complete guide to dbkl car wash premise business license applications

A Full Guide To DBKL Car Wash Licenses

Sounds like you want to open a car wash centre in Kuala Lumpur, a great business to start for those with minimal capital and experience.

All that’s needed is a willingness to work hard, or a budget to hire enthusiastic workers!

cartoon characters opening a car wash business
Perfect.

You’ll also need a car wash premise license from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), and in this quick guide, we explain the application process, including:

  • required documents
  • premise requirements
  • fees, and
  • where to apply

Let’s begin.

Required documents

The application can be done online via DBKL’s eLesen portal.

dbkl elesen portal

You’ll need to submit these documents:

  • Copy of business registration (Form 9 & 49 or Form D along with business and owner information)
  • Copy of MyKad / passport
  • Approval of Development Order (D.O) for open land and building conversion

This means you first need to:

  1. Register an Enterprise or incorporate a Sdn Bhd, and
  2. Find and rent suitable premises

The Approval of Development Order is also obtained from DBKL, and here’s their official guide to DO application and submission.

DBKL premise requirements

DBKL has two types of premise requirements, those that apply to all businesses, and those that specifically apply to certain businesses.

It’s important to ensure continuous compliance with all of them as your ccar wash could be inspected at any time and any rule violations could result in fines or even license revocation.

General requirements

All premises must:

  • Only carry out business activities stated in the license
  • Only do business within the premises
  • Always clearly display the license in the premise
  • Keep the premise exterior and interior clean
  • Provide adequate trash bins approved by Kuala Lumpur City Hall
  • Place trash in plastic bags before disposing of in the bins

Unless with permission, premises must not:

  • Use the sidewalk or open areas around the premises for business activities
  • Modify or renovate the premises
  • Cause disturbance or pollution to the environment
  • Keeping any animals within the business premises

Premise requirements for car wash

The one requirement for premises operating a car wash business is to have an adequate and organised water or vehicle wash waste disposal system.

The car wash is also not allowed to operate 24 hours a day.

Premise license fee

DBKL’s official guide states the fee for a car wash premise license is RM500 annually. 

Keep in mind local councils periodically revise their fees, so get in touch with us for an up-to-date answer. 

Our thoughts

This is one of those times we chime in and share our thoughts on a business-related topic!

While nothing is certain, we think it’s safe to say there’s always room for another car wash–as far back as 2023, DBKL reported there were six million cars in Kuala Lumpur

traffic jam on kualal umpur highway to show potential for car wash business
At least one person in this picture has to use the toilet real bad.

With a huge market, affordable pricing, and low capital investment, we think a car wash business is one of the better options for a young or new entrepreneur.

Note: You’ll need a signboard, so see our full DBKL signboard license breakdown

Let MISHU help with your DBKL car wash license

The MISHU business licensing team has helped thousands of entrepreneurs with their DBKL license applications and renewals, and we’d love to help you too!

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