Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in New York City, New York City (all boroughs) County, New York.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $200–$800 est. 2–4 weeks for all registrations
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 York

3 stops

  1. New York State Certificate of Authority (Sales Tax Registration)

    Commercial cleaning services in New York are subject to NYS sales tax (4% + 4.5% NYC + 0.375% MCTD surcharge = 8.875% total in NYC). You must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance before making your first taxable sale. Residential cleaning services are also taxable in New York.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration at NY Business Express)

  2. New York State LLC or Corporation Filing (if applicable)

    If operating as an LLC or corporation, file formation documents with the NY Department of State. LLCs must also satisfy the NY LLC publication requirement (notice in two newspapers for 6 consecutive weeks).

    Official government source

    $200 LLC filing fee + $50 Certificate of Publication filing fee + newspaper publication costs (roughly $300-$1,600+ depending on county; highest in NYC)3–5 business days for filing; 6 weeks for publication

  3. New York State Workers' Compensation and Disability Insurance

    All New York State employers must obtain workers' compensation insurance and New York State Disability Benefits (DB) insurance before hiring employees. Failure to carry workers' comp in New York is a criminal offense.

    Official government source

    Workers' comp: $1,500–$6,000+/year depending on payroll; DB: variesObtain before first hire

City of New York City / New York City (all boroughs) County

2 stops

  1. NYC Business Certificate / DBA Filing

    Sole proprietors or partnerships operating a cleaning business under a trade name (not the owner's legal name) must file a Business Certificate (DBA) with the County Clerk in the county where the business is located. In Manhattan (New York County), file with the New York County Clerk at 60 Centre Street. The certificate does not expire; file an amendment or discontinuance only if the business changes.

    Official government source

    $100 filing fee + $10 per certified copy (New York County)Same day (in person) or 1–2 weeks (by mail)

  2. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — Home Improvement Contractor License (if applicable)

    Cleaning businesses that also perform home improvement work (e.g., painting, minor repairs) for a fee on 1-4 family residences in NYC must obtain a Home Improvement Contractor license from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Pure cleaning-only businesses are generally exempt. The license requires passing a business exam ($50) and enrolling in the HIC Trust Fund ($200) or posting a $20,000 surety bond.

    Official government source

    $100 two-year license fee (prorated $25-$125 by start date) + $50 exam + $200 Trust Fund (or $20,000 bond)2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 2–4 weeks for all registrations

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides