Do I Need a License or Certification to Operate a Janitorial Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Starting a janitorial business is a smart move in today’s service-driven economy. Whether you’re offering commercial cleaning, office cleaning, apartment turnover, or disaster clean-up, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Do I need a license or certification to operate legally?
The short answer is yes—you’ll likely need a general business license, and while certifications aren’t always required, they can help you stand out in a competitive market. In this guide, Wexford Insurance explains the licensing, permit, and certification requirements for janitorial businesses, and how insurance plays a critical role in protecting your operations.
General Business License: A Must-Have
In most U.S. states, janitorial businesses must obtain a general business license to operate legally. This applies to:
Solo cleaners
Commercial cleaning companies
Residential and industrial cleaning services
A business license is issued by your city or state and allows you to legally provide services, collect payments, and pay taxes. It also ensures compliance with zoning, safety, and tax regulations.
💡 Read More: State-by-state cleaning business license guide
License vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between a license and a certification is key:
💡 Read More: Spoolah’s guide to license vs. certification
Additional Permits You May Need
Depending on your location and services, you may need additional permits:
Home-based business permit – Required if you operate from a residential address
Sales tax license – Needed if you sell cleaning products directly
Hazardous waste handling license – For biohazard or medical waste disposal
Pressure washing license – Required in some areas for exterior cleaning
Health department permits – For cleaning medical or food service facilities
Certifications That Boost Credibility
While not legally required, certifications help build trust and win contracts. Recommended certifications include:
CIMS Certification – From ISSA, for cleaning industry management standards
Biohazard Cleaning Certification – From OSHA
Green Cleaning Certification – For eco-friendly practices
Janitorial Certification Programs – From The Janitorial Store
Certifications show clients that your team is trained, professional, and committed to high standards.
Tax and Employer Requirements
If you plan to hire employees or operate under a business name, you’ll need:
EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Required for payroll and tax reporting
State tax registration – For collecting sales tax or paying business taxes
Payroll setup – To comply with IRS and state employment laws
Insurance Is Essential for Legal and Client Protection
Many clients won’t hire a janitorial company unless it’s properly insured. At Wexford Insurance, we help cleaning businesses find coverage that includes:
General Liability Insurance – Covers property damage and injury claims
Commercial Auto Insurance – For vehicles used in your business
Workers Compensation – Required if you have employees
Commercial Property Insurance – Protects your office or storage space
Equipment Insurance – Covers vacuums, floor machines, and other tools
Conclusion
While there’s no national janitorial license, most states require you to register your business and obtain a general business license. Depending on your services and location, you may also need permits or certifications to operate legally and competitively.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in janitorial business insurance tailored to your services—from office cleaning to disaster clean-up. Ready to protect your business and build client trust?
Contact us today to get started.
