Do you need a license to start a cleaning business? State-by-state licensing, bonding, and insurance requirements for residential and commercial cleaning businesses — updated for 2026.
Most states do not require a specific cleaning business license. However, all cleaning businesses need: a general business license or DBA registration (city/county), an EIN from the IRS, general liability insurance ($1M minimum recommended), and a janitorial bond if serving commercial clients. Total first-year cost for these requirements is typically $500–$1,500 for a solo cleaning business.
1. Business License or DBA ($50–$200, filed with city or county clerk). 2. General Liability Insurance ($300–$800/year for solo operators). 3. Janitorial Bond ($100–$200/year for $10,000 coverage — required by most commercial clients). 4. EIN from the IRS (free, takes 10 minutes at IRS.gov/ein).
Cleaning business requirements vary by state and municipality. California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, Washington, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Colorado all require a city or county business license but do not have a state-level cleaning business license. Always verify specific requirements with your local government.
Step 1: Choose your business structure (sole proprietor or LLC). Step 2: Register your business name (DBA at city/county clerk). Step 3: Get your EIN from IRS.gov. Step 4: Purchase general liability insurance and a janitorial bond. Step 5: Get your city/county business license. Most cleaning businesses can complete all 5 steps within 1–2 weeks for under $1,000.