Handyman license requirements by state
Whether you need a handyman license depends on where the job is. Here is every state and DC, read from each state's own licensing board.
2States with a state license
35Partly, or registration only
10Leave it to cities and counties
Handyman licensing in all 50 states and DC
"Partly" means the state covers only part of the trade, such as jobs over a dollar amount or only residential work, or asks for a registration instead of a tested license. "Local only" means no state license, but your city or county may still require one. Pick a state for its full guide.
| State | State license | License to get |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Partly | None at state level for small jobs; Residential Home Builder license (limited or unlimited) above $10,000 |
| Alaska | Partly | Handyman contractor registration |
| Arizona | Partly | None for jobs under the handyman exemption. B-3 General Remodeling and Repair or a specialty residential (R) license above that |
| Arkansas | Partly | Home Improvement Specialty license (limited or unlimited) |
| California | Partly | None under $1,000; a CSLB license (often B-2 or a C specialty) above that |
| Colorado | No, local only | None at state level |
| Connecticut | Partly | Home Improvement Contractor registration |
| Delaware | Partly | Contractor Registration Certificate (Department of Labor) plus a Division of Revenue contractor business license |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Home Improvement Contractor basic business license |
| Florida | Partly | None for minor work under $2,500. Above that, a Certified Residential, Building or General Contractor license |
| Georgia | Partly | None for qualifying repair work. Otherwise a Residential-Basic license |
| Hawaii | Partly | None for jobs of $1,500 or less. Above that, a specialty license such as C-5 or a B General Building license |
| Idaho | Partly | Idaho Contractor Registration (for jobs over $2,000) |
| Illinois | No, local only | None at state level |
| Indiana | No, local only | None at state level |
| Iowa | Partly | Iowa Contractor Registration (at $2,000 a year) |
| Kansas | No, local only | None at state level |
| Kentucky | Being checked | Not yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon. |
| Louisiana | Partly | Home Improvement registration |
| Maine | No, local only | None at state level |
| Maryland | Yes | MHIC Home Improvement Contractor license |
| Massachusetts | Partly | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
| Michigan | Partly | Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license |
| Minnesota | Partly | Residential Remodeler license (or certificate of exemption) |
| Mississippi | Partly | Residential Remodeler (for jobs over $10,000) |
| Missouri | Being checked | Not yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon. |
| Montana | Partly | Construction Contractor License (if you have employees) |
| Nebraska | Partly | Contractor Registration |
| Nevada | Partly | C-3 Carpentry, Maintenance and Minor Repairs (or another fitting classification) |
| New Hampshire | No, local only | None at state level |
| New Jersey | Partly | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
| New Mexico | Partly | Handyman certificate (declaration with CID) |
| New York | No, local only | None at state level |
| North Carolina | Partly | None for jobs under $40,000. General Contractor license above that. |
| North Dakota | Partly | None for jobs of $4,000 or less. Class D Contractor License above that. |
| Ohio | No, local only | None at state level |
| Oklahoma | No, local only | None at state level |
| Oregon | Partly | CCB Residential Limited Contractor endorsement |
| Pennsylvania | Partly | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration |
| Rhode Island | Partly | CRLB contractor registration |
| South Carolina | Partly | Residential Specialty Contractor registration |
| South Dakota | No, local only | None at state level |
| Tennessee | Partly | Home Improvement license (in participating counties) |
| Texas | Being checked | Not yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon. |
| Utah | Partly | Handyman exemption registration (Affirmation of Exemption from Contractor Licensure) |
| Vermont | Partly | Residential Contractor registration (jobs of $10,000 or more) |
| Virginia | Partly | Class C contractor license with HIC (home improvement) specialty |
| Washington | Partly | Specialty or general contractor registration (L&I) |
| West Virginia | Partly | Business registration, or a contractor license above the thresholds |
| Wisconsin | Partly | Dwelling Contractor certification, when you pull permits |
| Wyoming | Being checked | Not yet confirmed on an official page. Guide coming soon. |
Each state page lists the official pages it was built from and the date they were checked. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you file.
Other trades
LicensingHVAC license by stateHeating, cooling and refrigeration work. Some states license it through a mechanical board, some leave it to cities.LicensingPlumbing license by stateWater, drain and gas piping. Many states license plumbers through a state board, often in apprentice, journeyman and master steps.LicensingElectrical license by stateWiring, panels and service work. Many states license electricians at the state level, often with journeyman and master levels.LicensingRoofing license by stateRoof replacement and repair. Some states have a roofing license of their own, others fold it into the contractor license or leave it to cities.LicensingGeneral Contractor license by stateBuilding, remodeling and home improvement. The rules swing from a full state exam to a city permit desk.