A home bakery business provides a low-cost way to develop a small business in the state of New Jersey. With a dense population base, New Jersey provides the ideal opportunity for someone with the skills to bake breads, desserts and other items. While some bakers skirt the law, the safe approach to starting a business begins with obtaining a license to operate a home bakery. Obtaining a license requires only a few basic steps.

Obtain a federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service. This is also known as an employer identification number, or EIN. This is used to identify a business during the filing of federal tax returns, statements and other tax documents. You can apply for an EIN online through the Internal Revenue Service website or by mail, fax or phone.

Contact the State of New Jersey Office of Consumer Environmental Health Services to request a business license application for a home bakery. You can contact them by phone or in person.

Complete New Jersey's home bakery license application, pay the $75 required licensing fees and submit your application. The application requires you to provide your name, address, the name of the business, a general description of the baker products that you will make, your federal tax ID, the number of employees and a copy of a state-issued ID.

Check with the county and city government on whether you need a county or city occupational license. Some cities require you to possess an occupational license to conduct business from your home. Many city ordinances allow for fines when home businesses do not possess occupational licenses.

Pass a county-level health inspection. In New Jersey, county health department officials must approve your kitchen for commercial use. The state will not approve your occupational license until you pass the health inspection. Health inspectors observe your workspace and your work routine and make note of whether you are adhering to good practices. Inspectors look for proper sanitation and cleanliness, proper food storage and methods in place to stop cross-contamination. The inspector also will ensure that the source of your raw food products meet standards. Cleanliness of counters, cabinets, floors, walls and ceilings also are a priority.

Wait for your state-issued occupational license to arrive in the mail.

Tip

Speaking with another home bakery professional can help you prepare for the licensing process.

Warning

Failure to meet licensing requirements can result in fines.