Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana.

Updated 2026-03-15 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. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Louisiana

2 stops
  1. Louisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days (online)

  2. Louisiana Workers' Compensation Insurance

    Louisiana requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance for employees. Sole proprietors with no employees are generally exempt, but confirm with state requirements.

    Varies (typically $500–$2,000/year depending on payroll)Immediate to 1 week

City of New Orleans / Orleans Parish

2 stops
  1. City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits — Business License

    New Orleans requires a City Business License (Annual Business Tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy for all businesses. The Bureau of Revenue handles business taxes; the Department of Safety and Permits handles occupancy and zoning. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Orleans Parish / New Orleans Home Occupation or DBA Registration

    If operating a cleaning service from your home, you may need a Home Occupation Permit. If using a trade name, you must file a DBA (Doing Business As) registration with Orleans Parish Clerk.

    Official government source

    $25–$501–2 weeks

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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