State rules

Can you sell backyard eggs in Maryland?

Yes, but register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture first, even for a few hens; it's free at 3,000 or fewer chickens. Eggs must be sold as Grade A or AA, fully labeled, at 45°F.

Read from 15 official sources31 passages quotedChecked October 6, 2026

At a glance

License

Registration

Small-flock line

3,000 chickens or fewer: no fee

Farmers markets

With conditions

Cartons

Reuse with conditions

In plain English

Maryland has no hobby-flock exemption from its egg law: anyone who sells shell eggs to consumers, including at the farm, must be registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and registration is renewed every year. A packer who keeps 3,000 or fewer chickens and sells only eggs from those chickens registers free and files no quarterly reports or inspection fees. Registration brings the flock under MDA's Salmonella enteritidis rules (chicks from a monitored source, or testing) and random testing of the layer premises. Eggs must be sold as Grade A or AA with a size, in cartons labeled with the grade, size, name and address, MDA registration number, lot number, quantity, the word eggs and the safe handling statement, and held at 45°F or below. Once registered, MDA says you need no state or local health license to sell your own eggs at a farmers' market or to restaurants and stores; sales to businesses need an invoice.

A sourced reading of Maryland's rules, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) (410-841-5769) before you sell.

Do you need a license?

Registration required3,000 chickens or fewer: no fee
  • Be registered with the Secretary of Agriculture before selling shell eggs to a consumer.COMAR 15.04.01.04B(1)
  • Apply for registration every year on MDA's form for each business location; registrations are renewed by December 31.COMAR 15.04.01.09A(1)
  • No registration fee, quarterly report or inspection fee if you keep 3,000 or fewer chickens and sell eggs only from those chickens.COMAR 15.04.01.09A(3), 15.04.01.10A
  • Show MDA that the birds meet the Salmonella enteritidis flock standards and let MDA test them; any flock whose eggs are sold counts as a commercial flock.COMAR 15.04.01.09A(2)(b)-(c); 15.11.11.02, 15.11.11.05A
  • Sell only eggs that meet the grade and size on the label; MDA guidance says Grade AA and Grade A are the only consumer grades allowed and eggs cannot be sold as ungraded or mixed size.Md. Code, Agric. §§ 4-305, 4-307; MDA guidance
  • Label cartons with a refrigeration notice, name and address, MDA registration number, lot designation, the word eggs, size, quantity and grade.COMAR 15.04.01.08B(2)
  • Hold eggs at 45°F or below; no direct contact with water or ice.MDA guidance; COMAR 15.04.01.04G
  • Give an invoice with names and addresses, date, quantity, grade and size when selling to a retailer, restaurant or distributor.Md. Code, Agric. § 4-308; COMAR 15.04.01.03A
The exact wording
“A packer who keeps 3,000 or fewer chickens and who sells, offers, or exposes for sale shell eggs only from those chickens shall register with the Secretary, but is exempt from paying the registration and inspection fees.”

Where you can sell

From home or the farm

With conditions

There is no farm-gate exemption in the rules read: COMAR 15.04.01.04B bars selling shell eggs to a consumer unless the seller is registered with MDA. With 3,000 or fewer chickens, selling only your own eggs, registration is free. Grade, size and carton labeling rules apply at the farm too.

Farmers markets

With conditions

MDA: producers registered with MDA 'are not required to obtain licenses from State or Local Health Departments to sell/transport their own eggs at a farmer's market'. No invoices are needed at the market. Eggs must stay at 45°F or below (freezer packs or mechanical refrigeration, not ice).

Stores and restaurants

With conditions

Registered producers may sell their own eggs to restaurants and stores without a health department license, but must hand over an invoice with seller and buyer names and addresses, grade, size, quantity and delivery date, and keep a copy (Md. Code, Agric. § 4-308; COMAR 15.04.01.03).

Also check with: MDA Animal Health Section, 410-841-5810 (flock Salmonella testing and certified chick sources)

Cartons, labels and handling

Cartons

Reused cartons are allowed, with conditions.

“Reuse of cartons is strongly discouraged as it can result in contamination of the eggs. The use of dirty cartons is prohibited. Clean cartons that are reused must bear only the correct information. All other markings must be obliterated”

Refrigeration

45°F or colder where the rule applies.

“Eggs must be held at 45°F or below ambient temperature. Freezer packs or mechanical refrigeration may be used. Direct contact with water, ice or conditions that cause eggs to sweat is prohibited.”

The label must show

  • The word Grade and the grade (A or AA), at least 1/4 inch on the top panel
  • Size (Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small or PeeWee), at least 1/4 inch on the top panel
  • Safe handling statement on the outside of the carton
  • Packer name and address
  • Lot number (one flock: 'Lot 1' is acceptable)
  • MDA registration number of the packer
  • Quantity or net weight
  • Identity of the product as eggs
  • Refrigeration notice

The carton label maker prints these lines with the federal safe handling statement.

Grading

Eggs must be graded.

“Eggs cannot be sold as ungraded and/or mixed size.”

Washing

MDA's small-producer guidance allows lightly soiled eggs to be sold only if they are lightly sanded or carefully washed in potable water at least 20°F warmer than the egg and at least 90°F, with detergent approved for egg washing, in a suspended colander without submerging them, followed by a sanitizing rinse and immediate drying. Sanded eggs must not be washed, and floor eggs should not be used.

Federal rules apply on top of Maryland's: the four federal egg rules. Pricing your dozen? The egg price calculator works it out from your feed bill.

Common questions

Do I need a license to sell eggs from my backyard chickens in Maryland?
Yes, but register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture first, even for a few hens; it's free at 3,000 or fewer chickens. Eggs must be sold as Grade A or AA, fully labeled, at 45°F. Small-flock line: 3,000 chickens or fewer: no fee. The conditions, and the law they come from, are on this page.
Can I sell eggs at a farmers market in Maryland?
Allowed with conditions. MDA: producers registered with MDA 'are not required to obtain licenses from State or Local Health Departments to sell/transport their own eggs at a farmer's market'. No invoices are needed at the market. Eggs must stay at 45°F or below (freezer packs or mechanical refrigeration, not ice). Also check with MDA Animal Health Section, 410-841-5810 (flock Salmonella testing and certified chick sources).
Can I reuse egg cartons in Maryland?
With conditions. The rule reads: "Reuse of cartons is strongly discouraged as it can result in contamination of the eggs. The use of dirty cartons is prohibited. Clean cartons that are reused must bear only the correct information. All other markings must be obliterated"
What has to be on the carton label in Maryland?
The word Grade and the grade (A or AA), at least 1/4 inch on the top panel, Size (Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small or PeeWee), at least 1/4 inch on the top panel, Safe handling statement on the outside of the carton, Packer name and address, Lot number (one flock: 'Lot 1' is acceptable), MDA registration number of the packer, Quantity or net weight, Identity of the product as eggs, Refrigeration notice. The rule reads: "Cartons and cases of eggs shall be labeled with a grade, a size, safe handling instructions, the packer or distributor name and address, lot number, packer registration number, quantity statement and the identity of the product as eggs." The federal safe handling statement applies as well; our carton label maker prints all of it.
Do eggs I sell in Maryland have to be refrigerated?
Yes, at 45°F or colder. The rule reads: "Eggs must be held at 45°F or below ambient temperature. Freezer packs or mechanical refrigeration may be used. Direct contact with water, ice or conditions that cause eggs to sweat is prohibited."
Sources
Read the 31 passages this page is built on
  • “A person may not distribute, offer for sale, or sell shell eggs to a consumer unless: (1) That person is registered with the Secretary as provided under Regulation .09 of this chapter;”

    COMAR 15.04.01.04 · read 2026-10-06

  • “A packer who keeps 3,000 or fewer chickens and who sells, offers, or exposes for sale shell eggs only from those chickens shall register with the Secretary, but is exempt from paying the registration and inspection fees.”

    COMAR 15.04.01.09 · read 2026-10-06

  • “For each business location where a person is operating as a packer, including a repacker, the person shall submit annually a completed application for registration on a form provided by the Department.”

    COMAR 15.04.01.09 · read 2026-10-06

  • “provides documentation that is satisfactory to the Department showing that the birds used to produce shell eggs meet the standards provided by COMAR 15.11.11.05A”

    COMAR 15.04.01.09 · read 2026-10-06

  • “A packer who keeps 3,000 or fewer chickens and who sells, offers, or exposes for sale shell eggs only from these chickens is not required to submit a quarterly report or pay an inspection fee.”

    COMAR 15.04.01.10 · read 2026-10-06

  • ““Commercial flock” means a flock whose eggs are distributed, offered for sale, or sold for human consumption.”

    dsd.maryland.gov · read 2026-10-06

  • “(a) A notice requiring that eggs be refrigerated, (b) The name and address of the distributor, packer, or repacker, (c) The registration number of the packer”

    COMAR 15.04.01.08 · read 2026-10-06

  • “(d) The lot designations of the eggs, (e) The identity of the product as eggs, (f) The classification (size or weight) of the eggs, (g) The quantity of eggs, and (h) The grade of eggs;”

    COMAR 15.04.01.08 · read 2026-10-06

  • ““Shell eggs” means raw eggs produced by chickens for human consumption.”

    dsd.maryland.gov · read 2026-10-06

  • “A food service facility or retailer shall store, display, and transport shell eggs in the refrigerated area of a unit whose temperature is 45° or less.”

    COMAR 15.04.01.04 · read 2026-10-06

  • “The tolerances allowable for grades of shell eggs sold in Maryland shall be in accordance with the official standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Consumer Grades AA, A, and B allowed at destination”

    COMAR 15.04.01.05 · read 2026-10-06

  • “A person may not donate, sell, advertise, offer, or in any manner represent for sale shell eggs to any person unless the shell eggs meet the standards of this subtitle or any regulation adopted in accordance with this subtitle.”

    Md. Code, Agric. § 4-302 · read 2026-10-06

  • “A person may not sell, offer to sell, or deliver any shell eggs not properly designated in respect to quality, size, and net quantity standards.”

    Md. Code, Agric. § 4-307 · read 2026-10-06

  • “A person may not sell or deliver shell eggs to a distributor, retailer, or food service facility unless at the time of delivery the person provides an invoice delivery ticket accurately detailing the sale of the shell eggs in accordance with this section.”

    Md. Code, Agric. § 4-308 · read 2026-10-06

  • “Shell eggs produced from poultry other than domesticated chickens shall be sold by net quantity.”

    Md. Code, Agric. § 4-304 · read 2026-10-06

  • “All producer/packers of shell eggs must register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) annually. Layer premises are subject to random testing by MDA to monitor for salmonella of public health concern.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Producers registered with the MDA are not required to obtain licenses from State or Local Health Departments to sell/transport their own eggs at a farmer’s market, to restaurants or other retailers (e.g. Food Service license, Mobile Farmers Market license, On Farm Home Processing license).”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Producers are not required to have invoices or equivalent records at Farmers Markets, however, they are required to provide invoices with their name and address, the buyer’s name and address, grade, size, quantity and date of delivery when selling to restaurants or retailers.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “All eggs must meet the standards for the grade and size for which they are labeled. Grade AA and Grade A are the only consumer grades permitted to be sold in Maryland. The sale of cracked and dirty eggs (producers should contact MDA for information on proper washing to prevent contamination) is restricted by law. Eggs cannot be sold as ungraded and/or mixed size.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Reuse of cartons is strongly discouraged as it can result in contamination of the eggs. The use of dirty cartons is prohibited. Clean cartons that are reused must bear only the correct information. All other markings must be obliterated”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Cartons and cases of eggs shall be labeled with a grade, a size, safe handling instructions, the packer or distributor name and address, lot number, packer registration number, quantity statement and the identity of the product as eggs.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Cartons of eggs are required to be labeled with the word grade followed by the grade (A or AA) with minimum lettering height of ¼” on the principal display panel … lot number (should identify the flock - if you only have one flock "Lot 1" is acceptable)”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Eggs must be held at 45°F or below ambient temperature. Freezer packs or mechanical refrigeration may be used. Direct contact with water, ice or conditions that cause eggs to sweat is prohibited.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Lightly soiled eggs may be used for sale only if: Eggs are either lightly sanded to remove small areas of dirt, or Eggs are carefully washed in potable water 20°F warmer than the egg temperature and at least 90°F, using only detergents* approved for egg washing.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Place eggs in suspended colander and wash without submersing them in the wash solution. Use a sanitizing rinse ** after washing. Eggs must be dried immediately afterwards. Sanded eggs must not be washed.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Use chicks from a certified source (National Poultry Improvement Plan Salmonella enteritidis monitored, Salmonella pullorum free) or contact MDA’s Animal Health Section (410-841-5810) for testing.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “A producer/packer who keeps 3,000 or fewer chickens and who sells eggs only from those chickens must register annually, but is exempt from paying the registration and inspection fees.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Egg producers/packers with fewer than 3,000 chickens: No fee … Egg producers/packers with 3,000 chickens or more: $30 per year”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Egg producer/packer and distributor registrations must be renewed annually by December 31.”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Food Quality Assurance, Program Manager”

    Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) · read 2026-10-06

  • “Telephone 410- 841-5769”

    mda.maryland.gov · read 2026-10-06

What we couldn't confirm
  • Exactly 3,000 chickens: COMAR 15.04.01.09A(3) and 15.04.01.10A and MDA's Maryland Egg Laws page say '3,000 or fewer' register free; MDA's Egg Packer & Distributor Registration page (new and old sites) says 'fewer than 3,000 chickens: No fee' and '3,000 chickens or more: $30 per year'. This record follows COMAR. A seller with exactly 3,000 should ask MDA.
  • Grade B: COMAR 15.04.01.05B adopts USDA tolerances for Consumer Grades AA, A and B, but MDA guidance says Grade AA and Grade A are the only consumer grades permitted and eggs must be labeled Grade A or Grade AA. This record reports MDA's position; the regulation text does not say Grade B is banned.
  • Non-chicken eggs: COMAR 15.04.01.02 defines shell eggs as eggs 'produced by chickens', while the statute (Agric. § 4-301(h)) covers poultry eggs and § 4-304(a)(2) says eggs of other poultry are sold by net quantity. Whether duck or quail egg sellers must register with MDA was not confirmed.
  • Where registration comes from: the statute (Agric. §§ 4-301 to 4-312) does not itself require producer registration; the requirement and the 3,000-chicken fee exemption are in COMAR 15.04.01.04 and .09. MDA's registration page cites 'Agriculture Article 4-311; COMAR 15.04.01'.
  • Dates: the mgaleg statute pages and the Library of Maryland Regulations pages saved show no 'current through' or effective date. MDA's web pages carry no date; the farmers-market PDF with the same guidance is marked Rev 1/19/2013. MDA is running two websites (mda.maryland.gov and mda.prod.maryland.gov); the newer one was quoted.
  • Recent changes: no 2023-2026 amendment found. Cage-free bills SB 193/HB 357 (2024) and SB 806/HB 834 (2025) would have restricted sales of eggs from caged hens; mgaleg shows each stopped after a committee hearing. Search for 2026-session egg bills was by web search only (none found); a full mgaleg subject search was not run.
  • Salmonella flock rules (COMAR 15.11.11.05A) are written for testing by house and by hundreds of birds; how MDA applies them to a backyard flock beyond the guidance to use NPIP-monitored chicks or call Animal Health was not confirmed.
  • Local health departments were not checked; MDA states registered producers need no state or local health license for their own eggs at farmers' markets, restaurants or retailers. Federal rules (7 CFR 59, 21 CFR 118) were not fetched.

Selling across the state line?

The rules change at the border. Here's where Maryland's neighbors draw the line.

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No license for small salesDepends how you sellRegistration or licenseNot stated or rechecking

Every state, one map

Colored by the small-flock license rule. Tap a state to read it, or compare them all side by side.

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