The short answer
Most of the country has no cleaning license. When we went through each state's list of licensed occupations, cleaning, maid and janitorial work were not on it in 44 of the 51. Two states regulate commercial janitorial companies, and in 5 we could not settle the question from official pages. The licensing that does apply to a new cleaning business is the same licensing any small business gets:
- A state business license in the 5 places that issue one to every business: Alaska, Delaware, Nevada, Washington, DC, West Virginia. Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Washington require one only in some cases (for example above a sales amount, or for government work).
- A city or county business license where you are based, and sometimes where you work. This is where most cleaners actually need a license, and it is set locally, so it is not in this table.
- Tax registration. 19 of the 51 tax some cleaning (home, commercial or both), so you register to collect sales tax there. Our cleaning sales tax table has each state's answer, and the column in the table below links to it.
For Florida, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, no official page we could open settled whether there is a general state license, so those rows say unclear and point to the office to ask.
What to set up, in order
- Pick a structure and register your name. A sole proprietor using a name other than their own usually files an assumed name (DBA). An LLC registers with the Secretary of State or its equivalent. The registration link for your state is in its row below.
- Get an EIN from the IRS if you form an LLC with more than one owner, a corporation, or plan to hire. It is free on IRS.gov.
- Get the state license if your state has one (the "State business license" column).
- Get your city or county business license. Call the city clerk or county clerk where you are based. Ask whether you also need one in cities where you clean.
- Register for sales tax if your state taxes cleaning (the "Sales tax on cleaning" column). Then put the tax on your quotes and invoices the way the state expects.
- Before your first hire, register for state unemployment tax and check when workers' comp starts. The "Workers' comp" column below comes from our W-2 or 1099 table for cleaners, which also covers how states decide who is an employee.
- Commercial work in California or Oregon: read the next section before you sign a janitorial contract.
The two states that regulate janitorial companies
California. Commercial janitorial businesses must register every year with the Labor Commissioner as a janitorial service provider ($500 a year), even with no employees. Businesses that only clean homes, condos or mobile homes do not need to register.
Oregon. A commercial janitorial business that hires or supplies workers needs a Property Services Contractor License from the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Residential house cleaning is not covered, and sole proprietors working alone do not need it.
Connecticut is a gray area: its homemaker companion agency registration covers agencies whose services include household cleaning for a person in their home, and the state does not say whether a cleaning-only maid service counts. If you clean for older clients in Connecticut, ask the Department of Consumer Protection.
Work that needs a license even when cleaning doesn't
Cleaners get pulled into jobs that are licensed. The usual ones, from the state pages behind the table:
- Mold remediation. Texas, Florida, New York and Louisiana license it. Texas defines it as removing, cleaning, sanitizing or treating mold, so "we'll clean that up" on a moldy bathroom can cross the line.
- Asbestos. 41 of the state rows name an asbestos license or certification. Old popcorn ceilings, pipe wrap and floor tile are not cleaning jobs.
- Pest control and pesticides. Spraying for ants or using a pesticide product as a paid service needs a state applicator license in many states.
- Trauma and biohazard cleanup. California and Georgia register trauma scene cleanup, and Arkansas, Montana and West Virginia license or certify drug lab cleanup.
- Construction cleanup and exteriors. Iowa counts cleaning new buildings after construction and cleaning building exteriors as construction work that needs contractor registration once you earn $2,000 a year from it. Rhode Island has power washers register with its contractors' board.
The table lists what we found for each state. An empty cell means we did not find a rule, not that there is none.
Bonds and insurance
Outside Oregon, none of the state pages behind this table require a cleaning business to carry a surety bond or general liability insurance. That is not the same as not needing them: commercial clients and property managers often ask for a certificate of insurance before you start, and homeowners often ask whether you are insured and bonded. In Oregon, a commercial janitorial company that needs the state license must also carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance or post a bond or deposit. Workers' comp is different: once you have employees it is required by law in every state but South Dakota and Texas, in some states only after a set number of employees.
Find your state
License rules for cleaning businesses in all 51 states and DC
"State business license" is a general license from the state, not a city or county license and not a sales tax permit. "Cleaning license" is whether the state licenses cleaning work itself. Sales tax and workers' comp come from our other two cleaning tables, linked in each cell.
| State | State business license | Cleaning license | Sales tax on cleaning | Workers' comp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | None found |
Home: Unclear Commercial: Unclear Sales tax details |
At 5 or more employees Employer rules |
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Alabama sells a state/county business privilege license, through the county license office, only to businesses on its list. The state's quick reference guide lists janitorial service, maid service and house cleaning service as "None". Licensed nearby work: The state guide sends pest control businesses to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Local: Cities and towns may require their own business license, and some counties charge a separate county license fee. Register a business in Alabama Sources (3)
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| Alaska | Yes Alaska Business License | None found |
Home: Depends Commercial: Depends Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Anyone engaging in business in Alaska needs one. It costs $50 for 1 year or $100 for 2 years, and every license expires December 31. Licensed nearby work: Applying pesticides on property other than your own needs state applicator certification from the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Department of Labor issues asbestos abatement certificates of fitness. Local: You may also need a license or permit from your local municipality. Sources (6)
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| Arizona | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Arizona does not issue or require a state business license. State licenses exist only for regulated work such as construction contracting. Licensed nearby work: Pest control businesses need a license, and their workers need certification, from the Arizona Department of Agriculture Pest Management Division. Local: Most cities and towns issue business licenses, so check with each city or town where you are based or work. Register a business in Arizona Sources (4)
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| Arkansas | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 or more employees Employer rules |
|
The Secretary of State says a state board, commission or association regulates most businesses that need a state license. It describes no general state business license. Licensed nearby work: The Division of Environmental Quality certifies asbestos abatement workers, supervisors and contractors. Cleaning up illegal drug lab sites needs a certified clandestine laboratory remediation contractor. Local: The Secretary of State's handbook tells sole proprietors to get state and local business licenses and permits. Register a business in Arkansas Sources (5)
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| California | No | Some cleaning work |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The state's janitorial business quick start guide lists the business license as a city or county requirement, not a state one. Licensed nearby work: Commercial janitorial businesses must register every year with the Labor Commissioner as a janitorial service provider ($500 a year), even with no employees. Businesses that only clean homes, condos or mobile homes do not need to register. Trauma scene cleanup needs registration with the Department of Public Health, and asbestos work of 100 square feet or more needs Cal/OSHA asbestos contractor registration. Local: Most local governments require a business license or business tax registration. Contact your city, or your county if you are in an unincorporated area. Register a business in California Sources (6)
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| Colorado | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The Secretary of State says some licenses come from the Department of Regulatory Agencies, depending on the type of business, and others from city or county offices. It describes no general state business license. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement must be done by a state certified general abatement contractor with certified workers. Applying pesticides for hire needs a commercial applicator license from the Department of Agriculture. Local: Other licenses are issued through local city or county offices. Register a business in Colorado Sources (5)
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| Connecticut | No | Unclear |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The state says licenses depend on your industry and come from the agency that regulates it. It describes no general state business license. Licensed nearby work: An agency with employees that provides homemaker services, which state law says include household cleaning for a person in their home, must register with the Department of Consumer Protection as a Homemaker Companion Agency ($375 a year). The state does not say whether a cleaning-only maid service is covered. Asbestos contractors need a Department of Public Health license. Local: A new small business needs to register with the State of Connecticut and with its municipality. Register a business in Connecticut Sources (5)
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| Delaware | Yes Delaware Business License | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Any person or business doing business in Delaware needs one from the Division of Revenue. It runs 1 year and expires December 31, or 3 years at 3 times the yearly fee. The fee depends on the business category. Licensed nearby work: Applying pesticides to someone else's property needs certification and a firm with a pesticide business license from the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Local: Your city or county may also require its own business license. Register a business in Delaware Sources (5)
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| Florida | Unclear | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
At 4 or more employees Employer rules |
|
The state's professional licensing agency licenses only listed professions and tells businesses to check with their county or city about a local business tax receipt. No official page we opened says outright whether Florida has a general state business license. Licensed nearby work: Mold assessment and mold remediation need a state license, and so do asbestos surveys and abatement, all from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Local: Check with your county or city about a local business tax receipt. Register a business in Florida Sources (2)
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| Georgia | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 or more employees Employer rules |
|
The Secretary of State says business licenses come from the county or city where your main place of business is. Licensed nearby work: Trauma scene waste management needs a Secretary of State registration. Removing friable asbestos needs a state license from Georgia EPD. Structural pest control is licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Local: Almost every business needs a city or county business license. Register a business in Georgia Sources (6)
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| Hawaii | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Hawaii names no general business license, but everyone doing business in Hawaii must get a General Excise Tax license from the Department of Taxation. Licensed nearby work: Pest control operators are licensed by the Pest Control Board. The Department of Health certifies asbestos contractors and workers. Local: The Business Action Center can tell you about special permits from the four county governments. Sources (4)
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| Idaho | No | None found |
Home: Unclear Commercial: Unclear Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
Idaho's business portal says Idaho does not have a state business license requirement. Licensed nearby work: The Idaho State Department of Agriculture issues professional pesticide applicator licenses. Local: Cities issue business licenses and many do not require them, so check with your city clerk, or your county clerk outside city limits. Sources (4)
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| Illinois | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
Illinois's state guides name no general state business license. The state handbook lists general business licenses among the licenses cities, villages and counties may require. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement contractors and workers need an Illinois Department of Public Health license. Structural pest control businesses need an IDPH license and a certified technician. Local: Contact your city or county clerk. Cities, villages and counties may require their own licenses or permits. Register a business in Illinois Sources (6)
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| Indiana | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Indiana's state portal says Indiana does not have any one single, comprehensive business license. Licensed nearby work: Everyone who works with asbestos must be licensed by IDEM. Applying pesticides for hire needs a Pesticide Business License from the Office of Indiana State Chemist. Local: Rules vary by city and county, so contact the local government where the work is done. Register a business in Indiana Sources (5)
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| Iowa | No | None found |
Home: Depends Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
Iowa's economic development agency says Iowa does not have a general business license. Licensed nearby work: Contractors earning $2,000 or more a year from construction must register with DIAL, and the state's list of construction work includes cleaning new buildings after construction and cleaning building exteriors. DIAL also licenses asbestos work, and the Department of Agriculture certifies commercial pesticide applicators. Sources (6)
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| Kansas | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
Over $20,000 a year in payroll Employer rules |
|
The Kansas Business Center lists no general state business license, and its list of common licenses sends janitorial businesses to the city or county clerk. Licensed nearby work: The state list names the Department of Health and Environment for asbestos removal and the Department of Agriculture for pest control and pesticide businesses. Local: Check with the county and city where you do business. Sources (3)
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| Kentucky | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Kentucky's One Stop Business Portal says Kentucky does not have a statewide business license that applies to all businesses. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement companies above set amounts must be certified by the Division for Air Quality. State law says no one may do structural pest management without a license. Local: Many cities and counties require a local business license or charge an occupational tax. Register a business in Kentucky Sources (6)
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| Louisiana | Unclear | Unclear |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
No official page we opened says whether Louisiana has a general state business license. Louisiana Economic Development says your parish and city can tell you which licenses and permits you need. Licensed nearby work: Mold remediation work with a project value of $7,500 or more needs a mold remediation license from the State Licensing Board for Contractors. The law says routine cleaning not done for mold work is not covered. Local: Your parish and city government can tell you which licenses and permits you need. Register a business in Louisiana Sources (3)
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| Maine | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Maine.gov says general licenses to operate a business are managed at the town or city level. Licensed nearby work: Maine DEP licenses asbestos abatement contractors. Using any pesticide as a paid service needs a commercial applicator license from the Board of Pesticides Control. Local: Contact your town office about a general business license. Sources (5)
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| Maryland | Only in some cases Trader's License | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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You need a trader's license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court if you buy goods from other businesses and sell them to customers. The pages we opened do not apply it to a cleaning service that sells no goods. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos contractors need a license from the Maryland Department of the Environment. Local: Some areas require a local business license, so check with your county's licensing or permits office. Register a business in Maryland Sources (5)
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| Massachusetts | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
The state's starting-a-business guide sends you to your city or town for business licenses. A business certificate (DBA) is filed with your city or town and is not a license. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos contractors need a Department of Labor Standards license. Pesticide applicators need a state pesticide license. Local: Check with the licensing boards in your city or town. Register a business in Massachusetts Sources (5)
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| Michigan | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 employees, or 1 at 35+ hours a week for 13 weeks Employer rules |
|
Michigan does not have a generic business license. Sole proprietors using another name file an assumed name with their county clerk. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement contractors need a license from the MIOSHA Asbestos Program. Applying pesticides for hire needs commercial applicator certification from MDARD. Local: Check with your county, city, village or township clerk about local licenses. Register a business in Michigan Sources (6)
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| Minnesota | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
The state's license catalog, License Minnesota, lists licenses for specific trades and activities but no general business license. Almost all businesses still register with the Secretary of State. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos contractors need a Minnesota Department of Health license ($105 a year). Lead workers, supervisors and inspectors need a state lead license. Register a business in Minnesota Sources (5)
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| Mississippi | No | None found |
Home: Unclear Commercial: Unclear Sales tax details |
At 5 or more employees Employer rules |
|
The state's start-a-business guide lists Secretary of State and tax registrations and says business licenses or tax certificates come from your city or county. The Department of Revenue says there is no central licensing authority. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement contractors, supervisors and workers must be trained and certified by MDEQ. Local: Many cities and counties require a trader's license or tax certificate, so contact your municipal clerk and county tax collector. Register a business in Mississippi Sources (5)
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| Missouri | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 5 or more employees Employer rules |
|
The Department of Revenue points businesses to their city or county for a business license. LLCs and fictitious names register with the Secretary of State. Licensed nearby work: Anyone who works on an asbestos project must be certified by the Department of Natural Resources. Local: Get your business license from the city or county where the business is located. Register a business in Missouri Sources (4)
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| Montana | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
Montana says local city and county offices provide all business licensing in the state. The state issues professional licenses and some specific business licenses. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos work needs Montana DEQ accreditation, renewed every year. Cleaning up a listed meth-contaminated property needs DEQ certification. Local: Contact your city and county offices to find out which licenses you need. Register a business in Montana Sources (5)
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| Nebraska | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
The Nebraska Secretary of State says there is not a general business license in Nebraska. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement firms need a Department of Health and Human Services license. Pesticide applicators need a state applicator permit. Local: New businesses need to contact other local, state and federal agencies. Register a business in Nebraska Sources (3)
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| Nevada | Yes Nevada State Business License | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
State law says you cannot do business in Nevada without a state business license from the Secretary of State, sole proprietors included. The fee is $200 a year ($500 for corporations), and some home-based businesses with low net earnings are exempt. Licensed nearby work: Nevada law requires a license for asbestos control work (NRS 618) and for pest control (NRS 555). Sources (4)
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| New Hampshire | Unclear | Unclear |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
We could not open an official New Hampshire page that settles whether a general state business license exists. Ask the Secretary of State's office. Register a business in New Hampshire Sources (1)
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| New Jersey | Only in some cases Business Registration Certificate (BRC) | Unclear |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
Every business operating in New Jersey files form NJ-REG for tax and employer registration and gets a Business Registration Certificate. You must show the BRC when you work for public agencies, for example cleaning a government building. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement companies need a New Jersey state license, and asbestos workers and supervisors need state permits. Local: Contact your County Clerk's Office and your municipality about local rules. Register a business in New Jersey Sources (4)
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| New Mexico | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 or more employees Employer rules |
|
The state's startup guide lists Secretary of State formation, Taxation and Revenue Department registration and a city or county business license. State licenses apply only to some businesses and professions. Local: Register with your city or county to get a business license or registration. Register a business in New Mexico Sources (3)
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| New York | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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New York State says not all businesses need a license or permit and points you to its Business Express wizard to see what yours needs. Licensed nearby work: Mold assessment, mold remediation or mold abatement work, or advertising it, needs a New York State Department of Labor license. Local: Many counties, cities, towns and villages require their own permits and licenses. Register a business in New York Sources (5)
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| North Carolina | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 or more employees Employer rules |
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North Carolina says it has no single generic business license. What you need depends on your business type, and some businesses need none. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos removal needs NCDHHS-accredited workers and a state permit above set amounts. Structural pest control on property you or your employer do not own needs an NCDA&CS license. Local: A local license may be required for your business. Register a business in North Carolina Sources (5)
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| North Dakota | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The Secretary of State lists registration steps for all businesses and state licenses only for certain occupations, such as contractors and home inspectors. Licensed nearby work: The Department of Environmental Quality licenses asbestos abatement contractors and certifies asbestos workers. Register a business in North Dakota Sources (4)
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| Ohio | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Ohio's state guides list registering with the Secretary of State, a vendor's license for taxable sales, and licenses for certain business types. No general state business license is listed. Licensed nearby work: The state's license list includes asbestos abatement, lead abatement, and pesticide application licenses. Local: Some licenses and permits come from the state and others from your city or county. Sources (2)
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| Oklahoma | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Oklahoma says there is no general license required to start or own a business. Licensed nearby work: The state lists commercial and janitorial, home, construction site, sanitizing and power washing cleaning as needing no state license, with exceptions for power washing contaminated materials. Applying pesticides for pay needs certification and a pesticide business license from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Local: Counties, towns and cities may have their own license rules, so contact your city. Register a business in Oklahoma Sources (4)
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| Oregon | No | Some cleaning work |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
|
The Oregon Secretary of State says the state does not have a general business license. Licensed nearby work: A commercial janitorial business that hires or supplies workers needs a Property Services Contractor License from the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Residential house cleaning is not covered, and sole proprietors working alone do not need it. Local: Cities and counties may require a license for businesses in their area. Sources (2)
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| Pennsylvania | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Pennsylvania says there is no general business license that all businesses must get. Its cleaning business guide says building cleaning is subject to sales tax, so you need a free sales tax license. Licensed nearby work: Anyone who enters an asbestos containment area needs Department of Labor and Industry certification. Local: Check with your municipality about local taxes, zoning, licenses and permits. Register a business in Pennsylvania Sources (3)
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| Rhode Island | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The Secretary of State says some businesses need a state license before opening, depending on what they do, and points to the state list of licensed occupations. Licensed nearby work: Power washers must register with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board. The licensed occupations list includes asbestos remediation, lead professionals and pesticide applicators. Local: Cities and towns have their own business licenses and permits. Register a business in Rhode Island Sources (4)
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| South Carolina | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 4 or more employees Employer rules |
|
South Carolina has no statewide business license. Counties and cities may each run their own, renewed every year. Licensed nearby work: SCDES licenses asbestos contractors. Owners of regulated buildings must use licensed contractors; individual homes are not regulated. Local: Business licenses are usually issued by the county or city where you work. Register a business in South Carolina Sources (4)
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| South Dakota | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
Not required Employer rules |
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The state start-up guide lists only licenses tied to certain business types and no general state business license. The Department of Revenue license is a tax license. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos work needs state certification from DANR. Spraying pesticides for hire needs a DANR commercial applicator license. Local: Cities and local agencies may have their own licensing rules. Register a business in South Dakota Sources (6)
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| Tennessee | Only in some cases Business license (minimal activity or standard) | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 5 or more employees Employer rules |
|
State law requires one if your business has more than $3,000 a year in taxable receipts. Under $100,000 you get a $15 minimal activity license, renewed every year; at $100,000 or more you need a $15 standard license and file business tax. You get it from your county clerk, and from your city if it has a business tax. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos work in schools and public or commercial buildings needs state accreditation from TDEC. Commercial pest control needs a pesticide charter from the Department of Agriculture. Local: The license comes from your county clerk, and also your city if the city has a business tax. Register a business in Tennessee Sources (5)
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| Texas | No | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
Not required Employer rules |
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The Governor's office says Texas does not require a general business license. Registering with the Secretary of State or a county clerk fills that role. Licensed nearby work: Mold assessment and mold remediation need a TDLR license, and TDLR defines mold remediation as removing, cleaning, sanitizing or treating mold, with some exemptions. Asbestos abatement in public buildings needs a DSHS license, and structural pest control needs a Department of Agriculture business license. Local: Contact your county and city government about local requirements. Sources (6)
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| Utah | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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After you register with the state, you get your business license from the city, town or county where you work. Licensed nearby work: Utah DEQ certifies asbestos individuals and companies. Local: Get a business license from the city, town or county where your business is located or working. Sources (5)
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| Vermont | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The state's start-up steps are to register with the Secretary of State, set up tax accounts when needed, and get any license your trade requires. No general state business license is listed. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos and lead paint abatement need Vermont Department of Health licenses for workers, supervisors and the company. Register a business in Vermont Sources (4)
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| Virginia | No | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 or more employees Employer rules |
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The State Corporation Commission says most Virginia businesses need a local business license from their city or county, and it does not issue business licenses. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos and lead abatement need DPOR licenses for workers, supervisors and contractors. Local: Most businesses need a local business license from the city or county where they operate. Register a business in Virginia Sources (4)
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| Washington | Only in some cases Washington business license (Business Licensing Service) | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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You need one if you earn $12,000 a year or more, plan to hire employees within 90 days, or use a name other than your full legal name. The fee to open a business is $50. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos workers, supervisors and contractors need L&I certification. Construction work such as altering, repairing or tearing down structures needs L&I contractor registration. Local: The state Business Licensing Service also issues city business endorsements for more than 200 cities and towns. Register a business in Washington Sources (5)
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| Washington, DC | Yes Basic Business License (General Business) | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Anyone doing business in DC must be licensed for the activity. Businesses that fit no other category get a General Business license: $49 for 6 months, $99 for 2 years or $198 for 4 years. Licensed nearby work: Asbestos abatement businesses need their own license in DC's Environmental Services category. Register a business in Washington, DC Sources (4)
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| West Virginia | Yes West Virginia Business Registration Certificate | None found |
Home: Taxable Commercial: Taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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Every person or business must get one from the State Tax Department before doing business in West Virginia, one for each location. The fee is $30, with some exemptions, and it stays valid until your legal name, location or ownership changes. Licensed nearby work: The state licenses asbestos, lead, radon and clandestine drug lab remediation professionals and contractors. Local: Most cities and counties require a local business license or permit. Register a business in West Virginia Sources (4)
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| Wisconsin | Unclear | None found |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
At 3 employees, or $500 in wages in a quarter Employer rules |
|
We could not open an official Wisconsin page that says whether a general state business license or registration applies to a cleaning business. Ask the Department of Revenue. Licensed nearby work: Disturbing or removing asbestos needs Department of Health Services certification and a certified asbestos company. Register a business in Wisconsin Sources (4)
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| Wyoming | No | Unclear |
Home: Not taxable Commercial: Not taxable Sales tax details |
From the first employee Employer rules |
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The Secretary of State's start-a-business steps cover forming your entity, then sales tax, workers' comp, unemployment insurance and an EIN. No general state business license is listed. Licensed nearby work: Wyoming has no state asbestos license, but anyone doing or supervising an asbestos project must carry a current training certificate at the job site. Register a business in Wyoming Sources (3)
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Licensed and registered? Get the first quotes out
EosLog is field service software for small cleaning businesses. Send a quote your client approves online, then an invoice they can pay by card. There is a free plan, so you can set it up before your first client says yes.
Not ready for an account? Make a quote PDF with the free cleaning quote generator.
How we checked
Every answer in the table comes from a page we opened on the state's own site: its business portal, Secretary of State, revenue department, licensing agency or official code. Law firms, filing services and blogs were never the source. Where no official page settled a question, the row says unclear instead of guessing. Each row lists its sources and the day we read them. Spot something out of date? Email support@eoslog.com with the state and the page.
Changes:
- November 2, 2026: First version, 51 jurisdictions, each read from official state pages. Four states are marked unclear on the state license question because no official page we could open settled it.
This is general information, not legal advice. Licensing rules change, and cities and counties add their own. Confirm with your state and local offices before you start work.