If you are thinking about going into business as a handyman in Utah, you will need to file for a Utah handyman license. This allows you to perform limited construction work on projects worth under $3,000.
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 Utah?
Utah is one of a few states with an official handyman license designation, although it is technically an exemption from the complete requirements of general contractor license rules.
With a Utah handyman license exemption, you can perform construction work on projects valued at less than $3,000. You must have a properly licensed contractor perform any plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire alarm system, and radon mitigation system work on the project.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Utah?
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing is responsible for all contractor licenses in the state, including accepting registrations for the handyman exemption.
The Utah handyman license allows handyman professionals to complete small construction projects valued under $3,000. Any projects between $1,000 and $3,000 also require you to file a one-time affirmation of insurance coverage with the DOPL.
General construction work is allowed with a handyman license; however, specialty work (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, alarms, radon mitigation measures, and fire suppression systems) requires an appropriate state contractor license.
Utah Handyman License Requirements
According to the DOPL pre-registration checklist, handyman license requirements Utah handymen must meet include:
- Registering your business with the Utah Division of Corporations
- Provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $100,000 per incident and $300,000
aggregate - Complete the Utah handyman license registration form
- Pay a $35 fee (payable to DOPL)
- Pay any outstanding citations or liens
If you have employees, you must also obtain:
- Certificate of workers’ compensation insurance
- Employer Identification Number (IRS)
- Withholding tax registration number (Utah State Tax Commission)
- Unemployment registration account number (Utah Department of Workforce Services)
If you complete projects valued over $3,000, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or select other specialty work, you must have an appropriate contractor’s license. Our Utah general contractor licensing guide has more information about the application process and requirements.
See also:
- What Type of Work Can a Handyman Do Legally?
- How Much Work Can You Do Without a Contractor License?
- Are Handymen Cheaper Than a Contractor? By How Much?
- Can a Handyman Do a Remodel Job? (Bathroom, Kitchen & More)
Insurance Requirements
Utah has several insurance requirements for individuals seeking a handyman license. These include:
- General liability insurance — All contractors, including handymen, must maintain at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate liability insurance coverage. You will purchase this through an independent agent.
- Workers’ compensation insurance — If your handyman business has employees, you must provide them with worker’s comp coverage. This is available through a licensed workers’ comp insurance agent.
- Unemployment insurance — All employers in the state, including Utah handyman license holders, must register for unemployment insurance coverage with the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Utah Handyman Licensing and Registration Fees
The costs associated with getting your handyman license are minimal. There is a $35 registration fee that you can submit with your registration application. The fee should be made payable to “DOPL” and sent to:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City UT 84114
You are also responsible for the costs of any insurance policies required to maintain your license. Fees are accurate at writing; however, they are subject to change. Contact the DOPL for complete, up-to-date information before submitting your registration.
Utah Handyman License Education Requirements and Exam
There are no official education or examination requirements to get a Utah handyman license. However, you should have sufficient training or experience to perform basic repairs or home improvement projects.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
Training for a handyman must be sufficient to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete basic repair and construction projects. For many candidates, that translates into hands-on learning through work. There are several apprentice programs throughout Utah that can help you get this type of experience. Two examples are the Utah AFL-CIO and the Associated General Contractors of Utah.
If you are interested in formal classroom training before obtaining your Utah handyman license, the following schools have some of the most popular construction programs in the state:
- Davis Technical College, Kaysville, UT (801) 593-2500
- FORTIS College, Salt Lake City, UT (855) 436-7847
- Mountainland Technical College, Lehi, UT (801) 753-6282
- Ogden-Weber Technical College, Ogden, UT (801) 627-8300
- Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT (801) 957-7522
- Uintah Basin Technical College, Roosevelt, UT (435) 722-6900
- Utah Valley University, Orem, UT (801) 863-8888
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.
Utah Handyman License Application
When learning how to get a handyman license, you will notice that you can complete the registration form electronically or submit a paper copy. In addition, you will be asked to provide basic identifying information, proof of required insurance coverage, and an affirmation that you will only perform work covered under the handyman exemption.
Handyman License Utah FAQ
Because of its official registration program, it is pretty common to have questions about how to get a handyman license in Utah. So here we answer some of the most common ones we hear from prospective handymen.
1. What Happens If I Do Not Have the Right License?
The DOPL handles complaints about unlicensed contractor activity. If you perform handyman work without a contractor license and have not registered for an exemption, you could face fines. These start at $500 and increase for subsequent offenses. The DOPL may also pursue criminal charges for multiple instances of unlicensed contracting.
2. How Long Is My Utah Handyman License Valid?
You must renew your handyman exemption registration every two years by submitting the online form and paying the $35 fee. They are renewable on November 30th in odd years. Renewal notices are mailed to the address on record with DOPL at least 60 days before expiration.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Questions about getting a Utah handyman license can be directed to the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing. They can be reached by phone at (801) 530-6628 or (866) 275-3675 (Toll-Free in UT) or by email at doplweb@utah.gov.
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 Utah, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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