Handyman-License Requirements

When I say, Handyman-License, I'm speaking in general terms of what you'll need to conduct a handyman-business. You may be required to carry more than one, such as a contractors or master craftsman license and a business license.

To get a business-license you are going to have to make some key decisions.

Before you head downtown to city hall... check your county or city website for the form and requirements. That may save you an extra trip. Keep in mind you will need a name for your business (file a DBA
if you need to), and your business entity type.

What's a DBA?

If you are using a fictitious name then you must also file a Doing Business As (DBA) with your state. Before deciding on a name you need to do some homework to make sure you aren't using someone else's registered or unregistered trademark name or something similar.

If your name is Hank Smith and you want your business to be called Hank Smith Handyman... then you don't need to file a DBA.

Entity Who?

Deciding on a Business Entity.You need to make this decision prior to getting your license. State and local business license application requirements will vary depending on the business entity type:

• Sole Proprietor

• Partnership

• Corporation (three types)

You can go to the US Small business administration website to research which is best for you.

Contractors License

In my state (Virginia) a contractor's license for handyman work is not necessarily required since the jobs are less than $1000, but it doesn't hurt to have at least a Class C license (again this is Virginia). A contractor's license will help when it comes to purchasing liability insurance.

As a Handyman you may be working within the exceptions to the licensing requirements. The small jobs performed by handymen such as fixing a leaky toilet, cleaning out gutters, replacing trim, installing a ceiling fan or fixing some rotted boards on a deck, may not fall under any licensing requirement law (for my state it doesn't).

Check with your state government's web page to see if there are any requirements. Each state may (probably will) vary so do your homework...