Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $75–$450 est. 1–3 weeks for all 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

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

    If you employ workers who handle cleaning chemicals, you must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), which requires maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals, proper labeling, and employee training.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing compliance

State of Texas

2 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Residential and commercial cleaning services are taxable services in Texas. You must register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit sales tax before accepting your first payment. The combined rate in El Paso is 8.25% (6.25% state + 2% local). Registration is free and available online through the eSystems portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Texas Secretary of State Business Entity Registration (LLC or Corp)

    If you operate as an LLC or corporation rather than a sole proprietorship, you must register your business entity with the Texas Secretary of State. Sole proprietors operating under a trade name use a county DBA instead.

    Official government source

    $300 (LLC filing fee)3–5 business days (online), up to 2 weeks (by mail)

City of El Paso / El Paso County

2 stops

  1. City of El Paso - No General Business License Required

    The City of El Paso does not require a general business license. The city licenses only specific business categories - e.g., food establishments, vendors, tattoo/body-piercing studios and artists, security alarm systems, boarding/lodging houses, credit access businesses, secondhand and motor vehicle dealers, sexually oriented businesses, flea market operators, contractors, and adult-care/child-care home occupations. A business outside those categories needs no city operating license; the operative city requirement for a commercial location is a Certificate of Occupancy from the Planning and Inspections Department (One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., 915-212-0104). If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the El Paso County Clerk. Cleaning services are not a licensed category and need no city license.

    Official government source

    $0 - no general business license exists in El Paso1–2 weeks

  2. El Paso County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if you operate your cleaning business under a trade name other than your own legal name. Filed with the El Paso County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$450 · 1–3 weeks for all registrations

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