seller delivery
NoNoThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Virginia does not require state registration.
- Registration
Not required
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Not available
Food categories
What usually sits outside this cottage food lane.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Cut Produce
- Low Acid Canned Goods
- Pesto
- Hummus
- Garlic In Oil
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Virginia.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against Virginia's cottage food lane. Temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items often require a different path; check the state-specific food categories above.
Label every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, and allergens per Virginia rules.
Frequently asked
Virginia cottage food — your questions answered.
Do I need to register in Virginia?
No. Virginia Code § 3.2-5130 (Home Kitchen Food Processing Exemptions) requires no registration. Baked goods, jams, candy, honey (up to 250 gallons), and dried foods have unlimited revenue. Acidified vegetables and pickles have a separate $9,000 annual cap (raised from $3,000 by HB759 in 2024). Pickles and acidified vegetables must maintain pH ≤4.6.
Can I sell online?
Not really — Virginia has one of the most restrictive online-sales provisions in the country. You CANNOT have a shopping cart, "buy now" buttons, order forms, or accept online orders. You CAN advertise online with product photos, prices, and your phone number for orders. Actual orders must be placed by phone, and delivery is direct pickup or in-person at farmers' markets, your home, or events (up to 14 consecutive days).
Can I ship my products?
No. Shipping and mail are not allowed. Direct sales in person only. Interstate is also prohibited. You cannot sell to restaurants, grocery stores, or other businesses — no wholesale.
What's HB402 (2026) and how would it change things?
HB402 would allow online sales, delivery, online payments, limited wholesale, and protect home kitchens from commercial equipment requirements. As of February 2, 2026, the Subcommittee recommended reporting with substitute (10-Y 0-N on Jan 28, 2026), and it now moves to the full Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee. If passed, it would eliminate the current shopping-cart prohibition and significantly expand sales channels.
What about local rules?
Virginia has no state preemption. Local governments may add their own zoning or business licensing requirements on top of the state exemptions. Verify with your county or city before operating.
Virginia cottage food laws: what is the short version?
Virginia does not require state registration for the cottage food lane. There is no state revenue cap in the current data. Direct in-person sales are the safest channel to confirm before taking online or delivery orders.
Do I need a cottage food license in Virginia?
Not for the cottage food lane in the current data. Virginia may still have label, food-category, local zoning, or other business rules, so check the official source before you sell.
What foods can I sell from home in Virginia?
Virginia's cottage food lane is mainly for foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. Common no-go categories include tcs, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs.