Cleaning Business License: How to Get Licensed State-by-State
Almost every state requires a business license in order to legally start and operate a cleaning business. That includes running a small housekeeping service all the way up to large-scale commercial operations.
In this guide, we’ll cover what you can do with and without a license, the general process for getting licensed, and links to the specific requirements for every U.S. state.
Key Takeaways
- You need a business license to legally start your own cleaning business in the United States.
- Beyond your state’s business registration requirements, you’ll also need to register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Jump to:
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Do I need a cleaning business licenese?
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What can I do without a license?
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How long does it take to get a business license?
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How much does a business license cost?
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Does a business license increase your earning potential?
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How to get a cleaning business license: state-by-state
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Start your cleaning business career
Do I need a license for my cleaning business?
Yes, you’ll likely need a business license if you’re looking to start your own cleaning business. A business license is an official permit or authorization that lets you legally run a business, including a cleaning business.
No matter what kind of cleaning business you’re in, whether it’s house cleaning, window cleaning, or tackling commercial spaces, getting a business license is a must. A license shows that you’re following the rules and running your cleaning business the right way. It adds credibility to your name and lets clients know they can trust you.
So, no matter which area of the cleaning industry you’re in, make sure you’ve got that important business license to give your cleaning business a strong start.
Business licenses are given out by governmental bodies to regulate safety, zoning, taxation, and other business requirements. While most states do not have a specific license for cleaning businesses, they usually require you to register your business and/or get a business license.
Jump to our state-specific contractor license requirements to learn more.
What can I do without a license?
The short answer is not a whole lot.
Generally across the United States, both house cleaners and commercial cleaners are required to have a business license to operate legally.
By operating a cleaning business without a business license, you may face consequences that lead to penalties and fines in most states. Operating any business without a license can be considered fraud and is illegal across the nation.
How long does it take to get a cleaning business license?
Generally, getting your business license can take a few weeks to a few months.
The time it takes to get business licenses and permits can vary based on local rules. Different cities and states have their own procedures and processing times for reviewing applications and issuing licenses. Some areas may have streamlined processes for quicker turnaround times, while others may have more complex requirements that need more time for review and approval.
How much does a business license cost?
The cost of a business license can vary, usually ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars in the U.S.
Other costs to be aware of include fees for registering your business, getting necessary permits and licenses, and buying equipment and cleaning business supplies.
Does a business license increase your earning potential?
Yes, having a registered, licensed, and insured business can boost your earning potential. The average cleaning business income is around $56,000 (USD) per year for a one-person company, and that number can grow as you take on more clients, larger projects, and scale your business.
How to get a cleaning business license: state-by-state
Getting your business license in the United States involves a few necessary steps and considerations.
The first thing you’ll need to do is determine the type of business you want to operate. Generally, you’ll register for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name if you choose to operate under a specific name.
Next, think about getting business insurance, which can protect you from potential risks and liabilities. These include general liability insurance, property insurance, or professional liability insurance. You will also need to pay property tax and/or business tax regulations in your area.
Then you’ll decide on the structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship or LLC, which affects your liability, taxation, and business setup.
If you’re ready to start your cleaning business, follow the licensing steps and requirements of your state.
Jump to your state:
Alabama
To start your cleaning business in Alabama, you must apply for a business license with the Secretary of State.
Start by filing your business with the county probate office. Follow tax regulations and pay income and business taxes as required.
Alaska
In order to start your cleaning business in Alaska, apply for a business license with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Begin by registering your business and getting a state business license. Pay any necessary licensing fees associated with your registration.
Arizona
To get start your cleaning business in Arizona, you must register your business with the Arizona Secretary of State (SOS).
To set up your business in Arizona, register for a tax ID number and register with the Arizona SOS.
Arkansas
To get your cleaning business license in Arkansas, you must apply through the local county Clerk.
Begin by registering your business with the county clerk’s office. Follow tax regulations by registering for and paying sales taxes through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point.
California
To get your cleaning business started in California, you must apply through CalGold and the California Franchise Tax Board.
Start by registering your business with the county and city. Next, register with the California Franchise Tax Board.
Colorado
To start your cleaning business in Colorado, register through Colorado’s business registry portal, and your county clerk’s office.
Start by registering your business name through the MyBizColorado platform. Next, apply for a business license in the county where you plan to work. Note that you can apply in more than one county.
Connecticut
To start your cleaning business in Connecticut, you must register with the Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register your business with the SOS. Make sure you check with your local city or county requirements.
Delaware
To start your cleaning business in Delaware, you can register for a business license through the Delaware One Stop Business Portal.
To establish your cleaning business in Delaware, start by registering with the Delaware One Stop Business Portal. Next, select an LLC or other appropriate business structure to establish your company’s legal status and operational capabilities.
Florida
To start your cleaning business in Florida, you can register your business with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations.
After you register your business with the Department’s online portal, Sunbiz, make sure to check with your county requirements before starting work.Â
Ready to start? Get a step by step breakdown of starting a cleaning business in Florida.
Georgia
To get your cleaning business started in Georgia, register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State (SOS).
To get a business license in Georgia, you need to register your new business with the Georgia SOS. This registration can be done through the Georgia Tax Center website.
Hawaii
To start your cleaning business in Hawaii, register with Hawaii Business Express.
Here’s where you can apply for a business license using the Hawaii Business Express website.
Idaho
In order to get your cleaning business started in Idaho, you must apply for a business license with the Idaho Secretary of State.
Register your business with the SOS. You may also need to apply for specific region licenses or permits depending on the area you’re working in. This process can be started through the Idaho Business Registration System.
Illinois
To get your cleaning business started in Illinois, register with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) and My Tax Illinois.
To set up a business in Illinois, register with the SOS, and obtain a tax ID number from My Tax Illinois.
Indiana
To start your cleaning business in Indiana, register with the State Government’s Business Division and the County Recorder’s Office.
First, register your company, and if applicable, obtain an assumed business name certificate from the County Recorder’s Office. Make sure you also check city or county requirements
Iowa
To get your cleaning business started in Iowa, register with the Iowa Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register your company with the SOS, acquire an employee identification number (EIN), and review your county or city requirements.
Kansas
To start your cleaning business in Kansas, register with the Kansas Secretary of State and the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Register your business with the SOS, then register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, and make sure you check your city or country requirements.
Kentucky
To start your cleaning business in Kentucky, register for a business license through the One Stop Business Portal.
Begin the process through the One Stop Business Portal and acquire the necessary licenses and permits, excluding those for methamphetamine cleanup businesses. Make sure you review city or county requirements for any additional licenses or permits.
Louisiana
To begin your cleaning business in Louisiana, all you need to do is apply for the license and permits through the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can register for your business license here.
Maine
To start your cleaning business in Maine, register with the Maine Secretary of State (SOS) and local government offices.
You can get a business license from the SOS. Make sure you check the local tax requirements and other local regulations.
Maryland
To start your cleaning business in Maryland, register with Maryland Business Express.
You can get a state business license from the Maryland Business Express website. Review the requirements with county and city regulations, too.
Massachusetts
To get your cleaning business license in Massachusetts, register with the Massachusetts Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register with the SOS, then sign up with Massachusetts Tax Connect. Check for any local licenses or permits, and consult your county clerk’s office.
Michigan
To start your cleaning business in Michigan, register with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).
Start by registering with the SOS, then register for a tax ID on Michigan Treasury Online, and check your county clerk’s office for any additional requirements.
Minnesota
To get your cleaning business started in Minnesota, register with the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register your business with the SOS and pay the appropriate taxes with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Make sure you check all local requirements.
Mississippi
To get your cleaning business started in Mississippi,register with the Mississippi Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS and fulfill sales and tax obligations with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Missouri
To get your cleaning business started in Missouri, register with the Missouri Secretary of State (SOS).
To get started, file your business with the SOS, then register for taxes with the Missouri Department of Revenue, and consult your local county clerk’s office for any additional documentation needed.
Montana
To get your cleaning business started in Montana, register with the Montana Secretary of State (SOS).
Start by registering with the SOS. File all necessary taxes with the Montana Department of Revenue, and consult with your county clerk.
Nebraska
To start your cleaning business in Nebraska, register with the Nebraska Secretary of State (SOS).
Register your business, acquire a business license, and adhere to tax laws using Nebraska’s one-stop-shop website.
Nevada
To begin your cleaning business in Nevada, register with the Nevada Secretary of State (SOS).
You can use the NV SilverFlume web portal to complete the entire registration process online, including filing for licenses, permits, and taxes.
New Hampshire
To start your cleaning business in New Hampshire, register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS).
To get started, use New Hampshire Quick Start to register your business, and complete your business formation and tax filings.
New Jersey
To get your cleaning business license in New Jersey, register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Municipality Websites.
Start by applying for a business license with the SOS, register with the Department of Revenue and Enterprise Service, and consult with your local county clerk’s office for any other requirements.
New Mexico
To get your cleaning business started in New Mexico, register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register with the SOS website, then file for sales tax, paycheck withholdings, and estimated income tax with the Taxation & Revenue Department. Make sure you check with the county clerk in your city or county for any other requirements.
New York
To start your cleaning business in New York, register with the New York Department of State (SOS).
Use the State of New York’s Business Wizard for all business registration, and tax documents. Make sure you check for local requirements where you’ll be working.
North Carolina
To begin your cleaning business in North Carolina, register with the North Carolina Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register with the SOS website, then register with the NC Department of Revenue and obtain an Assumed Name at the Register of Deeds Office. Check for business license requirements with your local city or county.
North Dakota
To start your cleaning business in North Dakota, register with the North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS).
To start, register with the SOS, then pay tax through the Taxpayer Access Point. Make sure you check with your local city or county for any more requirements.
Ohio
To begin your cleaning business in Ohio, register with the Ohio Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register with the SOS website and pay the necessary taxes. You must also get a vendor’s license from the county auditor. Check for business license requirements with your local city or county.
Oklahoma
To get your cleaning business license in Oklahoma, register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and city or county websites.
Start by registering with the SOS website, paying taxes through the OK Taxpayer Access Point, and then checking for business license requirements with your city or county.
Oregon
To start your cleaning business in Oregon, register with the Oregon Secretary of State (SOS).
Register for a business license from the SOS, and apply for a Business Identification Number. Check for any more requirements with your city or county.
Pennsylvania
To get your cleaning business license in Pennsylvania, register with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Start by registering for your license through the Department of State’s website, and register for taxes through PA 100 Online Tax Registration. Check for additional requirements with your city or county.
Rhode Island
To start your cleaning business in Rhode Island, register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Register for a business license with the SOS. You can use Rhode Island Business Assistant and Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns for further guidance. Make sure you check all local requirements, too.
South Carolina
To start your cleaning business in South Carolina, register with the South Carolina Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register your business with the SOS. Make sure you check all local requirements for further steps in order to get your business started.
South Dakota
To get your cleaning business started in South Dakota, register with the South Dakota Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS. Then, file for a sales tax license with the Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county government for any additional licensing requirements.
Tennessee
To get your cleaning business started in Tennessee, register with the Tennessee Secretary of State (SOS)
Register with the SOS and then register for sales and use tax with the Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county clerk for any more business licensing requirements.
Texas
To get your cleaning business license in Texas, register with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS).
Start by choosing a business name and registering it with the SOS. Register for sales and use tax with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Check with the city or county government for any additional licensing requirements.
Utah
To get your cleaning business started in Utah, register with the Utah Department of Commerce.
You can register with the Utah Department of Commerce and file for a sales tax license with the Utah State Tax Commission. Check with your city or county government for any further licensing requirements.
Vermont
To get your cleaning business started in Vermont, register with the Vermont Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS and register for sales and use tax, and if you have employees, you must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes and the Vermont Department of Labor. Make sure you check with your local town clerk for any more licensing requirements.
Virginia
To get started with your cleaning business in Virginia, register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC).
First, register VSCC and then register for sales and use tax. If you have employees, register for employer withholding taxes and unemployment insurance with the Virginia Department of Taxation and the Virginia Employment Commission. Make sure you check with your city or county government for any more licensing requirements.
Washington
To start your cleaning business in Washington, register with the Washington Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS and then register for a Unified Business Identifier (UBI). Then, file for a state business license with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county government for any other licensing requirements.
West Virginia
To start your cleaning business in West Virginia, register with the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS).
Register your business with the SOS and then register for sales and use tax, withholding taxes, and unemployment taxes with the West Virginia State Tax Department and the West Virginia Division of Labor if you have employees. Check with your city or county government for any regional licensing requirements.
Wisconsin
To get your cleaning business started in Wisconsin, register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
Register with the DFI and register for a state Employer Identification Number (EIN). If applicable, file for a seller’s permit with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Make sure you check with the city or county government for other requirements.
Wyoming
To start your cleaning business in Wyoming, register with the Wyoming Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register with the SOS. Then, register for sales and use tax with the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county government for any extra licensing requirements.
Start your cleaning business career
Once you’ve secured your business license and insurance, the next step to career growth is starting your own cleaning business. We’ve got you covered with resources to help, like:
- The best apps for professional cleaners
- How much to charge for house cleaning
- Cleaning business software
- Good cleaning business ideas to kickstart your company.
Starting your own business is hard, but it’s worth it.