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.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $200–$800 est. 2–4 weeks for all 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 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–$2,000 (publication fees, varies by county)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 principally located. In Manhattan (New York County), file with the Manhattan County Clerk. Renewed every 2 years.

    Official government source

    $100 (Manhattan County Clerk filing fee)Same day (in person) or 1–2 weeks (by mail)

  2. NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings — Home Improvement Contractor Registration (if applicable)

    Cleaning businesses that also perform any home improvement work (e.g., painting, minor repairs) for a fee in NYC must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Pure cleaning-only businesses are generally exempt.

    Official government source

    $100/2 years (registration fee)2–4 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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