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What Licenses Are Needed to Start a Cleaning Business? A Simple, State-by-State Guide

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jun 10
  • 7 min read


If you're thinking of launching a cleaning business, one of the first questions you may have is: What licenses do I actually need to get started legally?

Whether you plan to clean homes, offices, or specialize in post-construction or Airbnb turnovers, understanding your licensing requirements helps you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and build credibility with clients.

In this guide, we’ll break down what licenses you may need, which ones are required based on your location and services, and how to stay organized from day one.



Why Licensing Matters for Cleaning Businesses

It might seem like just paperwork—but licenses are more than a formality. They protect your business, unlock new client opportunities, and show customers you’re a legitimate, trustworthy provider.


Legal Protection and Tax Compliance

Operating without the right licenses can lead to:

  • Fines and legal penalties

  • Forced closure or loss of income

  • Delays in opening business bank accounts or applying for funding

Licensing also ensures you’re properly registered for tax purposes at the local, state, and federal levels.


Builds Client Trust and Professional Credibility

When you’re licensed and insured, clients feel more confident hiring you—especially for recurring contracts or access to homes and offices.

It shows you’re not a fly-by-night operation but a professional service provider.


Required for Insurance and Contracts

Most insurance providers and commercial clients require proof of proper licensing before signing agreements. Some cleaning contracts even include clauses that void payment if you’re not legally registered.



The Core Licenses and Permits You’ll Likely Need

Exact requirements vary by city and state, but most cleaning businesses will need the following basics:


1. Business License

Nearly every city or county requires a general business license to operate legally. This applies whether you work from home or have a team in the field.

Visit your local city hall website or state’s business portal to apply. Fees range from $25–$150 per year, depending on location.


2. DBA (Doing Business As)

If you’re operating under a name other than your legal name (e.g., “SparklePro Cleaning Services”), you’ll need a DBA registration.

This allows you to:

  • Open a business bank account

  • Accept checks and payments in your business name

  • Create a brand that looks professional

DBAs are usually filed at the county or state level.


3. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. It’s required if:

  • You hire employees

  • You operate as an LLC, partnership, or corporation

  • You want to open a business bank account

You can apply for an EIN for free at IRS.gov.


4. State Sales Tax Permit

If you sell cleaning supplies or products (e.g., eco-cleaners, branded materials), some states require you to collect and report sales tax.

Apply for a sales tax permit through your state’s revenue department. Even if you're only providing services, it’s good to check whether bundled supply fees require collection.


5. Home Occupation Permit

If you're operating from home, some cities or HOAs require a home occupation permit—especially if clients or employees regularly come to your location.

This permit ensures your business doesn’t create noise, traffic, or zoning violations in residential neighborhoods.



Industry-Specific Licenses for Cleaning Services

While general business licenses cover most cleaning companies, certain specialized services may require additional licenses or training.


Specialty Cleaning (Biohazard, Carpet, or Mold)

If you offer services such as:

  • Hazardous waste cleanup

  • Mold remediation

  • Commercial carpet extraction or restoration

You may need certifications or permits from your state health department or EPA. These vary widely, so check local laws before advertising these services.


Commercial Cleaning Contracts May Require Bonding

If you’re bidding on office buildings, schools, or municipal buildings, the client may require:

  • Surety bonds (to guarantee performance)

  • Janitorial bonds (to protect against employee theft or damage)

These aren't technically licenses—but they are essential credentials.


OSHA Safety Training and Records

If you have employees, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) may require:

  • Written safety procedures

  • MSDS sheets for chemical use

  • First-aid training and incident reports

Keeping up with safety compliance protects your workers and helps with contract approvals.



State-by-State Licensing Resources

Local laws are the most important factor when determining what licenses you need.


How to Check State and Local Requirements

Here’s how to verify what’s required where you live:

  1. Visit your Secretary of State or Department of Licensing website

  2. Search for “start a business” or “cleaning business requirements”

  3. Contact your city or county clerk for local licenses

  4. Use the U.S. Small Business Administration’s license search tool


License Portals for Major States

Be sure to check at the city and county levels too—some municipalities have separate forms and fees.


Business Insurance and Bonding: What’s Required vs. Recommended

Licensing gets you legally started—but insurance and bonding protect your reputation, your team, and your clients. In many cases, they’re required to sign commercial contracts or get approved on vendor platforms.


General Liability Insurance

Must-have for any cleaning business. It covers:

  • Property damage (e.g., breaking a client’s lamp)

  • Bodily injury (e.g., someone slipping on a wet floor)

  • Legal defense if you're sued

Most cleaning companies carry policies between $500,000–$2M in coverage. Premiums can start around $400/year.


Janitorial Bond

Also known as dishonesty bonds, these cover client losses if an employee is accused of theft.

  • Required for many office and commercial contracts

  • Builds trust with residential clients

  • Typically costs less than $200/year

While not legally required in most places, a janitorial bond can be the deciding factor in landing recurring contracts.


Workers’ Compensation

If you have employees (not contractors), most states require you to carry workers’ comp to cover on-the-job injuries.

Check your state’s Department of Labor or Insurance Commission for specific thresholds and exemptions.



How to Stay Compliant After You Register

Registering your business is just the beginning. To stay protected and avoid fines, you’ll need to renew licenses, track filings, and maintain insurance over time.


Annual Renewals

Many licenses—especially city business licenses and DBAs—need to be renewed annually or biennially.

Set up calendar reminders or hire a virtual assistant to track renewal dates and manage submissions.


Record-Keeping and Tax Filing

Keep organized records of:

  • Business income and expenses

  • Receipts for insurance and licenses

  • Employee or contractor payments

A VA trained in back-office tasks can organize documents, reconcile transactions, and keep your books audit-ready.


When to Update Your Licenses

Update your licenses if:

  • You move to a new city or state

  • You change your business name

  • You add new services (like hazardous or industrial cleaning)

  • You begin selling products in addition to services

Failing to update can void your current license or leave you out of compliance.



What Happens If You Skip Licensing?

It might feel like “just a side gig,” but cleaning without proper licensing exposes you to serious risks.


Fines, Shutdowns, and Missed Contracts

Cities may impose fines of $500–$1,000+ for operating without a business license. You could also:

  • Be forced to refund customers

  • Be banned from bidding on commercial projects

  • Lose access to key marketplaces (like Thumbtack, Yelp, or Angie)


Legal Liability in Case of Damage or Accidents

Without liability insurance and licensing, you’re personally responsible for:

  • Replacing damaged property

  • Covering medical bills

  • Defending lawsuits

The right paperwork separates your personal finances from your business risks.


Missed Opportunities to Work with Real Estate and Commercial Clients

Realtors, landlords, and property managers often require:

  • Proof of insurance

  • Business license and W9

  • Professional invoicing and tracking

Without these, you're stuck serving low-value one-off jobs. With them, you unlock recurring revenue and long-term contracts.



Get Help with Admin and Compliance

Licensing and compliance don’t have to be overwhelming. If you don’t have time to research, file, and stay on top of renewals, delegate it.


Use a Virtual Assistant to Track Renewals

A VA can:

  • Maintain your licensing calendar

  • Submit renewal forms

  • File receipts for tax prep

  • Keep insurance records organized

This frees you to focus on client service and growth.


Delegate Applications and Research with OpsArmy Support

Need help figuring out your local requirements or submitting multiple forms? OpsArmy VAs are trained to:

  • Research licensing in your city/state

  • Prepare applications

  • Follow up with agencies and insurance providers

We make the back-office work disappear—so you can stay compliant and stress-free.


Automate Your Paperwork with Back-Office Tools

Use tech tools to:

  • Auto-renew business insurance

  • Sync license files to cloud folders

  • Automate reminders for taxes and filings

Check out this guide on automating back-office operations to save 5–10 hours per week.


How to Save Time and Money on Licensing Tasks

When starting out, many business owners either:

  • Overpay third-party services for basic license filing

  • Miss crucial steps and end up paying fines later

Here are a few tips to keep costs down and simplify the process:


Use Official Government Portals

Always file directly through state and local government websites. For example:

These portals often have free guides, downloadable forms, and real-time status updates.


Don’t Overpay for an EIN

Some services charge $75–$150 to apply for an EIN. But it’s 100% free through the IRS. Apply in minutes here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online


Automate Filing Reminders

Whether using Google Calendar or a virtual assistant, set up reminders 30 and 7 days before renewal deadlines. This ensures no lapse in compliance—and no surprises from city agencies.



Final Checklist: Licenses, Insurance, and Next Steps

Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay on track when launching your cleaning business:

  • Apply for a city/county business license

  • Register a DBA (if using a trade name)

  • Get an EIN from the IRS

  • Apply for a sales tax permit (if applicable)

  • Obtain a home occupation permit (if working from home)

  • Secure general liability insurance

  • Get a janitorial bond if working in commercial settings

  • Set calendar reminders or hire a VA for renewals

  • Stay organized with cloud storage and automated workflows

Following these steps ensures you start strong, operate legally, and build a foundation that supports long-term growth.



Why OpsArmy Is the Smart Partner for Cleaning Business Founders

Running a cleaning business is more than just showing up with supplies—it's about managing clients, systems, paperwork, and people. That’s where OpsArmy comes in.

We provide experienced virtual assistants and operations support to help you:

  • Register your business

  • Stay compliant year-round

  • Automate client follow-ups and admin tasks

  • Free up your time to focus on service and sales

Whether you're launching or scaling, OpsArmy is your secret weapon behind the scenes.



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