Pressure Washing Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pressure washing in Houston, Harris 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 Houston / Harris County

3 stops

  1. City of Houston — No General Business License Required

    Houston does NOT require a general city business license, business tax certificate, or occupational license. There is no city license application or annual renewal for this business type. Only activity-specific permits (e.g., health, fire, occupancy) apply where relevant; sales tax is handled by the Texas Comptroller. Pressure washing operators must instead comply with stormwater discharge rules (no wash water to storm drains).

    Official government source

    None1–3 weeks

  2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

    Pressure washing businesses in Houston must comply with local stormwater ordinances. Wastewater containing detergents, oils, or other pollutants cannot be allowed to enter storm drains. You may need to contain and properly dispose of wastewater. Contact Harris County Environmental Health for specific requirements.

    Official government source

    No permit fee (compliance requirement)Ongoing compliance

  3. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

    If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Harris County Clerk before doing business under that name. $24 notarized (+$0.50 per additional owner); valid up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarized1–2 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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