Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 New Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

  2. New Jersey Workers' Compensation Insurance

    New Jersey requires workers' compensation coverage with no minimum employee count. A corporation must be insured or approved for self-insurance so long as any one or more individuals, including corporate officers, perform services for it for prior, current or anticipated financial consideration. A partnership or LLC must be insured once anyone other than a partner or LLC member performs such services, and a sole proprietorship once anyone other than the principal owner does. Out-of-state employers need New Jersey coverage if they enter into a contract of employment in New Jersey or work is performed here. Self-insurance requires application to and approval by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. Failing to insure is a disorderly persons offense, and a crime of the fourth degree if willful, with penalties of up to $5,000 for the first ten days and up to $5,000 for each additional ten-day period.

    Official government source

    No State fee. Premiums are set by your carrier using rates filed with the New Jersey Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau and depend on your job classification and payroll, so get quotes rather than relying on an estimate.Coverage must be in force before the first person other than the owner performs any work

City of Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

    Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

  2. Paterson Home-Based Business Zoning / Passaic County DBA Registration

    If using a trade name, sole proprietors and general partnerships must file a Certificate of Trade Name (DBA) with the Passaic County Clerk; LLCs and corporations instead register an alternate name with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Paterson does not issue a separate 'Home Occupation Permit': a home-based cleaning service is governed by the City's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 500), which permits HOME BUSINESSES under Sec. 500-5.34 subject to conditions (owner must be a full-time resident, at most one non-resident employee, no more than 35% of floor area or 500 sq ft, no conduct in an accessory building, no outside evidence of the business, no on-premises sale or delivery of goods).

    Official government source

    $50.00 Passaic County Clerk trade name filing fee (plus optional $3.00 notarization); no separate Paterson home-occupation fee1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all licenses and registrations

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