Pressure Washing Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

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. Georgia Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration

   Required for businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property or of Georgia's enumerated taxable services. Register through the Georgia Tax Center; there is no fee.

   Official government source

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.·Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.

   Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

2. General Liability Insurance

   Pressure washing businesses in Georgia 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. Atlanta Business License

   All businesses operating in Atlanta must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue before conducting any commercial activities -- not the City Clerk's Office (no such licensing office exists in Atlanta's government). Pressure washing companies must renew annually; the cost is an annual registration fee plus a gross-receipts- and employee-based tax rather than a flat rate.

   Official government source

   $191 annual registration fee for tax year 2026 ($75 for tax year 2025 and prior), plus a flat $50 tax on the first $10,000 of gross receipts, plus a gross-receipts tax at the NAICS-based tax-class rate (e.g. 1.88 per $1,000 for tax class 5 in 2026), plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt)·1–3 weeks

   $191 annual registration fee for tax year 2026 ($75 for tax year 2025 and prior), plus a flat $50 tax on the first $10,000 of gross receipts, plus a gross-receipts tax at the NAICS-based tax-class rate (e.g. 1.88 per $1,000 for tax class 5 in 2026), plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt)

   1–3 weeks

2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

   Pressure washing businesses in Atlanta must comply with stormwater ordinances enforced by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, and with Georgia EPD's statewide stormwater/NPDES rules. Wastewater containing detergents, oils, or other pollutants cannot be allowed to enter storm drains. You may need to contain and properly dispose of wastewater. Contact the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (not Fulton County Environmental Health) for Atlanta-specific requirements.

   Official government source

   No permit fee (compliance requirement)·Ongoing compliance

   No permit fee (compliance requirement)

   Ongoing compliance

3. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

   If operating under a trade name, Georgia law requires registering the trade name with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the business operates -- for Atlanta businesses, the Fulton County Clerk of Superior & Magistrate Courts, which publishes a Trade Name (DBA) Application form -- before accepting jobs under that name.

   Official government source

   $15–$50·1–2 weeks

   $15–$50

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Atlanta — Business Licensing
• Georgia Department of Environmental Quality
• Georgia Secretary of State

Related Guides