Pressure Washing Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pressure washing in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 7 stops $150–$750 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses and insurance
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Texas. Free to obtain from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. Texas Sales Tax on Services

    Residential and commercial cleaning services in Texas, including pressure washing, are subject to state sales tax. You must collect 8.25% (6.25% state + up to 2% local) on all taxable washing services.

    Official government source

    Free (registration)Immediate

  3. General Liability Insurance

    Pressure washing businesses in Texas should carry general liability insurance ($1M minimum per occurrence) to cover property damage. Most commercial clients and property managers require proof of insurance before hiring. Vehicle insurance is also required if using a company vehicle.

    $500–$1,500/yearSame day (online quotes)

City of El Paso / El Paso County

3 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. Pressure washing is not a licensed category; the real obligations are wastewater containment/disposal rules.

    Official government source

    $0 - no general business license exists in El Paso1–3 weeks

  2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

    Pressure washing businesses in El Paso must not allow wastewater containing detergents, oils, or other pollutants to enter storm drains. Contain and collect wash water and dispose of it to the sanitary sewer (with permission) or an approved facility. El Paso Water and the city's environmental/stormwater programs enforce illicit-discharge rules; TCEQ rules apply to hazardous residues.

    Official government source

    No permit fee (compliance requirement)Ongoing compliance

  3. El Paso County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the El Paso County Clerk's Recording Division before doing business under that name. Valid up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$750 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses and insurance

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