Handyman license requirements by state: A comprehensive guide

Handyman licenses are tricky, and requirements vary by state. Sometimes, handypersons are considered contractors (such as general contractors, electricians or plumbers). Other states have specific home improvement contractor licenses. It often depends on the scope of a project and project costs.

Generally, individual states do not issue licenses for handyman services, but it’s important to understand what work is/is not allowed and when you may need to seek official licensure. (We have state guides for other trades, including electricians, HVAC technicians, landscapers, roofing, painters and plumbers.)

Once you are in compliance with license requirements, make sure you have the right handyman insurance to protect yourself from the risks you face every day.

This comprehensive list of handyman requirements is in alphabetical order, making the information you need easy to find.

Jump ahead to your state:

• States A-E
• States F-J
• States K-O
• States P-T
• States U-Z

Alabama

License required: No

A handyman does not need a state license or registration in Alabama for general maintenance and repair work. However, contractors must have a license issued by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors if they work on projects valued at more than $50,000, and specialty licenses are necessary for electrical, plumbing and mechanical work.

Required business insurance in Alabama:

• Alabama requires workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Alabama’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in Alabama.

Alaska

License required: Yes

A handyperson in Alaska must hold a license to perform work worth up to $10,000. The General Contractor-Handyman license is issued by the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Division of Corporations Business and Professional Licensing.

Required business insurance in Alaska:

• You must show proof of general liability ($20,000 for damage to property, $50,000 for injury) .
• Alaska requires workers’ compensation if you have employees with limited exceptions.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Alaska’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Arizona

License required: No

This state does not offer a handy license. Arizona only requires a contractor license for major projects and work worth more than $1,000, including labor and materials. Work that is worth less than $1,000 and is of a casual or minor nature does not carry handyman license requirements. This is commonly known as the handyman exemption. 

However, if the job has a value under $1,000 but still requires a building permit, the handyman exemption will not apply, and a license will be required.

The Arizona contractors license is issued by the Registrar of Contractors. To be eligible for a license, you’ll need to pass two exams and submit proof of a bond.

The Registrar of Contractors issues the Arizona contractor licenses. To be eligible for a license, you’ll need to pass two exams and submit proof of a bond.

Required business insurance in Arizona:

• Arizona requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Arizona’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in Arizona.

Arkansas

License required: Yes

You’ll need a Home Improvement License as a handyman in Arkansas if you plan to do specialty work worth more than $2,000 as a contractor at a single-family residence. This includes painting, roofing, flooring and other projects. 

If you plan on doing more significant work, you must consider another Arkansas contractor’s license for residential remodelers or rebuilders.

There is no exam, but the handyman license requirements include proof of workers’ compensation insurance, as well as a financial statement.

Required business insurance in Arkansas:

• Arkansas requires workers’ compensation if you have three or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Arkansas’ minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

California

License required: Maybe

There is no specific handyman license in California for small jobs. However, a handyperson working on jobs worth more than $500 (even if your component is less than $500, but the overall job is worth more) must have a general contractor license from the state of California.

If you work on a job that does not become a fixed part of the structure, such as hanging pictures or building furniture, you’ll be exempt from the $500 limit and can work on bigger projects.

To cover all your options, you can get a California general contractor license from the Contractors State License Board. To be eligible for the license, you’ll need to show four years of work experience, have a certificate of insurance, and a contractor’s bond of $15,000. You’ll need to pass the trade exam and business and law exam.

Required business insurance in California:

• All LLC licenses must have general liability insurance between $1 million–$5 million. The minimum amount is based on the number of employees you have
• California requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. California’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident / $5,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in California.

Colorado

License required: No

As a handyman, you fall under the category of general contractors in Colorado. There are no state handyman license requirements for general contractors, although there are some local requirements that you need to check before you begin work.

Required business insurance in Colorado:

• Colorado requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Colorado’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Connecticut

License required: No, but must register with the state

Handymen do not need a state license to work in Connecticut. However, if you consider yourself a home improvement contractor who creates permanent changes to a residential property, you’ll need to register with the Department of Consumer Protection.

Required business insurance in Connecticut:

• To register as a home improvement contractor, you must provide proof of general liability insurance with a minimum of $20,000. 
• Connecticut requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Connecticut’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Delaware

License required: No

There is no specific handyman license. General contractors in Delaware require a business license for revenue purposes and must register with the state to work on projects worth more than $50,000. 

Required business insurance in Delaware:

• Delaware requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Delaware’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

District of Columbia (DC)

License required: Yes

Washington, DC, requires all contractors working in the district to be licensed. This includes handypersons, who must be licensed as Home Improvement Contractors.

You must apply for the license through their online portal and provide the following: 

• Certificate of occupancy (if applicable) 
• Corporate Registration (If applicable)
• Sample home improvement contract
• Home improvement salesperson designation letter
• Police criminal history report
• Surety bond of $25,000
• Tax registration
• Proof of insurance

Required business insurance in Washington DC:

• Home Improvement Contractors must carry general liability insurance
• DC requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. DC’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Florida

License required: No

As a handyman in Florida, you don’t need a state license for miscellaneous non-structural work, such as minor carpentry, door repairs, paneling, tile installation and window repair.

However, any structural work, such as building, home renovations and roofing, will require a Florida general contractor license. The license is issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

You’ll be required to show four years of experience, as well as proof of Florida general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. You must pass an exam.

Required business insurance in Florida:

• Florida requires workers’ compensation if you have four or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Florida’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $10,000 per person / $20,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in Florida.

Georgia

License required: Maybe

A handyman who works on any projects worth more than $2,500 needs a Residential-Basic Contractor license to work in Georgia.

Once the Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors approves your application, you must pass a trade exam and a business and law exam. You must have two years of experience and show proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance in Georgia.

Required business insurance in Georgia:

• You must obtain general liability insurance of not less than $300,000 per occurrence
• Georgia requires workers’ compensation if you have three or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Georgia’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in Georgia.

Hawaii

License required: Maybe

Hawaii requires all handypersons who work on jobs where the labor and material are worth more than $1,000 or require a building permit, to hold a license.

Hawaii General building contractor licenses and specialty contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing. You’ll need to pass a trade exam and a business and law exam, show four years of experience in the past 10 years, and show proof of insurance.

Required business insurance in Hawaii:

• You must obtain general liability insurance of not less than $300,000 per occurrence.
• Hawaii requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Hawaii’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Idaho

License required: No

There are no contractor licensing requirements in Idaho. A handyperson, however, can only claim to be a contractor if registering with the Idaho Contractors Board.

Required business insurance in Idaho:

• Idaho requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Idaho’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Illinois

License required: No

Handymen and general contractors are not required to have a state license to work in Illinois. However, many local jurisdictions, including Chicago, require handypersons and contractors to have a general contractor license. 

Required business insurance in Illinois:

• Illinois requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Illinois’ minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage.

Indiana

License required: No

There are no licensing requirements for handymen or general contractors in Indiana. However, there may be regulations at a local level. Check with your local regulatory agencies before you do any work.

Required business insurance in Indiana:

• Indiana requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Indiana’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Iowa

License required: No

Iowa does not require a handyperson to hold a state license. However, if you do business in the state and make more than $2,000 per year, you must register as a contractor with the Iowa Division of Labor.

Required business insurance in Iowa:

• Iowa requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Iowa’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Kansas

License required: No

As a handyman, you won’t need a state license to work in Kansas. However, there are regulations for general contractors on a local level, so check these before you begin work.

Required business insurance in Kansas:

• Kansas requires workers’ compensation if a non-agricultural business’s gross annual payroll exceeds $20,000. All employees must be covered.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Kansas’ minimum motor vehicle requirements are $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Kentucky

License required: No

Kentucky does not require handypersons or general contractors to hold a state license. However, check handyman license requirements with your local government before you begin work to ensure you are in compliance.

Required business insurance in Kentucky:

• Kentucky requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Kentucky minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Louisiana

License required: No, but you must register with the state

Handypersons must register with the state of Louisiana for home improvement projects where the labor and materials cost more than $7,500. You must register with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and show proof of insurance.

If the project exceeds $50,000 you need to get a residential license. 

Required business insurance in Louisiana:

• Home improvement registrants must provide proof of general liability insurance with a minimum amount of $100,000 
• Louisiana requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Louisiana minimum motor vehicle requirements are $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Maine

License required: No

There are no general contractor or handyman license requirements at the state level in Maine. There may be local regulations you need to comply with, so make sure to check these out before you begin working.

Required business insurance in Maine:

• Maine requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Maine’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Maryland

License required: Yes

A handyperson working in Maryland will need a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Labor’s Home Improvement Commission.

According to the department website, this will cover additions or alterations, conversions, improvement, modernization, remodeling, repair or replacement of a residential building. You must show two years of experience in home improvement work and a certificate of insurance. You must also pass an exam that questions about business and law.

Required business insurance in Maryland:

• Applicants and licensees must show proof of current $50,000 general liability insurance.
• Maryland requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Maryland minimum motor vehicle requirements are $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Massachusetts

License required: No, but you must register with the state

A handyman who performs small home improvement jobs and property repairs in Massachusetts does not need a state license but must have a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration.

There is no HIC exam requirement, but you must pay a registration fee. If you perform any structural work, such as a renovation or larger building projects on existing homes, you’ll need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL).

Required business insurance in Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Massachusetts’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident / $5,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in Massachusetts.

Michigan

License required: No

A handyman in Michigan does not need a specific handyman’s license to work in the state. However, there are many jobs that a handyman may do that could require a license, including carpentry, laying concrete, painting and tiling. These all require a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License.

To be eligible for the license, you’ll need to complete 60 hours of educational courses and pass an exam.

Required business insurance in Michigan:

• Michigan requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more full-time employees, or three or more employees of any status.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Michigan’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage in another state.

Minnesota

License required: Maybe

If you’re a handyman in Minnesota and you make more than $15,000 per year by working on existing structures, you’ll need a Residential Remodeler License. (Contractors who build new structures require a Residential Building License.)

To be eligible for a license, you’ll need to pass an exam and show proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Required business insurance in Minnesota:

• You must obtain general liability insurance of not less than $100,000 per occurrence
• Minnesota requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Minnesota’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Mississippi

License required: No

A handyperson only needs a license in Mississippi if the residential job costs more than $10,000. In this case, you’ll need a Residential Remodeling license issued by the Mississippi Contractor Licensing Board.

You’ll need to pass the residential trade exam and the business and law exam, and show proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Required business insurance in Mississippi:

• Mississippi requires workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Mississippi minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Missouri

License required: No

Handymen and general contractors can work in Missouri without a state license. Check your local handyman license requirements to ensure you comply with any city regulations.

Required business insurance in Missouri:

• Missouri requires workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Missouri’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Montana

License required: No, but you may have to register with the state

General contractors, including handypersons, are not required to hold a license to work in Montana. However, you must register with the Department of Labor and Industry if you have employees.

To register, you must show proof of Montana workers’ compensation insurance. If you have no employees, you can register, but you’re not required to. You cannot perform any electrical work without a license.

Required business insurance in Montana:

• Montana requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Montana’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage.

Nebraska

License required: No, but you must register with the state

You can work as a handyman in Nebraska without a state license. However, you will need to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. This requirement applies to all general contractors, subcontractors or people who perform construction, alterations, renovations, additions, installations or repairs.

Required business insurance in Nebraska:

• Nebraska requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Nebraska’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Nevada

License required: Maybe

As a handyman, you will need a contractor license awarded by the Nevada Contractors Board if you plan to do any work worth more than $1,000 or work that requires a building license. However, there are handyman exemptions to this regulation.

To be eligible for a license, you’ll need to show four years of work experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor. Up to three years of experience can be substituted for years of education at an approved college. You’ll need to pass a trade exam and a business and law exam and show proof of insurance.

Required business insurance in Nevada:

• Nevada requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Nevada’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in Nevada.

New Hampshire

License required: No

Handypersons are not required to have a state license to work in New Hampshire, which only licenses those who perform electrical, plumbing or asbestos abatement work.

Required business insurance in New Hampshire:

• New Hampshire requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. New Hampshire’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

New Jersey

License required: No, but you must register with the state

No handyman license requirements apply in this state. However, each handyperson must register as a home improvement contractor with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You must submit proof of general liability coverage with your application.

Required business insurance in New Jersey:

• Home improvement contractors must have general liability insurance of not less than $500,000 per occurrence.
• New Jersey requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. New Jersey’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident / $5,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in New Jersey.

New Mexico

License required: Yes

A handyman in New Mexico must either apply for a handyperson certificate or obtain a contractor license. The handyman certificate requirement applies to those who work only on minor repairs and maintenance and earn up to $7,200 a year.

Those who earn more or work on major repairs and renovations must have a GB-2 Residential or GB-98 General Building contractor license issued by the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. 

The residential classification requires two years of experience, and the general building classification requires four years of experience. You must also pass a trade exam and a business and law exam, provide proof of a $10,000 bond and obtain New Mexico workers’ compensation insurance.

Required business insurance in New Mexico:

• New Mexico requires workers’ compensation if you have three or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. New Mexico’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in New Mexico.

New York

License required: No

New York has no state licensing requirements for handymen or general contractors. However, there are laws and regulations at a local level. Check handyman license requirements with the local government before you do any work.

Required business insurance in New York:

• New York requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. New York’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

North Carolina

License required: No

A handyman doesn’t need a state license in North Carolina. If the value of your work projects exceeds $30,000, however, you must have a general contractor license issued by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. To apply, you must meet the financial requirements and pass an exam.

Required business insurance in North Carolina:

• North Carolina requires workers’ compensation if you have three or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. North Carolina’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in North Carolina.

North Dakota

License required: Maybe

A handyman must have a contractor license to perform any jobs in North Dakota that are worth more than $4,000. The contractor license covers any construction, alteration or repairs to a property. It is awarded by the Secretary of State of North Dakota.

There are four classes of licenses based on the size of the jobs you plan to work on.

Required business insurance in North Dakota:

• Contractors must include a certificate of insurance for general liability with the application
• North Dakota requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees, and it must be purchased through the state fund.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. North Dakota’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Ohio

License required: No

You don’t need a handyman license at the state level to work in Ohio, but there may be regulations at the local level. Make sure to confirm with your local government before you start work.

You must have a specialty contractor license issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board if you work on any electrical, HVAC, hydronics, plumbing or refrigeration projects. Licensing requirements include a background check, passing scores on two exams and $500,000 in liability insurance coverage.

Required business insurance in Ohio:

• Ohio requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees, purchased through a state agency.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Ohio’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in Ohio.

Oklahoma

License required: No

As a handyman, you will not need a state license to work in Oklahoma on any renovation, remodeling, repair or construction project. Make sure to check with local governments to see if there are any regulations on the local level before you begin work.

Required business insurance in Oklahoma:

• Oklahoma requires workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Oklahoma’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Oregon

License required: Yes

A handyperson must hold a state license in Oregon to work on jobs worth more than $1,000. Anyone doing construction work that involves improvements to a property must have a contractor license issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. 

You’ll need to pass pre-license training and pass a test, and show proof of Oregon general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Required business insurance in Oregon:

• Licensed contractors must have general liability insurance. The coverage amount varies based on the endorsement—typically $100,000 per occurence
• Oregon requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Oregon’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in Oregon.

Pennsylvania

License required: No, but you may need to register with the state

You do not need a state license to work as a handyman in Pennsylvania. However, if you do more than $5,000 worth of home improvement work per year, you must register with the Attorney General’s Office.

Required business insurance in Pennsylvania:

• Pennsylvania requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Pennsylvania’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident / $5,000 property damage.

Rhode Island

License required: No, but you need to register with the state

As a handyman, you won’t need a license to work in Rhode Island. However, if you work on construction, alterations, remodeling or repair projects at residential properties, you’ll need to register with the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.

Required business insurance in Rhode Island:

• RI requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Rhode Island’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

South Carolina

License required: No, but you need to register with the state

A handyman, under the classification of Residential Specialty Contractor, does not need a license to work in South Carolina. However, you will need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. This allows you to work in carpentry, drywalling, wallpaper, painting, sidings, insulation, floor covering, masonry, concrete and roofing.

Required business insurance in South Carolina:

• South Carolina requires workers’ compensation if you have four or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. South Carolina’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

South Dakota

License required: No

Handypersons do not need a state license to work in South Dakota. There may be handyman license requirements at the local level, so confirm with local agencies before you start work.

Required business insurance in South Dakota:

• South Dakota does not require businesses to carry workers’ compensation, but it is recommended.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. South Dakota’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Tennessee

License required: Maybe

A home improvement license is required for residential remodeling jobs worth between $3,000 and $24,999. However, handypersons in Tennessee only need this license if you operate in the following counties: Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby.

If you’re doing work worth more than $25,000, you must get a contractor license.

Licenses are awarded by the Department of Commerce and Insurance Board for Licensing Contractors. You must show proof of financial responsibility or have a bond of $10,000. To get licensed, you must also have general liability insurance and workers’ comp.

Required business insurance in Tennessee:

• Licensees must have general liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000
• Tennessee requires workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Tennessee’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Texas

License required: No

There are no state handyman license requirements for handymen in Texas.

However, local regulations may require you to be licensed or registered to work as a handyperson. For example, most major Texas cities have permit or licensing rules for general contractors and construction work. In addition, you may need to register your small business with a local county clerk’s office.

Required business insurance in Texas:

• Texas does not require businesses to carry workers’ compensation, but it is recommended.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Texas’ minimum motor vehicle requirements are $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in Texas.

Utah

License required: Maybe

In Utah, handyman projects that are worth less than $3,000 qualify for what’s commonly known as the handyman exemption.

If you take on handyman projects worth less than $3,000, but more than $1,000, you’ll need to file an affirmation of exemption with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) and show proof that you have general liability insurance. You must also obtain worker’s compensation insurance if you have any employees.

To work on projects worth over $3,000, you must have a Utah contractor license issued by the DOPL.

Required business insurance in Utah:

• Contractor licensees must have general liability insurance with the minimum required coverage of $100,000 for each incident and $300,000 in total. 
• Utah requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Utah’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $65,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in Utah.

Vermont

License required: No

You do not need a state license to work as a handyman in Vermont. However, there may be regulations at the local level that you need to check before you begin work.

Required business insurance in Vermont:

• Vermont requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Vermont’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Virginia

License required: Yes

A handyperson will need a Virginia contractor’s license to complete projects worth over $1,000. The state offers three classes of licenses (A, B and C) based on the monetary value of the projects you plan to work on.

You’ll need to complete a pre-license education course approved by the board. If you apply for a Class C license (which covers single projects up to $10,000 and a total project value of up to $150,000 per year), you must show two years of experience in your chosen specialty.

Required business insurance in Virginia:

• Virginia requires workers’ compensation if you have two or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Virginia’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman licenses and insurance requirements in Virginia.

Washington State

License required: No, but you must register with the state

There is no state license for handymen in Washington. However, all general and specialty contractors must register with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Washington classifies handypersons as specialty contractors. A handyman does minor work worth less than $2,000 in this state. This does not include work that requires a building permit, and all work must be completed personally.

To register with the Department of Labor and Industries, you’ll need to purchase a $6,000 bond and show proof of general liability insurance.

Required business insurance in Washington State:

• Specialty contractors must have general liability insurance in the following amounts: $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
• Washington requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees, and it must be purchased through the state fund.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Washington State’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in Washington.

West Virginia

License required: No

The state of West Virginia does not issue a specific handyman license or have handyman license requirements. However, if your handyman projects exceed $5,000 for work on a residential property or $25,000 for a commercial property, you must have a contractor license from the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.

You will need to pass an exam and, if you have employees, provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance.

Required business insurance in West Virginia:

• West Virginia requires workers’ compensation if you have one or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. West Virginia’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Learn more about handyman license and insurance requirements in West Virginia.

Wisconsin

License required: Yes

To work as a handyman in Wisconsin, you’ll need to hold a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license (and then a Dwelling Contractor license to contract work), which is the contractor license that allows you to work on one and two-family dwellings. You’ll need to complete and pass a 12-hour course to be eligible for a Department of Safety and Professional Services license.

Required business insurance in Wisconsin:

• Licensees must have general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence
• Wisconsin requires workers’ compensation if you have three or more employees.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Wisconsin’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage.

Wyoming

License required: No

You do not need a state license to work as a handyman in Wyoming; however, there may be local regulations that you need to check before you begin work.

Required business insurance in Wyoming:

• Wyoming requires workers’ compensation if you have any employees, and it must be purchased through the state fund.
• If you drive for work-related tasks, you may need commercial auto coverage. Wyoming’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage.

How NEXT helps handyman businesses

NEXT specializes in handyman insurance that can be customized to meet your business needs. Our handyman costs and coverage options include liability insurance, business car insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured on the job. 

Start a free online application to review options for your business. With our online services, you can get a quote, purchase coverage, and get a certificate of insurance in about 10 minutes.

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This information is provided as a service. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct and up-to-date; however, it is not to be taken as legal advice and you must always check with local authorities before making any business decisions. Requirements and regulations are subject to change at any time.