Handyman license requirements by state: A comprehensive guide

“Handyman” can be surprisingly hard to define, and every state draws the line differently. Some treat handypeople like contractors, while others use home improvement registrations or set project-cost limits to decide what you can do.

This guide breaks down each state’s rules so you know when you can take on small repair jobs without a license and when you need to register or get licensed. (We have state guides for other trades, including general contractors, electricians, HVAC technicians, landscapers, painters and plumbers.)

After you’re clear on the rules, the right handyman insurance can help protect you on the job.

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, you’ll need a residential home builder license for residential projects over $10,000 issued by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors; specialty licenses are also required for trades like 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 and $100,000 for injury to more than one person).
• 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: Yes (license required over $1,000 or if a permit is needed)

Arizona does not offer a separate handyman license. In most cases, you must have a contractor license if labor and materials total more than $1,000 or if the work requires a building permit. Very small, casual jobs under $1,000 that don’t need a permit fall under Arizona’s limited “handyman exemption.”

The Arizona contractor’s 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.

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 when the cost of the work exceeds $2,000; smaller residential jobs at or below $2,000 are exempt from this state license requirement. 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 Home Improvement license application requires a financial statement and, if you have employees, proof of workers’ compensation insurance.

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: Yes (license required over $1,000 or if a permit is needed)

There is no specific handyman license in California for small jobs. However, as of January 1, 2025, a handyperson must have a state contractor license if labor and materials total more than $1,000, if the work requires a building permit, or if they use employees. 

Smaller projects under $1,000 that don’t need a permit and don’t involve employees can fall under California’s handyperson exemption.

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 is no state-issued handyman or general contractor license, but many cities and counties require a local contractor license — especially for jobs that need permits or involve trades like electrical or plumbing.

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: Yes (state registration)

Handypeople don’t need a separate “handyman license” in Connecticut, but if you perform home improvement work on owner-occupied 1–4 family homes, you must register as a Home Improvement Contractor 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 state handyman license in Delaware. However, you must have a Delaware business license to operate, and contractors working on projects over $50,000 must register with the state under the Contractor Registration Act.

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 — including handypeople — to hold a Home Improvement Contractor license for residential repair or remodeling work.

You must apply for thelicense 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

Note on recent updates: As of 2025, D.C. requires contractors to document that their permit-related insurance covers loss or damage to adjoining properties. Whether you’re pulling permits for your own business or for a homeowner, you’ll need to provide proof of this expanded coverage before the District will approve the permit.

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 or installing TV mounts.

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: Yes (Residential-Basic license required over $2,500)

Georgia requires a Residential-Basic Contractor license for any residential construction, remodeling, or repair project where the total contract value exceeds $2,500.

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: Yes (license required over $1,000 or if a permit is needed)

Hawaii requires a contractor license for any job where labor and materials total more than $1,000 or where the work requires a building permit.

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: Yes (contractor registration required over $2,000/year)

Idaho does not have a state contractor license, but anyone performing construction work over $2,000 must register 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: Yes (contractor registration required over $2,000/year)

Iowa does not issue a handyman or general contractor license, but anyone who performs construction work and earns more than $2,000 per year must register 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’s minimum motor vehicle requirements are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.

Louisiana

License required: Yes (Home Improvement registration required over $7,500)

Louisiana requires handypeople to register as a Home Improvement Contractor for projects costing more than $7,500, but under $50,000. For projects $50,000 or more, you must hold a Residential Contractor License issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

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’s 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 a business and law exam.

Note on recent updates: Maryland recently increased the minimum general liability insurance requirement for licensed home improvement contractors to $500,000. The Home Improvement Commission also updated the mandatory contract content rules, requiring more detailed disclosures in every written agreement.

Required business insurance in Maryland:

• Applicants and licensees must show proof of current $500,000 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: Yes (HIC registration required for residential work)

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: Yes (trade-specific M&A or Builder license required for many handyman tasks)

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, working on gutters or siding. 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 for property damage (for accidents occurring in another state).

Minnesota

License required: Yes (license required over $15,000 and using multiple trades)

Minnesota requires a Residential Remodeler License if you earn more than $15,000 per year working on existing residential structures and you provide more than one “special skill” such as carpentry, drywall, painting, or roofing.

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 state license in Mississippi if a residential project costs $10,000 or more. In that case, you must get a Residential Remodeling or Residential Builder license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

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 (unless you have employees, which triggers state registration)

Montana doesn’t require a handyman license, but contractors with employees must register with the Department of Labor and Industry. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require a state license.

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: Yes (state contractor registration required for construction work)

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: Yes (license required over $1,000 or if a permit is required)

Nevada requires a contractor license for any job worth more than $1,000 or any work that requires a building permit. Work under $1,000 that doesn’t require a permit falls under Nevada’s limited handyman exemption.

To be eligible for a license, you’ll need to show the Nevada Contractors Board 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: Yes (registration required)

New Jersey law requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs for anyone doing residential repair or home improvement work for compensation. 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 (handyman certificate ≤ $7,200; contractor license required above that)

New Mexico requires either a handyman certificate for very small repair work (earning up to $7,200 per year) or a contractor license for larger or more complex projects.

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 does not have a state handyman license, but many cities and counties — including New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, and Westchester County — require home improvement licensing.

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: Yes (contractor license required over $4,000)

North Dakota requires a contractor license for any job worth more than $4,000, including construction, repairs and alterations. 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

Ohio does not require a state handyman or general contractor license, but trade work such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics and refrigeration requires a state specialty license. You must have a specialty contractor license issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. 

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

Oklahoma does not require a state handyman license, but trade work like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC requires a state license, and some cities require general contractor registration.

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

Oregon requires a state contractor license for nearly all paid construction or home improvement work. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board’s “casual, minor work” exemption under $1,000 applies only in very limited cases and does not cover most handyman services.

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 occurrence.
• 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: Yes (Home Improvement Contractor registration required if earning >$5,000/year)

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: Yes (registration required)

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: Yes (registration)

South Carolina requires handypersons performing certain trades — such as carpentry, drywall, painting, roofing, masonry, or flooring — to register as Residential Specialty Contractors with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

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: Yes (license required in certain counties)

Tennessee requires a Home Improvement License for residential remodeling work costing $3,000 to $24,999 in specific 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 statewide 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

Texas does not issue a statewide handyman or general contractor license, but many cities require contractor registration and certain trades—like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—require state licenses.

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: Yes (handyman exemption filing required for $1k–$2,999; license required ≥ $3k)

Utah allows a limited handyman exemption for projects under $3,000. For jobs between $1,000 and $2,999, you must file a handyman exemption with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) and carry general liability insurance. 

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 (Class A/B/C contractor license required at ≥ $1,000)

Virginia requires a contractor license for any job worth $1,000 or more. Licenses are issued as Class A, B, or C depending on project size, and each class has experience requirements. Class C allows work on single projects up to $10,000 with an annual cap of $150,000.

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: Yes (registration required)

Washington requires all contractors, including handypeople, to register with the Department of Labor & Industries. There is no state handyman license and no official dollar threshold — even small projects require registration if you perform construction work for compensation.

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: Yes (contractor license required ≥ $5,000 residential)

West Virginia does not issue a handyman license, but you must obtain a contractor license for residential projects of $5,000 or more or commercial projects of $25,000 or more 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

Wisconsin requires both a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license (for the individual) and a Dwelling Contractor license (for the business) to perform 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.

Get an instant quote today.

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.