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Mobile Car Wash Licensing and Regulations
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As the owner of your mobile car wash and detailing small business, you will be required to obtain certain permits and licenses and comply with local, state and federal regulations.
After you establish an entity for your business, you should submit an application to the IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN - Form SS-4). As a sole proprietor, you are not required to obtain an EIN since you can use your social security number instead. However, with identity theft on the rise, we strongly recommend that even a sole proprietor obtain and use an EIN rather than their social security number.
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If you are a sole proprietor and plan to operate your business under a different name than your own, you will also need to file a fictitious business name statement in the city where your business operates. This is also considered a DBA - "Doing Business As". The purpose of the fictitious business name filing is so people can trace your business back to you.
You will also more than likely need to obtain a local business license. If you are doing detailing jobs in several cities, you may also need to obtain a state license as well. Check with your local government's small business division on the exact licensing you need to file.
Many local governments have strict rules in place that govern how wastewater from mobile car washes and detailing business are collected and disposed of. In some cities, you will not be able to get a business license until you prove that you are in compliance with wastewater collection and disposal procedures.
Complying with these regulations will cost you money to buy the collection equipment. However, if you plan to operate your business in cities that enforce these environmental controls, you should just buy the necessary equipment and move on. Trying to avoid the rules will only get you in trouble and probably shut down.
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