Information for Car Washes

The Car Wash Accountability Law, which requires car washes in New York City to obtain a license to operate, took effect on January 15, 2018. Read Frequently Asked Questions: Car Wash Accountability Law and learn more about the industry with the business resources below.

Mobile Car Wash
Read Dos & DON’Ts
Read DOs & DON’Ts (Español/Spanish)

Apply for a Car Wash License
Car Wash License Application Checklist

Car Wash Damage Complaint Log
Car wash businesses must maintain a chronological log in an electronic format documenting complaints of damage to vehicles. Download Car Wash Damage Complaint Log template (in Excel format).

Additional NYC Permits You May Need
For information regarding permits you may need from the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, please contact:

• Office of Public Health Engineering/Building Water Supply
  25-01 Jackson Avenue, CN-56
  Long Island City, NY 11101
  Phone: (718) 310-2850 or call 311 and ask for: Well Water Permit
  Website: nyc.gov/health

For information regarding permits you may need from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, please contact:

• The Cross-Connection Control Unit
  Phone: (718) 595-6531
  Website: nyc.gov/dep

Page updated 08/2022