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Pressure Washing Permit Requirements in Baltimore, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pressure washing in Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-19 6 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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Sales and Use Tax Registration

    Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland. Register free with the Maryland Comptroller's Office. Note: cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building, including its exterior, is a taxable Maryland service (Tax-General §11-101(m)) — commercial pressure washing must collect the 6% tax; residential-only work is not taxable.

    Official government source for Maryland Sales and Use Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. General Liability Insurance

    Pressure washing businesses in Maryland 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 Baltimore / Baltimore City

3 stops

  1. Baltimore Business License

    Baltimore City does not issue a generic business license for all businesses. Maryland business licensing runs through the state court system: businesses that sell goods need a traders license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City (fee based on average commercial inventory, $20-$2,125/year in Baltimore City per Md. Code, Bus. Reg. 17-1807). Most pure service businesses need no traders license. Baltimore City's Department of Finance issues only specific license types (e.g., late-night commercial operations, going-out-of-business sales), and location-based businesses need a DHCD use & occupancy permit.

    Official government source for Baltimore Business License (opens in a new tab)

    $0 general licensing for a pressure-washing service1–3 weeks

  2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

    Pressure-washing wastewater must not enter storm drains; contain and dispose properly. Baltimore City DPW administers the city stormwater program; MDE regulates statewide.

    Official government source for Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance (opens in a new tab)

    No permit fee (compliance requirement)Ongoing compliance

  3. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

    If operating under a trade name, register it with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) via Maryland Business Express before doing business under that name.

    Official government source for DBA (Doing Business As) Registration (opens in a new tab)

    SDAT trade-name filing - standard fee $25 (confirm current amount); expedited extra1–2 weeks

Terminus

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

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