What Licenses Are Needed to Start a Cleaning Business in 2026 (Complete US Guide)

TL;DR Starting a cleaning business in the US requires a general business license, DBA registration, EIN, and potentially sales tax permits. Most states also expect you to carry liability insurance and a janitorial surety bond before cleaning homes or offices professionally. Managing all these requirements becomes easier with the right field service management software that keeps your business organized from day one.

Starting a cleaning business in 2026? Before you take on your first client, you’ll need the right licenses, bonds, and insurance to operate legally.

Every US state requires some form of business registration—and operating without proper licensing exposes you to fines, lawsuits, and denied insurance claims. The good news? Most cleaning business owners complete the licensing process in just 1-2 weeks.

This guide covers exactly which licenses you need, how much they cost, and the step-by-step process to get fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Plus, how the right field service management software simplifies everything from day one.

Do You Need a License to Start a Cleaning Business?

Yes, you need a cleaning business license to operate legally in the United States. While there’s no federal cleaning license, every state requires business owners to register and obtain local permits before accepting payment for services. Operating without proper licensing exposes you to fines, lawsuits, and denied insurance claims – even if you’re just starting with a few residential clients.

Compliance experts consistently frame licensing as a credibility signal that shows clients you run a legitimate, professional operation – not just a side hustle. This matters when you’re entering clients’ homes or handling sensitive workplace environments.

Key Takeaway: A general business license is the baseline requirement before you start cleaning homes or offices for pay. Without it, you’re technically operating illegally and risking your entire business.

What Happens If You Operate Without a License?

The consequences of running an unlicensed cleaning business can be severe:

Consequence	Details
Fines	$500-$10,000+ depending on state and violation severity
Business suspension	Forced to stop operations until licensed
Denied insurance claims	Insurance companies can refuse to pay claims
Legal liability	Personal assets at risk in lawsuits
Lost contracts	Commercial clients require proof of licensing
Criminal charges	Some states treat repeat violations as misdemeanors

Pro Tip: The good news? Getting licensed is straightforward and relatively inexpensive. Most cleaning business owners can complete the process in 1-2 weeks.

Types of Licenses for Cleaning Businesses

Understanding which licenses you need prevents costly delays and compliance issues. Here’s a breakdown of the essential permits for US cleaning businesses:

1. General Business License

A general business license is your permission slip to operate a business in your city or county. Nearly every municipality in the US requires one.

How to get it:

• Apply through your city or county clerk’s office
• Provide business name, address, and owner information
• Pay the licensing fee (typically $50-$400 annually)
• Renew yearly to maintain good standing

Pro Tip: Some cities require a separate license for each location where you operate. If you serve multiple cities, check each municipality’s requirements.

2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

If you operate under any name other than your legal name, you need a DBA registration. For example, if your legal name is “Jane Smith” but you operate as “Sparkle Clean Services,” you need a DBA.

DBA requirements:

• File with your county clerk or Secretary of State
• Search for name availability first
• Pay registration fee ($10-$100 depending on state)
• Some states require newspaper publication

3. Sales Tax Permit

In states where cleaning services are taxable, you’ll need a sales tax permit to collect and remit taxes.

States Where Cleaning Services Are Taxable:

State	Tax Rate
Texas	6.25% + local
New York	4% + local
Florida	6% + local
Ohio	5.75% + local
New Mexico	5.125% + local
Hawaii	4% + local

Note: Tax laws change frequently. Check with your state’s Department of Revenue for current requirements.

4. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is your business’s tax ID number from the IRS. You’ll need it for:

• Opening a business bank account
• Filing business taxes
• Hiring employees
• Working with commercial clients

How to get an EIN:

1. Visit IRS.gov
2. Complete the online application
3. Receive your EIN immediately
4. Cost: FREE

Key Takeaway: Get your EIN before opening a business bank account. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes online.

5. Vendor’s License

Some states require a vendor’s license if you’re selling products along with services (like cleaning supplies to clients). Check with your state’s Department of Revenue to determine if this applies to your business model.

6. Special Permits for Specialty Cleaning

Certain types of cleaning require additional certifications:

Specialty Type	Required Certifications
Medical/Healthcare facilities	OSHA bloodborne pathogen training, healthcare cleaning certification
Hazardous materials	EPA certifications, HAZWOPER training
Crime scene/biohazard	Bloodborne pathogen certification, state-specific permits
Construction cleanup	May require contractor’s license in some states
High-rise window cleaning	Fall protection certification, sometimes specific permits

How to Get a Cleaning Business License Step by Step

Getting your cleaning business properly licensed involves multiple agencies. Here’s the complete process:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Before applying for licenses, decide how you’ll structure your business:

Structure	Pros	Cons	Best For
Sole Proprietorship	Simple, low cost	Personal liability	Solo cleaners starting out
LLC	Liability protection, flexible	More paperwork, fees	Growing cleaning businesses
S-Corp	Tax benefits, credibility	Complex, expensive	Established operations
Partnership	Shared responsibility	Shared liability	Multiple owners

Pro Tip: Most cleaning business owners choose an LLC for the balance of liability protection and simplicity. Formation costs $50-$500 depending on your state.

Step 2: Register Your Business Name

1. Search your state’s business database for name availability
2. Check trademark databases (USPTO.gov)
3. Secure matching domain name
4. File DBA if using trade name
5. Register with Secretary of State if forming LLC

Step 3: Apply for Your EIN

1. Go to IRS.gov/EIN
2. Complete online application
3. Print confirmation letter
4. Save for your records

Step 4: Get Your General Business License

1. Contact your city/county clerk’s office
2. Complete business license application
3. Pay applicable fees
4. Display license at your place of business (if required)

Step 5: Apply for Sales Tax Permit (if required)

1. Check if cleaning services are taxable in your state
2. Register with state Department of Revenue
3. Collect applicable taxes from clients
4. File returns on schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually)

Step 6: Obtain Bonds and Insurance

1. Get general liability insurance quotes
2. Purchase janitorial surety bond
3. Add workers’ compensation (if hiring)
4. Consider commercial auto insurance

Once licensed, you’ll need efficient systems to manage your operations. Learn more about how to start a cleaning business with our comprehensive guide.

Cleaning Business License Checklist

DOWNLOADABLE CHECKLIST

Complete Licensing Checklist for Cleaning Businesses

☐ Choose business structure (LLC recommended)

☐ Search and register business name

☐ File DBA registration if needed

☐ Apply for EIN (free at IRS.gov)

☐ Get general business license from city/county

☐ Apply for sales tax permit if required

☐ Purchase general liability insurance

☐ Obtain janitorial surety bond

☐ Get workers’ compensation (before hiring)

☐ Set up business bank account

☐ Create client contracts with licensing info

Cleaning Business Bonds Explained

Bonds add another layer of protection for your clients and help you win more business. Here’s what you need to know:

Janitorial Surety Bond (Dishonesty Bond)

A janitorial surety bond protects your clients if an employee steals from them or causes intentional damage. Unlike insurance (which protects you), bonds protect your clients.

How janitorial bonds work:

1. Client files a claim against your bond
2. Bond company pays the client
3. You reimburse the bond company

Typical bond amounts:

Operation Size	Bond Amount
Small residential operations	$5,000-$10,000
Commercial cleaning	$10,000-$25,000
Large operations	$25,000-$100,000+

Cost: 1-5% of bond amount annually (a $10,000 bond costs roughly $100-$500/year)

License and Permit Bond

Some cities require a license bond before issuing your business license. This guarantees you’ll follow local regulations and pay applicable fees.

Requirements vary by location:

• Bond amount: $1,000-$25,000
• Required in: Some California cities, parts of Texas, various municipalities
• Purpose: Ensures compliance with local business codes

Pro Tip: When clients ask if you’re “bonded,” they usually mean janitorial bonding. Having this coverage signals professionalism and builds trust immediately.

Insurance Requirements for Cleaning Businesses

Insurance and bonding work together to protect your cleaning business. Here’s what coverage you need:

General Liability Insurance (Essential)

General liability protects you when:

• You accidentally damage a client’s property
• A client trips over your equipment
• Your cleaning products stain furniture or flooring

Typical coverage:

• $500,000-$2,000,000 per occurrence
• Cost: $300-$600/year for small operations
• Many commercial clients require $1M minimum

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Required in most states once you hire employees. Some states require coverage for even one employee.

State	Requirement
California	1+ employees
Texas	Optional (but recommended)
Florida	4+ employees (non-construction)
New York	1+ employees
Illinois	1+ employees

Cost: Varies by state and risk classification – cleaning typically runs $0.50-$2.00 per $100 of payroll.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use vehicles for your cleaning business, your personal auto insurance won’t cover business use.

Coverage needed:

• Liability: $100,000-$300,000
• Collision and comprehensive
• Hired and non-owned auto (if employees use their cars)

Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions)

Consider this coverage if you:

• Handle specialized cleaning (medical, industrial)
• Provide consulting or training services
• Make recommendations that could cause financial loss

Cost: $200-$500/year for basic coverage

Quick Decision Matrix: Which Coverage Do You Need?

If this describes you…	You need…
Solo cleaner, residential only	General liability + bond
1-3 employees, residential	Above + workers’ comp
Commercial clients	Above + $1M+ liability limits
Multiple vehicles	Above + commercial auto
Medical facility cleaning	Above + professional liability

State-Specific Cleaning Business License Requirements

Requirements vary significantly across states. Here’s what you need to know for the most-searched states:

California Cleaning Business License

• General business license: Required from city/county
• Seller’s permit: Required (cleaning services are taxable)
• EIN: Required for hiring
• Special notes: Some cities (LA, SF) have additional requirements

Texas Cleaning Business License

• General business license: Required from city (not state-level)
• Sales tax permit: Required (cleaning services taxable at 6.25%+)
• DBA: File with county clerk
• Workers’ comp: Not required but strongly recommended

Florida Cleaning Business License

• Business tax receipt: Required from county
• State registration: Required for LLCs
• Sales tax: Taxable in most situations
• Workers’ comp: Required with 4+ employees

New York Cleaning Business License

• General business license: Varies by municipality
• Sales tax: Services generally taxable
• Workers’ comp: Required for all employees
• Disability insurance: Required for employees

State Requirements Comparison Table

State	Business License	Sales Tax on Cleaning	Workers’ Comp Threshold
California	City/County	Yes	1 employee
Texas	City level	Yes (6.25%+)	Optional
Florida	County level	Yes	4 employees
New York	Municipal	Yes	1 employee
Illinois	State + local	Varies by service type	1 employee
Ohio	City level	Yes (5.75%+)	1 employee
Pennsylvania	Local	No (most services)	1 employee
Michigan	Local	No	1 employee
Arizona	State + local	No	1 employee
Massachusetts	Local	No	1 employee

Warning: Tax laws and licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state’s official resources before starting your business.

Cleaning Business License Costs

Budget for these licensing and startup costs when planning your cleaning business:

Licensing Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost	Frequency
General business license	$50-$400	Annual
LLC formation	$50-$500	One-time
DBA registration	$10-$100	One-time/renewal varies
EIN	FREE	One-time
Sales tax permit	FREE-$50	One-time
Janitorial bond	$100-$500	Annual
General liability insurance	$300-$600	Annual
Workers’ comp	$500-$2,000+	Annual

Total First-Year Licensing Budget

Business Type	Estimated Cost
Solo, residential only	$500-$1,200
1-3 employees	$1,500-$3,000
Commercial focus	$2,500-$5,000

Pro Tip: Don’t let licensing costs discourage you. These are legitimate business expenses that build credibility and protect your investment. Many successful cleaning businesses started with minimal upfront investment and grew rapidly by doing things right from the start.

Use our free cleaning cost calculator to help determine your pricing strategy that covers these costs.

Common Licensing Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ mistakes to save time, money, and headaches:

1. Operating Before Getting Licensed

Many cleaning business owners start taking clients before completing their licensing. This exposes you to fines and makes it harder to get insurance coverage if something goes wrong.

Fix: Complete all licensing before accepting your first paying client.

2. Forgetting to Renew Licenses

Getting licensed isn’t a one-time task. Most licenses require annual renewal. Missing renewal deadlines can result in penalties or forced business closure.

Fix: Set calendar reminders 30-60 days before each renewal deadline. Better yet, use field service software with automated reminders to stay on track.

3. Not Researching Local Requirements

Many owners assume state licensing is all they need. In reality, cities and counties often have additional requirements.

Fix: Contact your local city and county clerk’s offices directly.

4. Skipping the Bond

While not legally required everywhere, operating without a janitorial bond limits your client base. Many homeowners and most commercial clients require bonded cleaners.

Fix: Get bonded early – it’s inexpensive and opens more opportunities.

5. Underinsuring Your Business

Minimum coverage might seem cheaper, but it leaves you exposed. One major claim can exceed your limits and threaten your personal assets.

Fix: Consult with an insurance agent who specializes in service businesses. Get adequate coverage from the start.

6. Mixing Personal and Business Finances

Operating without a business bank account makes tax time complicated and reduces your liability protection.

Fix: Open a dedicated business bank account immediately after getting your EIN.

Conclusion

Starting a cleaning business license process in the US requires attention to detail but isn’t complicated. You’ll need a general business license from your city or county, an EIN from the IRS (free), DBA registration if using a trade name, and potentially a sales tax permit depending on your state. Adding a janitorial bond and general liability insurance completes your “licensed, bonded, and insured” credentials that clients expect.

The key is doing things right from the start. Research your specific state and city requirements, budget for licensing costs, and set up renewal reminders so you stay in good standing. Most successful cleaning businesses complete their licensing within 1-2 weeks and spend $500-$1,500 on initial setup.

Once you’re properly licensed, the next challenge is managing your growing business efficiently. That’s where the right tools make all the difference – from scheduling and route optimization to client management and invoicing.

Ready to learn more? Check out our guides on how to charge for cleaning services and how to get clients for your cleaning business.