If you’re planning to launch your own cleaning company, one of the first questions you may ask is: what licenses are needed to start a cleaning business? This isn’t just a technical detail licensing affects your credibility, your ability to get clients, and your protection under the law. Whether you’re aiming for a house cleaning license or a commercial cleaning license, understanding the rules early will save you from headaches later.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from cleaning business license cost to how to get your permits, so you can start opening a cleaning business with confidence.
Why Licensing Matters in the Cleaning Industry
Before we get into the exact steps of how to get a cleaning license, let’s talk about why this step is so critical:
- Client Trust – A cleaning service business license signals professionalism and reliability.
- Legal Compliance – You can avoid penalties by having the correct cleaning services license in place.
- Bigger Opportunities – Some contracts, especially for professional business cleaning, require proof of licensing.
- Local Regulations – Each city or county may have its own requirements for a business license for house cleaning or other service types.
Step 1: Register Your Cleaning Business
When figuring out what is needed to start a cleaning business, you first need to make your business official.
Choose a Legal Structure
- Sole Proprietorship – Easiest, but offers no liability protection.
- LLC – A great option for a small business cleaning service, offering personal asset protection.
- Corporation – Ideal if you’re planning to expand your professional business cleaning services to multiple locations.
Register Your Business Name
If you aren’t using your legal name, file a Doing Business As (DBA).
Step 2: Get a General Business License
Most areas require a cleaning business license to operate legally. This applies to both house cleaning license holders and commercial cleaning license holders.
- Where to Apply: Usually your city or county office.
- Cleaning Business License Cost: Typically $50–$400 annually, depending on your location.
- Purpose: It’s the base requirement for opening a cleaning business.
Step 3: Check State Requirements
Some states have unique requirements for a cleaning services license or cleaning service business license. For example:
- California – Carpet cleaning companies may require a contractor’s license for larger jobs.
- Florida – Selling cleaning products might require an additional permit.
If you want to know how to get a cleaning company license in your state, start with your local Department of Licensing.
Step 4: Sales Tax Permit (If Applicable)
If your state taxes cleaning services, you’ll need a sales tax permit. This applies whether you run a small business cleaning service from home or manage a large commercial cleaning license operation.
Step 5: Special Permits for Certain Cleaning Services
While a basic house cleaning license usually only needs a general business license, specialized cleaning may require more:
- Hazardous Waste Cleanup – Requires environmental permits.
- Pressure Washing – May require water discharge permits.
Step 6: Get Business Insurance
Even if you’ve met all cleaning service business license requirements, insurance is a must. It protects against property damage, accidents, and legal claims.
Step 7: Employer Identification Number (EIN)
If you’re hiring employees, the IRS requires you to get an EIN essential for payroll and tax purposes.
Quick Checklist: What Licenses Are Needed to Start a Cleaning Business
- Register your business name and choose a legal structure.
- Get a cleaning business license.
- Apply for any state-specific cleaning services license.
- Obtain a sales tax permit if required.
- Get special permits for specialized cleaning services.
- Secure insurance coverage.
- Apply for an EIN if you’re hiring staff.
FAQs About Cleaning Business Licensing
- Do I need a business license to clean houses?
Yes, in most cases a business license for house cleaning is required, even for part-time work. - How to get a cleaning company license?
Check your local government’s website, complete the application, pay the cleaning business license cost, and provide necessary documentation. - Is a commercial cleaning license different from a house cleaning license?
The process is often the same, but commercial cleaning may require higher insurance coverage or additional permits. - What is needed to start a cleaning business besides licenses?
You’ll also need cleaning supplies, marketing materials, and a solid service plan. - Can I start a small business cleaning service from home?
Yes, but you’ll still need a cleaning services license in most areas.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what licenses are needed to start a cleaning business is the first step toward a legitimate, profitable operation. Whether you’re starting with a house cleaning license or pursuing a commercial cleaning license, the process usually involves registering your business, obtaining a general cleaning business license, and meeting any state or local requirements.
By learning how to get a cleaning license early, budgeting for the cleaning business license cost, and staying compliant, you’ll position yourself for long-term success in the cleaning industry. In short: do the paperwork, protect yourself legally, and your journey to opening a cleaning business will be much smoother.
