North Dakota has a robust construction industry, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing healthy year-to-year growth. There is also growth in many other sectors, leading to an influx of new residents needing home improvements. These numbers highlight the attractiveness of becoming a handyman in the state.
With a North Dakota handyman license, you can complete small construction and home improvement projects valued at under $4,000. However, you will need a contractor license for more extensive projects over that threshold and plumbing, electrical, and asbestos abatement work.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. You should consult your local regulations and a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Do You Need a License to be a Handyman in North Dakota?
Handymen in North Dakota are allowed to perform basic home improvements and repairs without a license as long as the total project cost is under $4,000. Some examples of typical handyman jobs include:
- Drywall repair
- Painting
- Installing flooring
- Replacing windows and doors
- Installing cabinets and shelving
- Hanging window treatments
- Basic carpentry
If the value of a total project is greater than $4,000, or it involves electrical, plumbing, or asbestos abatement, the handyman must have an appropriate state contractor license.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in North Dakota?
There is no specific North Dakota handyman license. Instead, a general contractor license is required for jobs valued at $4,000 or more. Contractor licenses are issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office.
Specialty licenses are handled by their respective governing bodies, including the state Electrical Board, state Plumbing Board, and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
North Dakota Handyman License Requirements
There are no handyman license requirements North Dakota improvement contractors must meet as long as they do not work on projects valued at over $4,000. However, you will need to follow some business licensing rules to start your own handyman business. These requirements include:
- Obtain an Employee Identification Number from the IRS
- Register your business with N.D. Secretary of State
- You may also need to carry workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance if you have employees.
If you are applying for a contractor license, you will need to file with eh Secretary of State. In addition to the above requirements, you will also need to provide proof of liability insurance. Visit our contractor licensing guide for more information about how to get your general contractor license in North Dakota.
The following articles provide more information about questions that may come up while pursuing a North Dakota handyman license:
- How Much Work Can You Do Without a Contractor License?
- Does a Handyman Need a License? (What Kind and From Whom)
- What Should a Handyman Be Able To Do? (Skills You Need)
- Are Handymen Cheaper Than a Contractor? By How Much?
Insurance Requirements
There are several insurance requirements for all businesses in North Dakota. For example, if your handyman business has employees, you will need to provide workers’ compensation insurance and register for the state unemployment insurance program.
Contractors must carry liability insurance, so if you obtain a general contractor license, you will need to purchase appropriate coverage.
While commercial liability insurance is not required for a handyman in North Dakota, many handyman professionals purchase it. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
There are no education or training requirements to get a North Dakota handyman license; however, you must have a certain level of knowledge about and skill in general construction tasks. This can be obtained through on-the-job experience or formal education.
North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, offers five construction-related degree programs and north Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, has four. In addition, several community colleges, including Turtle Mountain and Cankdeska Cikana Community Colleges, also offer relevant certificate and degree programs.
Specific certifications or memberships, such as obtaining a home inspector certificate or joining The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals, can lend credibility to your business. It is also essential to understand fundamental business principles, which you can gain through an online training program.
Handyman License North Dakota FAQ
It is common to have questions about getting your North Dakota handyman license. Here are some FAQs to help clear up any lingering confusion.
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
Acting as a contractor without the appropriate license in North Dakota is a class A misdemeanor. It is punishable by criminal prosecution. Additionally, you will be unable to get a contractor license until any civil fines are paid.
2. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
The Secretary of State’s office is an excellent resource for licensing information if you have additional questions about how to get a handyman license in North Dakota. You can reach the licensing office by calling (701) 328-3665, emailing sosadlic@nd.gov, or visiting the office at 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 108, Bismarck ND 58505.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Handyman in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in North Dakota, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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