Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

   If operating as an LLC or corporation, register with the California Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) statement with the San Diego County Clerk-Assessor.

   Official government source

   $70 (LLC Articles); San Diego County Fictitious Business Name filing fee set by the County Recorder/Clerk (verify current amount); note $800/yr FTB minimum tax for LLCs/corps·3–15 business days

   $70 (LLC Articles); San Diego County Fictitious Business Name filing fee set by the County Recorder/Clerk (verify current amount); note $800/yr FTB minimum tax for LLCs/corps

   3–15 business days

2. California Seller's Permit (if selling taxable goods)

   Cleaning services in California are generally not taxable. However, if you sell cleaning products or supplies separately to clients, register for a California Seller's Permit from the CDTFA.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

3. California Labor Law Compliance (employees)

   California employers must carry workers' compensation insurance, comply with the state minimum wage ($16.90/hr statewide effective 1/1/2026; many cities higher — e.g., City of LA ordinance), meal/rest break rules, and worker-classification rules under AB 5.

   Official government source

   Workers' comp insurance: $1,000–$5,000+/year depending on payroll·Ongoing compliance; obtain workers' comp before first hire

   Workers' comp insurance: $1,000–$5,000+/year depending on payroll

   Ongoing compliance; obtain workers' comp before first hire

4. Cal/OSHA — Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)

   All California employers, including cleaning businesses, must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), provide employee training on chemical safety, and maintain SDS sheets for all cleaning chemicals used.

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Ongoing compliance

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Ongoing compliance

1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks (online application)

Official Sources

• City of San Diego — Business Tax Certificate
• California Secretary of State — Business Entities
• California CDTFA — Seller's Permit
• California DIR — Labor Law Helpline
• Cal/OSHA — IIPP

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