Car Detailing License: How to Get a Car Detailing License in the U.S.
You’re a passionate car detailer in Anytown, USA, and you’re ready to grow your business and start making some real money.
Before you get started, you may need a car detailing license to legally operate, depending on where you want to provide your services. While many states don’t require a formal car detailing license, there are plenty of other business license requirements and local regulations to consider.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through state requirements for a car detailing license and other licenses, permits, and insurance you need to make sure your business can grow without anything standing in your way.
What you need to know about getting your car detailing license:
Do I need a car detailing license?
Yes, you need a car detailing license to provide vehicle washing services in the states of California and New York.
In all other states, you do not need a car detailing license to provide your services—however, you do need different business licenses, permits, and insurance.
How to get a car detailing license?
Getting your car detailing license in California and New York is straightforward, with many similar processes and requirements between the two states.
California Car Wash and Polishing license
In California, you must register your car detailing business with the State of California Department of Industrial Relations to get your Car Wash and Polishing license.
The state defines a car detailing business as any services that include washing, polishing, detailing, drying, cleaning or any other cosmetic care. It does not include any vehicle repair services.
The license costs $300 to register and renew on an annual basis, which you can do through the DIR website. You are also required to display a valid license at your place of business where employees can see it.
The following groups or businesses are not required to get a license or register with the state to provide car detailing services:
- Charities, sports teams, local clubs, and other similar groups that may hold car washing events or fundraisers
- Car dealerships or rental businesses that wash and detail their vehicles as part of regular practices
- Self-service car wash businesses with only front counter staff
- Vehicle repair businesses
New York Car Wash license
In New York, you must apply for a Car Wash license through the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to provide car detailing services.
The state recognizes a car detailing business the same as California—any washing, drying, polishing, cleaning, vacuuming, or other cosmetic care.
The rules for exemption of the Car Wash license are also very similar. These entities do not require a license in New York:
- Federal, state, or local government agencies
- Businesses that sell or rent vehicles as a primary service and clean cars as part of their operations
- Self-serve car washes
- Local groups and clubs that participate in fundraisers or other charity events
Car detailing is one of many businesses that fall under licensing regulations set out by the DWCP in New York. As a result, there is a common list of forms, applications, and insurance you need to provide in order to get your license. These include:
- License application
- Car wash self-certification
- Sales tax ID or application confirmation number
- Signed surety bond
- Workers’ compensation coverage or exemption
- Disability benefits coverage or exemption
- Commercial general liability insurance with additional insured endorsements
- Unemployment insurance
- Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)
- License fee
Car Wash licenses in New York are valid for two years, with the cost varying depending on your time of application or renewal.
| Application Dates | License Fee Option 1 | License Fee Option 2 |
| From Nov 1 (odd year) – Apr 30 (even year) | $550 — license valid up to 24 months | N/A |
| From May 1 – Oct 31 (even year) | $412.50 — license valid up to 18 months | N/A |
| From Nov 1 (even year) – Apr 30 (odd year) | $275 — license valid up to 12 months | N/A |
| From May 1 – Oct 31 (odd year) | $137.50 — license valid up to 6 months | $687.50 — license valid up to 30 months |
What licenses do you need to open a car detailing business?
Outside of California and New York, you don’t need a professional license to provide car detailing services, but you are required to obtain a general business license, permits, and insurance to operate in your area.
The difference between a car detailing license and a car detailing business license is that a detailing license recognizes you as a professional service provider (required in California and New York). A business license, on the other hand, allows you to operate an official car detailing business (required in all states).
The requirements change from city to city and state to state, so make sure to check with your local government before setting up shop—especially for something as simple as registering your business with federal, state, and/or local governments.
You’ll also need to apply for an Employment Identification Number (EIN) before you can apply for a business license. This number is used for tax filings and opening business bank accounts.
The following are common licenses, permits, and insurance you’ll need to run your car detailing business:
General business license
This license allows you to operate your car detailing business in your service area. Car detailing does not require a federal business license, so you should be able to handle this at the state and local levels.
You’ll need to decide on your business structure—sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or a partnership—and register before applying for a business license.
Permits
Seller’s permit
Whether you’re detailing cars on the road or at a fixed location, you’ll need a seller’s permit if you want to sell additional car detailing products like soaps, air fresheners, and other items on top of your service.
Certificate of use and occupancy
This certificate affirms that you have the right to operate your business at a fixed location. The certificate is necessary whether you own the building or are leasing the space.
Business insurance
General liability insurance
This insurance covers various scenarios for your business, including injury to you or your employees, damage to customer property, or if you’re being sued. For example, if you accidentally scratch or damage a customer’s car during the detailing process, this insurance would help cover the cost of repairs.
Professional liability insurance
This insurance is specifically for service-based businesses in cases where a customer accuses you of making a mistake, being negligent, or giving bad advice.
Commercial property insurance
This coverage protects your physical property—building, tools and equipment, etc.—from loss and damage due to fire, theft, storms, vandalism and more.
Commercial auto insurance
For mobile detailers, it’s important to protect your vehicle with commercial auto insurance. This protects you from any damage to the vehicle, as well as damaged or lost equipment and tools in the vehicle used to provide car detailing services.
Mobile detailing license requirements
Mobile car detailers follow many of the same rules for providing services and running a car detailing business as those in fixed locations.
The same professional licensing requirements apply in California and New York. In all states, you’ll need to register your business, obtain a general business license, and get general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and commercial property insurance..
As a mobile car detailing business, you should also secure commercial auto insurance to protect your most important asset—your work vehicle.
In many states and municipalities across the U.S., you also need permits for the handling of water discharge, hazardous materials, and zoning/mobile vendors.
- Water discharge permits: For handling water usage and disposal.
- Hazardous materials permits: For the storage and use of potentially harmful chemicals.
- Zoning or mobile vendor permits: To comply with local zoning and vendor laws.
Learn more about what it takes to start and run a successful auto detailing business from some of our favourite car detailing experts: