In many areas, licensing a car wash can be a frustrating experience. Especially if you are building new, be sure you can get the licensing approved before purchasing the land and materials.
Environmental Licenses
Most car wash facilities are required by law to treat and/or reuse their water and may be required to maintain waste-water discharge permits, in contrast to unregulated facilities or even driveway washing where waste-water can end up in the storm drain and, eventually, in streams, rivers and lakes. Additionally car washes, like many other businesses will require a license from the city, county, state. Seek information from your local City Hall or County Clerk’s office to be sure.
Business Licenses
A state business license is the main document required for tax purposes and conducting other basic business functions. Many states have established small business assistance agencies to help small businesses comply with state requirements. Seek information from your local City Hall or County Clerk’s office to be sure.
Check out StartingYourBusiness.com for a list of business licenses and departments for each state.
Tax Registration
If the state in which you operate has a state income tax, you’ll have to register and obtain an employer identification number from your state Department of Revenue or Treasury Department.
Trade Name Registration
If your business will only be operated in your local community, registering your company name with the state may be sufficient. This will not protect your name from anyone else using it. It just creates a paper trail of who is doing business under a certain name. Check with your County Clerk’s office. A resource to help get your DBA is here.
Employer Registrations
If you have any employees, you’ll probably be required to make unemployment insurance contributions for your staffing business. For more information, contact your state Department of Revenue or Department of Labor.