Oklahoma offers a construction industry-friendly environment, making it an ideal place to start a handyman business. With very few exceptions — plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and roofing — contractors in the state do not need to have an Oklahoma handyman license to operate. Additionally, building and construction inspectors and home inspectors must be licensed by the Construction Industries Board.
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 Oklahoma?
You do not need an Oklahoma handyman license to operate in the state. Oklahoma Commerce lists the following types of handyman jobs that can be performed without a license:
- Cleaning services (janitorial, residential, construction site
- Power washing services (except for contaminated containers)
- Lawn services (lawns, tree trimming, landscaping)
- Residential appliance repair and installation
- Garage door repairs and installations
- Gutter repair and installation
- Window and door repair and installation
Oklahoma handyman professionals who engage in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and roofing must get an appropriate license from the state.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Oklahoma?
There are no handyman license requirements contractors in the state must adhere to as long as you stay within the confines of allowed unlicensed construction activity. However, remember that there may be local registration requirements, such as those in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Handyman License Requirements
Contractors in Oklahoma do not need a license to perform general construction, repair, installation, or maintenance work. This means there are very few handyman license requirements Oklahoma contractors must meet.
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board oversees licensing, registration, inspection, and enforcement of state construction-related laws. This includes administering competency exams and issuing licenses for electrical, plumbing, roofing, and mechanical contractors.
Our Oklahoma contractor licensing guide offers more information about how to become a general contractor in Oklahoma. Additionally, the following articles provide insight into the differences between building contractors and handymen:
- What Type of Work Can a Handyman Do Legally?
- How Much Work Can You Do Without a Contractor License?
- What Should a Handyman Be Able To Do? (Skills You Need)
- Are Handymen Cheaper Than a Contractor? By How Much?
- Can a Handyman Do a Remodel Job? (Bathroom, Kitchen & More)
Insurance Requirements
There are several insurance requirements that an Oklahoma handyman license holder must obtain. These include:
- Workers’ compensation insurance which is purchased through a private agent
- Commercial auto insurance if you operate any company vehicles
- Unemployment insurance is paid through taxes collected by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
There are no commercial liability insurance requirements for Oklahoma handyman businesses. However, professional and general liability policies are excellent investments to protect your business’ finances. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
Some individuals looking to get into the field will forgo formal training programs and opt for on-the-job training with another handyman or contractor. Since you do not need an Oklahoma handyman license to practice, this is often the most efficient method of getting started.
Other handymen choose to pursue formal training in the construction field before getting started. The following schools in Oklahoma offer certificate and degree programs that can get your handyman career off to a great start:
- Great Plains Technology Center, Lawton, OK (580) 355-6371
- Moore Norman Technology Center, Norman, OK (405) 801-5000
- Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City, OK (405) 945-3362
- Sayre Skills Center, Sayre, OK (580) 828-8081
- Southern Tech, Ardmore, OK (800) 989-4599
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 Oklahoma FAQ
These FAQs can help answer questions you may still have about how to get a handyman license in Oklahoma.
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
Several fines can be levied against contractors who violate Oklahoma handyman license laws. The CIB offers this comprehensive list of applicable penalties.
2. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Do you still have questions about getting your Oklahoma handyman license? You may be able to find answers on the Construction Industries Board’s FAQ page. If the answers are not there, contact the office during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (405) 521-6550 or (877) 484-4424.
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 Oklahoma, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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