Handyman License Requirements | State-by-State Directory

Handymen routinely perform minor household repairs and improvements for clients. For example, they may repair drywall, paint interior walls, install cabinets and shelves, or replace worn flooring. Several states require a handyman license before you can begin work, while others do not. The states that do require licensing typically have similar requirements, which may include meeting the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill to perform handyman tasks
Knowledge of safe material handling procedures
Maintaining insurance coverage or surety bond
Registration with the state licensing board

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Regulations governing the handyman industry vary widely from state to state, with many requiring no license or registration. However, many states impose limits on the type of work a handyman can do without needing a general contractor’s license. Our state-by-state general contractor license guides can help you discover more about that option.

Restrictions may be based on project cost, the type of building the work is performed in (i.e., residential vs. commercial), or the nature of the work to be completed. For example, many states do not allow handymen to offer plumbing, electrical, or HVAC services without an applicable license. Additionally, some restrict structural modifications to licensed contractors.

Handyman License Information by State

Are you ready to find out how to get a handyman license in a specific state? Click on the appropriate state name below to learn everything you need to know.

Alabama: Alabama does not have a specific handyman license. If you perform work valued at over $50,000 or electrical, plumbing, or HVAC repairs and installation, you will need a license from the appropriate state oversight board.

Alaska: Alaska offers a General Contractor – Handyman license to individuals performing handyman services with a total project value under $10,000. This generally excludes work on electrical, plumbing, welding, or HVAC projects.

Arizona: Most home repair work in Arizona requires a general contractor license. However, you can apply for a handyman exemption that allows small projects valued at under $1,000 and where no building permit is required.

Arkansas: There are two options for Arkansas handymen. You may choose to forgo licensing, which limits you to certain types of work valued at under $2,000, or obtain a Home Improvement License that allows you to complete larger projects.

California: If you plan to work on any projects with a total cost of over $500 in California, then you must get an appropriate license. That will be a residential remodeling contractor (B2) license for most handymen, although some may opt for the more extensive general contractor license.

Colorado: Colorado does not have a statewide handyman license. However, some cities, including Denver, require licenses or registration.

Connecticut: Connecticut does not have a handyman license; however, if you will make permanent changes to a residential structure, you must register with the Department of Consumer Protection. Connecticut handymen may not offer electrical, plumbing, or HVAC services.

Delaware: You do not need a handyman license in Delaware unless you want to complete projects that modify a structure, involve license-restricted skills, or are valued at over $50,000.

Florida: Florida does not offer a handyman license. You must obtain the appropriate structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC license to perform those services.

Georgia: Georgia offers a Residential Basic Contractor license for handymen performing work on projects valued at over $2,5000. With a few exceptions, you do not need a license under that threshold.

Hawaii: You may complete handyman work in Hawaii without a license as long as the total project cost is under $1,500. You will need a contractor’s license above that limit or if it involves plumbing or electrical work.

Idaho: Idaho does not offer a handyman license but does require anyone engaging in contracting remodeling or construction services to register with the Idaho Contractors Board. You will need to provide proof of insurance to maintain registration.

Illinois: There are no statewide licensing requirements for handymen in Illinois; however, many cities set them at the local level. Check with your local licensing agency for requirements.

Indiana: You do not need a handyman license in Indiana, but you must get a business license from the state to contract directly with customers.

Iowa: Iowa does not offer a handyman license; however, self-employed handymen must register with the Department of Labor if they earn more than $2,000 per year. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical services require an appropriate license.
Kansas: You do not need a handyman license in Kansas. Some municipalities require a license for skilled services like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Kentucky: Kentucky does not have a statewide handyman license. Bowling Green is the only city requiring a local handymen license, although you should check with the local licensing board for current requirements.

Louisiana: There is no license requirement for handymen in Louisiana if the total project cost remains under $7,500. If it goes above that threshold, you will need to obtain a general contractor license.

Maine: Maine does not require a handyman license; however, you must have a signed contract and provide customers with a state-provided statement for home improvement projects valued at over $3,000.

Maryland: Maryland requires handymen to have a Home Improvement license obtained from the Home Improvement Commission.

Massachusetts: You do not need a handyman license in Massachusetts, but you must register as a home improvement contractor with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. If you want to perform certain types of work (i.e., structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.), you must obtain a construction supervisor license from the state.

Michigan: Michigan doe snot require a handyman license to work under $600. You must obtain the appropriate general contractor license for projects above that level.

Minnesota: There are several situations where a Minnesota handyman needs a license. For example, if you earn more than $15,000 in a year in more than one specialty area, you must have a license. Some municipalities have additional requirements.

Mississippi: Mississippi does not offer a handyman license. Instead, you must get a contractor license if you plan to complete larger projects (ex. over $10,000 residential or $50,000 commercial remodel).

Missouri: You do not need a license to work as a handyman in Missouri, but you must register your business and provide proof of insurance.

Montana: Montana does not require a handyman license; however, you must register as an independent contractor with the state Department of Labor and Industry.

Nebraska: You do not have to get a handyman license in Nebraska. Instead, you must register as a contractor with the state Department of Labor.

Nevada: You do not need a license to perform handyman projects under $1,000 as long as they do not require a building permit. A general contractor’s license is required for larger projects or when a permit is needed.

New Hampshire: New Hampshire does not require a handyman license. You will need a specialty license to perform specific tasks, such as plumbing and electrical work.

New Jersey: New Jersey doe snot require a handyman license. You will need to register with the state Division of Consumer Affairs if you operate a handyman business.

New Mexico: You must have a handyman license to work in that capacity in New Mexico. The handyman certification allows you to earn up to $7,200 per year performing minor repairs. Higher earnings require a contractor’s license.

New York: New York does not offer a handyman license at the state level; however, several municipalities require licensing or registration at the local level. Check your local licensing board for requirements.

North Carolina: North Carolina does not require a handyman license for most projects valued under $30,000. Certain skilled trades and larger projects require an appropriate contractor license.

North Dakota: You may complete basic repair projects with a total value under $4,000 without a handyman license in North Dakota. Work over that threshold typically requires a general contractor’s license.

Ohio: Ohio does not offer a statewide handyman or contractor license. Some cities may require licensing or registration.

Oklahoma: You do not need a state handyman license in Oklahoma as long as you stay within state-specified unlicensed construction activity limits.

Oregon: Oregon requires anyone doing handyman or construction work to obtain a construction contractor license. You may need additional classifications for specialty or skilled trades.

Pennsylvania: You do not need a Pennsylvania handyman license to perform construction services, but you must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the state

Rhode Island: You do not need a handyman license in Rhode Island if you will only perform minor repairs valued at under $500. For larger construction projects, you must register as a contractor with the state licensing board.

South Carolina: Any handyman work in South Carolina with a total project value over $200 requires a Residential Specialty Contractor.

South Dakota: South Dakota does not offer a statewide handyman license. You may need a local license issued by individual municipalities in certain cities.

Tennessee: You can complete many handyman projects valued under $3,000 without a license in Tennessee. However, larger projects generally require a home improvement contractor license.

Texas: Texas does not require a handyman license for general work. Licenses are required for certain skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Utah: Utah offers a state-issued handyman license which allows you to complete home repairs and improvements valued under $3,000. You must also file proof of insurance for any projects valued between $1,000 and $3,000.

Vermont: Vermont does not require a handyman license to perform general home improvement services in most cases. However, some cities may impose restrictions.

Virginia: You may perform limited home improvement projects without a Virginia handyman license. A class C general contractor’s license allows you to offer a greater scope of services.

Washington: You do not need a license to offer handyman services in Washington. However, you must register your handyman business with the State Department of Labor and Industries.

West Virginia: You can complete projects valued up to $5,000 without a handyman license in West Virginia. Larger projects require a general contractor license.

Wisconsin: Wisconsin does not offer a handyman license, but you must get a Dwelling Contractor Certification if you want to accept jobs that require a permit or are valued at over $1,000.

Wyoming: Wyoming does not offer a state handyman license. However, many of the state’s larger cities have license requirements.

District of Columbia: You must obtain a Home Improvement Contractor license to work as a handyman in Washington DC. This limits you to residential projects that do not require a specialty license (i.e., electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc.).