State rules

Can you sell backyard eggs in Nevada?

Yes, but first you need a Nevada Department of Agriculture producer certificate ($50, with a farm inspection), even for a few hens. Eggs must be candled, at least Grade A, and labeled with grade, size and your name.

Read from 10 official sources36 passages quotedChecked October 7, 2026

At a glance

License

License or permit

Small-flock line

None: certificate for any sale

Farmers markets

License needed

Cartons

Reuse allowed

In plain English

Nevada has no small-flock exemption from its egg rules. The Nevada Department of Agriculture requires a producer certificate to sell eggs produced in Nevada: you apply with an egg production questionnaire, pay $50 the first year and $30 to renew, and NDA inspects your farm (allow up to 30 days). State law requires every container of eggs offered for sale to show the size and quality (grade) and the name and address of the producer, and NDA says eggs must be candled and graded at Grade A or better and carry the FDA safe handling statement. At farmers' markets, state health rules add an application for direct marketing of eggs on file with NDA, temperature logs, and eggs held at no more than 45°F at the shell. Farms with 3,000 or fewer hens selling only their own eggs are outside Nevada's cage-free certification rules. Health departments may require their own permits.

A sourced reading of Nevada's rules, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) (775-353-3669) before you sell.

Do you need a license?

License or permit requiredNone: certificate for any sale
  • Get a certified producer's certificate from NDA before selling: application with egg questionnaire, $50 first year, $30 renewal, valid 12 months.NRS 576.128; NAC 576.310, 576.350, 576.371
  • Pass an NDA inspection of your farm before the certificate issues.NAC 576.340; NDA Selling Farm Fresh Eggs FAQ
  • Mark every container with the full size and quality (grade) and the producer's name and address, in letters at least one-quarter inch high on cartons of under 15 dozen.NRS 583.170, 583.180
  • Eggs graded at Grade A or better, candled, clean, and labeled with the FDA safe handling statement.NDA Selling Farm Fresh Eggs FAQ
  • Sell only eggs from your own flock under the producer certificate; reselling other producers' eggs needs a vendor certificate.NDA Selling Farm Fresh Eggs FAQ, 2017 version
  • At a farmers' market: certified producer, candled and Grade A eggs, an application for Direct Marketing of Poultry Eggs at Farmers' Markets on file with NDA, temperature logs, and eggs at or below 45°F at the shell.NAC 446.979
  • Farms with 3,000 or fewer hens selling only their own eggs do not need the cage-free endorsement.NRS 583.235
  • Check with your local health department, which may require its own permit.NDA Selling Farm Fresh Eggs FAQ
The exact wording
“The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) requires a producer certificate to sell eggs produced in Nevada.”

Where you can sell

From home or the farm

License needed

NDA requires a producer certificate to sell Nevada eggs, including at the farm, and state law requires grade, size and your name and address on every container you sell (NRS 583.170).

Farmers markets

License needed

Allowed for certified producers only: eggs candled and at least Grade A, an application for direct marketing of eggs at farmers' markets on file with NDA, temperature logs, and 45°F or below at the shell (NAC 446.979). A certified producer does not need a separate health permit to sell at a farmers' market (NAC 446.980); NDA's questionnaire asks for 41–45°F at the point of sale.

Stores and restaurants

License needed

With a producer certificate you may sell direct to restaurants and grocery stores; Nevada law exempts certified producers from local license fees for those sales (NRS 576.128(3)). The buyer must receive eggs clean, sound, from an approved source and at 45°F or below (NAC 446.109, 446.131), graded and labeled as for any sale.

Also check with: Your local health department (health permits)

Cartons, labels and handling

Cartons

Reused cartons are allowed.

“When you sell eggs away from your farm, it is recommended new, properly labeled cartons are used.”

Refrigeration

45°F or colder where the rule applies.

“The temperature at the shell in stored eggs following harvest up to the point of sale must not exceed 45°F (7.2°C)”

The label must show

  • Size (or 'assorted sizes') and grade, spelled out in full
  • Name and address of the producer
  • FDA safe handling statement
  • Letters at least 1/4 inch high on the top of cartons under 15 dozen

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

Grading

Eggs must be graded.

“Eggs must be graded for size and quality and labeled accordingly. Eggs must meet the minimum requirements for “Grade A.””

Washing

No washing method is set in the Nevada sources read. NDA's egg questionnaire asks how eggs are handled, the wash and rinse water temperature and any sanitizer, which are checked at the farm inspection.

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

What changed recently

  1. 2025-02-13 · AB 171 (Statutes of Nevada 2025, ch. 2), in effect on approval February 13, 2025, lets the State Quarantine Officer suspend Nevada's egg and cage-free rules for up to 120 days at a time during a supply emergency, and during a suspension allow Grade B eggs and let small egg flocks sell to retailers. Source

Common questions

Do I need a license to sell eggs from my backyard chickens in Nevada?
Yes, but first you need a Nevada Department of Agriculture producer certificate ($50, with a farm inspection), even for a few hens. Eggs must be candled, at least Grade A, and labeled with grade, size and your name. Small-flock line: none: certificate for any sale. The conditions, and the law they come from, are on this page.
Can I sell eggs at a farmers market in Nevada?
Needs a license or isn't exempt. Allowed for certified producers only: eggs candled and at least Grade A, an application for direct marketing of eggs at farmers' markets on file with NDA, temperature logs, and 45°F or below at the shell (NAC 446.979). A certified producer does not need a separate health permit to sell at a farmers' market (NAC 446.980); NDA's questionnaire asks for 41–45°F at the point of sale. Also check with your local health department (health permits).
Can I reuse egg cartons in Nevada?
Yes. The rule reads: "When you sell eggs away from your farm, it is recommended new, properly labeled cartons are used."
What has to be on the carton label in Nevada?
Size (or 'assorted sizes') and grade, spelled out in full, Name and address of the producer, FDA safe handling statement, Letters at least 1/4 inch high on the top of cartons under 15 dozen. The rule reads: "Containers must be labeled with egg size and grade, the name and address of the producer and the safe handling statement required by the FDA." The federal safe handling statement applies as well; our carton label maker prints all of it.
Do eggs I sell in Nevada have to be refrigerated?
Yes, at 45°F or colder. The rule reads: "The temperature at the shell in stored eggs following harvest up to the point of sale must not exceed 45°F (7.2°C)"
Sources
Read the 36 passages this page is built on
  • “The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) requires a producer certificate to sell eggs produced in Nevada. Health departments may also require additional permits or licenses to sell your eggs.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “An application fee is required. The fee is $50 for the first year and $30 each year to renew.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “The NDA will visit your farm to verify the information on your application and egg production questionnaire is correct. Plan ahead as the wait for an inspection can take up to 30 days.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Eggs must be graded for size and quality and labeled accordingly. Eggs must meet the minimum requirements for “Grade A.” Containers must be labeled with egg size and grade, the name and address of the producer and the safe handling statement required by the FDA.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Grade A is the grade most often sold in store and is the minimum grade that can be sold in Nevada.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “When you sell eggs away from your farm, it is recommended new, properly labeled cartons are used. Because eggs are considered to be a hazardous food, new cartons are safer than recycled cartons.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “You may label your eggs as “assorted sizes” or “mixed sizes.””

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Document date: January 31, 2018”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “additional permits or licenses to sell your eggs. If you … are buying eggs from another producer and reselling … them or selling eggs from another state you will need a … Vendor Certificate.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Producers who want to sell shell eggs (domestic fowl) need to obtain a producer certificate and must complete the following questionnaire, which will need to be submitted with the application for a producer certificate. The information contained in this questionnaire will be verified with an on-farm inspection performed by the NDA.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Eggs sold at farmer’s markets must be maintained between 41- 45 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of sale.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Farmers located in Nevada who are selling shell eggs and egg products within the state are required to annually obtain a Producer Certificate from the NDA. This process includes an inspection to validate compliance.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Has an annual shell egg production of 3,000 or fewer egg laying hens, and … All shell eggs sold or transported for sale in Nevada by the farm owner/operator are derived from the 3,000 or fewer egg-laying hens.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “Producer certificates are issued by the Nevada Department of Agriculture to farmers who sell raw and unprocessed crops of their own production, including honey and eggs.”

    Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) · read 2026-10-07

  • “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell or offer or expose for sale any eggs intended for human consumption: … Unless each container and subcontainer is marked with the full, correct and unabbreviated designation of size and quality of the eggs contained therein”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “and with the name and address of the producer, dealer, retailer or agent by or for whom the eggs were graded or marked.”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “Not less than one-fourth inch in height on the outside top face of each container holding less than 15 dozen eggs.”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • ““Fresh eggs,” “ranch eggs,” “farm eggs” or any other terms that represent eggs to be fresh mean eggs that: … Meet the minimum quality of grade A under the grades and standards prescribed by the State Quarantine Officer”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “The provisions of NRS 583.211 to 583.251 , inclusive, do not apply to the production, sale or transport for sale in this State of shell eggs by a farm owner or operator with an annual shell egg production from 3,000 or fewer egg-laying hens”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “A farm owner or operator shall not sell, offer or expose for sale or transport for sale egg products or shell eggs within this State unless the farm owner or operator has been issued a certificate by the Department pursuant to NRS 576.128”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “Authorize a farm owner or operator of a small egg flock to produce, sell or transport eggs and egg products to a retailer in this State.”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “[Rev. 9/9/2026 1:16:08 PM--2026R1]”

    NRS 583.110 to 583.210 · read 2026-10-07

  • “The Department shall adopt regulations pursuant to which a person who is an actual producer of farm products other than any livestock, livestock product or poultry must obtain certification as an actual producer of farm products.”

    NRS 576.128 · read 2026-10-07

  • “license to sell or offer to sell, in its natural and unprocessed state directly to any consumer, restaurant or grocery store”

    NRS 576.128 · read 2026-10-07

  • ““Agricultural product” includes, without limitation: … Eggs; and”

    NAC 576.300 to 576.440 · read 2026-10-07

  • “For an application for an initial certified producer’s certificate and the inspection required pursuant to NAC 576.340 $50 … For the renewal of a certified producer’s certificate without an inspection”

    NAC 576.300 to 576.440 · read 2026-10-07

  • “A certified producer’s certificate is valid for 12 months after the date on which the certificate is issued.”

    NAC 576.300 to 576.440 · read 2026-10-07

  • “will inspect the site that is indicated on the application to verify the production of each agricultural product that is listed on the application”

    NAC 576.300 to 576.440 · read 2026-10-07

  • “Fresh poultry eggs are allowed for sale at a farmers’ market, provided that the following requirements are met: … The eggs must be sold by a producer certified by the State Department of Agriculture; … The eggs must be candled and graded with a minimum of Grade A;”

    NAC 446.979, 446.980, 446.109, 446.131 · read 2026-10-07

  • “An application for Direct Marketing of Poultry Eggs at Farmers’ Markets must be on file with the State Department of Agriculture; … All records, including, without limitation, temperature maintenance logs required by the State Department of Agriculture and the health authority, must be maintained and available for review;”

    NAC 446.979, 446.980, 446.109, 446.131 · read 2026-10-07

  • “The temperature at the shell in stored eggs following harvest up to the point of sale must not exceed 45°F (7.2°C); and … All eggs must be transported, stored and displayed in a safe and sanitary manner to minimize breakage and contamination.”

    NAC 446.979, 446.980, 446.109, 446.131 · read 2026-10-07

  • “those producers who possess a certificate as a producer of farm products issued by the State Department of Agriculture … it is unlawful for any person to operate a produce stand in conjunction with a farmers’ market or to sell food at a farmers’ market unless such person possesses a valid health permit”

    NAC 446.979, 446.980, 446.109, 446.131 · read 2026-10-07

  • “Eggs must be received clean, from an approved source and within proper temperature parameters, and in sound condition.”

    NAC 446.979, 446.980, 446.109, 446.131 · read 2026-10-07

  • “Raw eggs must be received in refrigerated equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F (7.2°C) or below.”

    NAC 446.979, 446.980, 446.109, 446.131 · read 2026-10-07

  • “CHAPTER 2, AB 171 … [Approved: February 13, 2025]”

    leg.state.nv.us · read 2026-10-07

  • “Sec. 10. This act becomes effective upon passage and approval.”

    leg.state.nv.us · read 2026-10-07

What we couldn't confirm
  • NDA's 'Selling Farm Fresh Eggs' FAQ is dated January 31, 2018 (PDF built February 2020); a 2017 version is linked from the producer certificate page. NDA's cage-free FAQ page (current, describes the January 1, 2024 phase) repeats that Nevada egg sellers must obtain a Producer Certificate every year.
  • The certificate requirement rests on NRS 576.128 and NAC 576.300–576.440 plus NDA guidance; NRS 576.128 covers 'farm products other than any livestock, livestock product or poultry' and NAC 576.310 lists eggs. No exemption for very small flocks or farm-gate sales was found. NAC 576.325 exempts producers of only organic products; how that applies to organic eggs was not checked.
  • NRS 583.135 (AB 171, 2025) lets emergency orders 'authorize a farm owner or operator of a small egg flock' to sell to retailers, implying such sales are normally restricted; no statute or rule read here forbids a certified small producer from selling to a retailer, and NRS 576.128(3) names restaurants and grocery stores. 'Small egg flock' is not defined. Whether a suspension order is in effect on any given date should be checked with NDA; the February 20, 2025 order date comes from news reports, not an NDA page saved here.
  • Cartons: NDA only recommends new cartons for sales away from the farm; reused cartons would still need correct grade, size and producer labels under NRS 583.170. No rule on other firms' markings was found.
  • NRS 576.128 was amended in 2025 (Statutes 2025, p. 3545); the amendment's content was not read. The NRS page banner reads Rev. 9/9/2026 (2026R1).
  • Temperature: NAC 446.979 sets 45°F at farmers' markets and NAC 446.131 sets 45°F for eggs received by food establishments; no state temperature rule for farm-gate sales was found. NDA's questionnaire says 41–45°F at farmers' markets.
  • Local health authorities (Southern Nevada Health District, Washoe County, and the state health division in rural counties) may require permits; their rules were not researched.

Selling across the state line?

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

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

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