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Window Cleaning License and Insurance Requirements by State (2026 Guide)
Updated April 02, 2026
Window cleaning has almost zero licensing hurdles, which is a big part of why it’s such a fast business to launch. You can be fully legal in most states for under $200 and a couple hours of paperwork.
The bigger concern is insurance. Ladders fall, windows break, and one uninsured accident on a storefront can cost more than a year of revenue. Here’s what’s required versus nice-to-have, state-by-state, plus the software to run the business side.
Insurance
You need insurance before your first paid job. One accident without coverage could bankrupt you.
| Type | General Liability |
| Minimum coverage | $1,000,000 |
| Monthly cost | $30 - $60 |
| Annual cost | $360 - $720 |
| Where to get it | Next Insurance, Simply Business, Hiscox |
Business Structure
- Recommended: Sole Proprietorship to start, LLC within first year
- Sole Proprietorship: $10 - $50 (DBA filing)
- LLC: $50 - $500 (varies by state)
Licensing by State
Window cleaning does NOT require a specific professional license in any US state. You need a general business license to operate legally, and liability insurance is essential. Some cities have additional requirements for commercial or multi-story work.
No special license required in: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and most other states. Just register your business locally.
Run Your Business
Once you're getting clients, you need a way to manage quotes, invoicing, and scheduling.
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