Pressure Washing Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. California Seller's Permit

   Required for businesses selling or leasing tangible personal property in California. Issued free by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

2. California Contractor's License (C-61/D-38 Sand and Water Blasting — if applicable)

   Pure exterior cleaning generally requires no CSLB license, but jobs of $1,000+ that constitute contracting (e.g., surface prep tied to painting or construction) may require a license — the applicable limited specialty for blasting/washing work is C-61/D-38 (Sand and Water Blasting); painting prep falls under C-33. Verify scope with CSLB.

   Official government source

   $450 original application + $200/$350 initial license if licensure is required·2–4 months

   $450 original application + $200/$350 initial license if licensure is required

   2–4 months

3. General Liability Insurance

   Pressure washing businesses in California should carry general liability insurance ($1M minimum per occurrence) to cover property damage. Most commercial clients and property managers require proof of insurance before hiring. Vehicle insurance is also required if using a company vehicle.

   $500–$1,500/year·Same day (online quotes)

   $500–$1,500/year

   Same day (online quotes)

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·1–3 weeks

   $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

   1–3 weeks

2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

   Pressure washing businesses in San Diego must comply with the city's stormwater ordinance: wash water containing detergents, oils, or other pollutants must not enter storm drains - contain it, recover it, and dispose of it to the sanitary sewer or an approved facility. There is no permit or fee, but the City of San Diego Stormwater Department enforces violations with fines. For jobs in other jurisdictions, follow that city's or the Regional Water Quality Control Board's requirements.

   Official government source

   No permit fee (compliance requirement; fines for violations)·Ongoing compliance

   No permit fee (compliance requirement; fines for violations)

   Ongoing compliance

3. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

   If operating under a trade name, file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement with the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk before accepting jobs under that name. After filing, publish the FBN in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation in San Diego County once a week for four consecutive weeks, beginning within 30 days of filing. The statement expires after five years.

   Official government source

   $54 filing fee (first business name and registrant) + $5 each additional name or registrant; newspaper publication typically $50-$100·1–2 weeks

   $54 filing fee (first business name and registrant) + $5 each additional name or registrant; newspaper publication typically $50-$100

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of San Diego — Business Licensing
• California Department of Environmental Quality
• California Secretary of State

Related Guides