Do you need a license to own a laundromat?

Author: Loyce Ankunding  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Yes, a business license is required to open a laundromat. Depending on where your laundromat will operate, more than one license may be necessary. Some municipalities require a local business license as well as one at the county or state level.

What are the requirements to own a laundromat?

Here's what you need for a laundry business.
  • Health permit. This can be obtained from your county's health department.
  • Water Pollution Control Permit. Not every state requires this, but some may. ...
  • Sales Tax Permit. If you plan to sell additional services or products in your laundromat, you will need a sales tax permit.

Should a laundromat be an LLC?

For most laundromat owners (and most entrepreneurs in general), an LLC is the best choice. That's because you'll have fewer regulatory requirements than S Corps or C Corps, but you'll be able to keep your personal assets separate from your business assets — something you couldn't do with a sole proprietorship.

What are the cons of owning a laundromat?

What are the biggest challenges of owning a laundromat?
  • Washers and dryers in laundromats are very expensive.
  • It is very hard to find people who can fix commercial washers and dryers.
  • Laundromats get dirty as soon as you clean them.
  • Laundromats are not passive.
  • Laundromats attract crime.

What permits do I need to open a laundromat in NYC?

A business must have an Industrial Laundry license if it:
  • Provides laundry services to commercial clients, including hotels, hospitals, restaurants, gyms, and retail laundries. OR.
  • Maintains or operates a laundry services facility in connection with any commercial institution, including a hotel, restaurant, or gym.

3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Laundromat

How do I open a small laundromat?

How to start a laundromat business
  1. Decide on a business model. ...
  2. Write your business plan. ...
  3. Understand the startup costs to open a laundromat. ...
  4. Assess the ongoing expenses to run a laundromat. ...
  5. Calculate how much your laundromat will make in profits. ...
  6. Determine how you will charge laundromat customers. ...
  7. Pick your business structure.

How much does it cost to start a small laundromat?

On a typical scale, launching a laundromat will set you back anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000. Your financial footprint hinges on whether you're breathing new life into an existing establishment or embarking on a ground-up venture, coupled with the prevailing real estate climate in your locale.

What is the failure rate of laundromats?

Understanding laundromat value

U.S. Laundromats post impressive numbers with a 95% average success rate and 20 - 35% profit margins. But whether or not your laundromat can meet (or exceed) these industry standards depends on some important factors.

Can a laundromat make you a millionaire?

We talked to the Laundromat Millionaire, Dave Menz, who owns four laundromats and makes nearly $2 million annually. He even helps other business owners navigate the industry to get more customers, become a full-service laundromat, and outshine absentee owners.

Is a laundromat a high risk business?

A coin-operated laundromat can be a profitable business, but there's also a high risk of it attracting thieves. You'll also need to keep cash on hand to provide customers with change for the washers and dryers.

Can you make a living owning a laundromat?

Laundromats have long been seen as steady and reliable businesses. But if you're considering entering the laundry industry, you're likely asking, “Are laundromats a smart investment?” The answer, for many, is a resounding yes. Typically, see an ROI return on investment) of between 25-30% a year.

What is the best location for a laundromat?

A great laundromat location is on a main roadway, highly visible, and has plenty of parking with easy access. Also take note of the surrounding businesses and what type of clientele they draw in. Grocery, convenience, auto parts, and check cashing stores make excellent neighbors for laundromats.

Are laundromats easy to own?

Passivity and Minimal Cash Investment – Laundromats require a much lower cash investment than almost any other business, and they can be operated relatively passively – in just a few hours per week.

What permits do I need to open a laundromat near?

Yes, a business license is required to open a laundromat. Depending on where your laundromat will operate, more than one license may be necessary. Some municipalities require a local business license as well as one at the county or state level.

Can you run a laundromat from home?

Starting a wash and fold laundry business from home can be a viable small business opportunity, especially in communities where there is a demand for such services. Here are some tips to consider when starting this type of business: Research and Planning: Conduct market research to understand the demand in your area.

How many people does it take to run a laundromat?

Operating Hours: Laundromats are typically open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., while some offer a 24-hour model. Number of Employees: Most laundromats operate with a small team, with the number of employees ranging from 0-8, depending on the business model and service offerings.

How to start your own laundromat?

Steps to start a coin laundromat:
  1. Conduct local market research.
  2. Build a business plan and find a location.
  3. Secure financing and licenses.
  4. Gather essential equipment and supplies.
  5. Set up your space.
  6. Consider ongoing expenses and maintenance.

Can you start a laundromat with 100K?

Entrepreneurs normally spend between $100K and $1 million to start a new laundromat or buy a laundry business for sale. Dave suggests that you should normally spend between two and five times revenue, but that you should base your business valuation on what it's worth to you.

Are small laundromats profitable?

A laundromat can be a profitable small business if you focus on the right location, smart financing, and cost-efficient operations. With small business loans and financing options, even first-time entrepreneurs can enter this industry with confidence.

What are the cons to owning a laundromat?

The Cons of Owning a Laundromat:
  • Significant Upfront Investment: One of the primary hurdles in the laundromat business is the substantial initial investment required. ...
  • Ongoing Equipment Maintenance: ...
  • Competition Concerns: ...
  • Staffing Challenges: ...
  • Utility Costs: ...
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: ...
  • Security Concerns: ...
  • Changing Technology:

How much does it cost to open a laundromat?

Opening a laundromat typically requires an initial investment of $200,000 to $500,000, plus ongoing expenses.

Why are laundromats going out of business?

Neglecting or mismanaging your business

Bad management is the top reason why many laundromats eventually fail. All too often, a person will purchase a laundromat with the idea that as long as they collect their earnings every week or two, the business will continue running.

Do you need an LLC for a laundromat?

Do I need an LLC for a laundromat business? One of the most significant early decisions for budding entrepreneurs is the choice of business structure. While not legally required, there's a compelling case for starting your laundromat as a limited liability company (LLC).

Is it a good investment to buy a laundromat?

The high rate of success, excellent ROI, flexibility, scalability, and easy-to-manage cash flow make laundromats a smart choice for new and experienced small business investors.

How much does it cost to do 1 load of laundry at a laundromat?

Washing Costs: The cost of using washing machines in laundromats typically ranges from $1.50 to $5.00 per load. This price variation is often due to the size of the machine (standard, large, or extra-large capacities) and the type of wash cycle selected (e.g., regular, delicate, or heavy-duty).

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