Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Montgomery, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $150–$500 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all licenses and registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Alabama

2 stops

  1. Alabama Department of Revenue - Sales Tax License

    Required for businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property in Alabama. Alabama sales tax is a privilege tax on retail sales; most services are not taxable, so service-only businesses may not need to register. Local city and county sales taxes are also due on top of the state rate and vary by jurisdiction - use ADOR's local tax rate lookup for your address. Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT); state and local returns are filed together through ONE SPOT.

    Official government source

    No registration fee is published by ADOR; registration is made through the My Alabama Taxes portalNot published by ADOR; confirm current processing time with the Department of Revenue

  2. Alabama Workers' Compensation Insurance

    Alabama requires employers who regularly employ 5 or more employees - full- or part-time, including corporate officers - to carry workers' compensation insurance. Employers constructing or assisting on-site in the construction of new single-family detached dwellings must carry it regardless of employee count. Domestic, farm labor and casual employers, and municipalities under 2,000 population, are exempt but may elect coverage.

    Official government source

    No state fee; premiums are set by the insurer based on payroll and class code - obtain quotes from a licensed carrier or the assigned-risk poolNot published by ADOL; coverage is generally bound by the insurer - confirm timing with your carrier

City of Montgomery / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. City of Montgomery Finance Department, License and Revenue Division - Business License

    Montgomery requires a city business license (occupational license) for all businesses operating in the city, issued by the Finance Department's License and Revenue Division. Fees are set by schedule and vary by business type and, for many classifications, gross receipts. The license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    Not published on the city's site (which blocks automated access); confirm the fee for your business classification with the License and Revenue DivisionNot published; confirm with the License and Revenue Division

  2. Montgomery Home Occupation Permit (trade name registration optional)

    If operating a cleaning service from your home in Montgomery, confirm with the City of Montgomery whether a home occupation permit or zoning approval is required. Alabama does not require a DBA filing to use a trade name and there is no 'Montgomery County Clerk' DBA office; optional trade name registration is filed with the Alabama Secretary of State (Lands & Trademarks).

    Official government source

    Home occupation permit fee not published; confirm with the City of Montgomery. No mandatory DBA filing fee.Not published; confirm with the City of Montgomery

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all licenses and registrations

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Official Sources

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