Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri.

Updated 2026-03-14 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 Missouri

2 stops

  1. Missouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%; local rates vary by city and county. Register online with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Missouri Workers' Compensation Insurance

    Missouri requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 5 or more employees; construction-industry employers must carry it with 1 or more employees. Sole proprietors and partners themselves are not counted; LLC members and corporate officers are. Businesses under the threshold may elect voluntary coverage.

    Official government source

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

City of St. Louis / St. Louis City

2 stops

  1. City of St. Louis License Collector — Business License

    St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of St. Louis County) and requires a Business License from the License Collector's office. 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. St. Louis City / St. Louis 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 St. Louis City 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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