Egg quality is highly important to most consumers. That’s why the Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division licenses egg producers, dealers, and retailers and also inspects eggs sold in Missouri for quality. Anyone who buys or sells eggs must be licensed and renew that license annually: July 1 - June 30.

Online Egg License System

Select option from the drop down box to apply for new license or renew existing license and then hit submit to begin process.

Fill out my online form.

The Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division issues four types of egg licenses annually (July 1 - June 30):

Retailer’s License

A retailer is any person who sells eggs to a consumer.
Fee - $5.00

Limited Retailer’s License

A limited retailer license is appropriate for individuals selling their own eggs at farmers’ markets.
Fee - $5.00

Dealer’s License

A dealer is any person who buys eggs from producers or other dealers to sell eggs to another dealer, processor, or retailer. Fees are determined by the number of cases of eggs sold in any one week.

D1  25 cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 5.00
D2  26 - 50 cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.50
D3  51 - 100 cases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
D4  more than 100 cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00

Processor's License -

A processor is any person engaged in breaking eggs or processing egg liquids, whole egg meats, yolks, whites, or any mixture of yolks and whites with or without adding other ingredients. Fees are based on cases of eggs (or the equivalent in liquid or frozen eggs) processed in any one day.

P1  Less than 50 cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25.00
P2  More than 50 cases, less than 250 cases. . . $ 50.00
P3  More than 250 cases, less than 1000 cases. . $ 75.00
P4  More than 1000 cases . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What to know before applying for an egg license.

1. When will my egg license expire?

All egg licenses expire on June 30. Once you have an active egg license, renewal information will be sent out to the corporate address the last week of May.

3. What requirements are there for me to apply for a Retailer Egg License?

  1. A current Missouri sales tax number
  2. A current no tax due statement from the Missouri Department of Revenue web site or 573-751-9268.

4. I am planning on selling my eggs from my own flock at the farmers’ market. What licensing requirements are there?

A limited retailer license would be required. All eggs must be candled and graded to be sold to the consumer.

5. I have a flock of chickens and want to sell the eggs to a local convenience store or restaurant. What type of license will I need?

  • A Missouri dealer's egg license is required.
  • Additionally, all labeling requirements described in question #7, must be followed.

6. Can I use previously used cartons to package the eggs?

Yes

  • The cartons must be clean and in sound condition.
  • All markings on the carton that do not pertain to the eggs currently in the carton, must be removed
  • Cartons must be labeled with the proper information as described in question #7.
  • To package eggs you must have either a dealer or limited retailer egg license.

7. What are the labeling requirements on the cartons of eggs?

  • To package eggs, you must possess either a Missouri dealer's egg license or a limited retailer egg license.
  • Each carton must have either the approved license number or the name and address of the person packaging the eggs, the size, grade, and the date the eggs are packaged.

8. I have a bakery and will be using fresh shell eggs in my baked products. Do I need a Processor’s egg license?

No – a processor egg license allows for processing the eggs into either liquid or frozen eggs.

9. How long will it take to get my egg license and how will I receive it?

Allow two weeks for the application to be processed and the license to be mailed to you.

11. Why do I need to candle my eggs? I don’t have a rooster.

  • All eggs sold to consumers must be candled and graded.
  • Candling is required to determine the grade of eggs as listed in the “USDA Grading Manual”
  • Candling is also utilized to show evidence of abnormalities within the egg.

12. Can I renew my license online?

Not at the present time. To renew your egg license you must mail in your paper egg license renewal form and submit your license fee to obtain a license. Renewals are mailed out in June of each year to mailing address provided on the original egg license application or renewal form unless you have provided an updated mailing address. If you did not receive an egg license renewal form you can email us at mda.dci@mda.mo.gov and one can be sent to you.

14. Will I be getting an inspection?

Yes. All licensees are subject to at least an annual inspection by a state inspector.

15. What is the inspector looking for?

The inspector will check the quality of your eggs and ensure they match the labeling on the carton and that the eggs are kept at a temperature of 45ºF or lower.

16. If I sell my eggs strictly from my house, do I need an egg license?

No. If customers come to your house or farm to purchase the eggs, no licenses are required.

17. If I apply for an egg license in March, will the license be prorated?

No. Your license will expire on June 30. Renewal information for the next fiscal year will be sent to you in May.

The statutes governing the egg licensing and inspection program can be found in Chapter 196 of the Revised Missouri Statutes, 196.311 through 196.361. Rules and regulations are located in the Code of State Regulations - 2 CSR 90-36.010 and 2 CSR 90-36.020.