A Utah handyman license may not be necessary for every job; the state has fairly relaxed licensing requirements for this profession. However, you will need a contractor license to take on larger jobs. And it’s up to you to know the legal requirements for any project.
To learn more about the handyman exemption and in which circumstances a license requirement applies, check out this guide covering the following topics:
If you plan to perform mostly minor repairs and basic maintenance as a handyman, it’s unlikely that you need a license.
You only need a license in Utah if you plan to perform certain types of jobs that go beyond the scope of minor repairs. If your work will become a finished part of the structure (such as replacing flooring in an entire room) and the total for the project exceeds $3,000, you must have a Utah general contractor license.
Contracting work in Utah generally requires a state license issued by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
However, Utah sets its licensing requirements for handypeople based on the value of the projects they work on. You do not need a contractor license if your projects have a value of less than $3,000, including labor and materials. Instead, you must simply register with the DOPL if you plan to take on any projects valued at more than $1,000.
Generally known as the handyman exemption, this rule applies to workers who engage in “the alteration, repair, remodeling or addition to or improvement of a building.” Note that it does not apply to workers who conduct plumbing, electrical or HVAC work, all of which do require a license.
If the value of your work projects exceeds the $3,000 limit, you must have a Utah contractor license. The state takes this seriously, and the DOPL has conducted sting operations to fine businesses which attempt to take on jobs over $3,000 without the proper license.
If you fall under the handyman exemption, you will not need to complete and submit a license application. However, you do need to register by submitting an Affirmation of Exemption from Contractor License.
This form functions as an affidavit that certifies your qualifications for the exemption. You must submit a non-refundable $35 processing fee along with the form.
The state classifies those whose work exceeds $3,000 on single projects as a contractor rather than a handyperson. If this applies to you, check out our guide to Utah general contractor license and insurance requirements, including instructions on submitting your license application
If you submit your handyperson exemption form, you must also include the following documentation:
You must register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations and include your business registration number on your handyman exemption form.
You must submit a certificate of general liability insurance.
If you have employees or plan to hire any within the foreseeable future, you must obtain the following:
If you do not have employees and do not plan to hire any, these requirements do not apply.
Professionals in this line of work may want to get self-employed handyman insurance or small business handyman insurance. The following types of business insurance coverage are available handypeople in Utah:
You must show proof of general liability insurance to receive your Utah handyperson registration. This insurance can help cover expenses related to property damage and other accidents that may happen to third-parties while you work.
All registered handypeople in Utah must have at least $100,000 in general liability coverage for each incident and $300,000 aggregate. When submitting your handyman exemption form, you must include a certificate of general liability insurance that lists the DOPL as the certificate holder.
If you have any employees, you must have Utah workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance can help cover medical expenses and lost wages for employee injuries on the job.
If you have or plan to hire employees, you must also submit a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance with the DOPL listed as the certificate holder. Include your unemployment registration number and state tax commission withholding tax account number directly on the handyman exemption form.
Tools and equipment insurance can help cover the costs for repairing or replacing your gear in the event of theft or damage.
Commercial auto insurance can help cover costs related to vehicular accidents, such as property damage and medical expenses.
Commercial property insurance can help cover damage or vandalism that affects a business property that you own or rent, along with inventory or equipment stored there.
You must renew your Utah handyman registration every two years. Registration expires on November 30 of odd-numbered years.
The DOPL sends renewal notices about two months prior to the expiration date. No continuing education requirements apply for renewal, but you must pay a $35 renewal fee.
Before we get into the details of how to obtain a license in Utah, it’s important to clarify what it means to be a handyman — because this will affect whether or not you need a license and what type of insurance you’ll need.
A handyman or handywoman is someone who does small repair, carpentry or minor maintenance jobs. Typically, these jobs only involve one person.
If you work on larger projects, such as building a deck or wiring a new kitchen, you could be considered a contractor and need the appropriate license and insurance coverage. A handyperson is usually someone who can complete a job on their own.
So what can a handyman do without a license? Here are some examples to help figure out if the jobs you perform mean you’re a handyman or a general contractor.
Handyman vs. Contractor
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Ashley Henshaw was a contributing writer at NEXT. She specializes in small business topics, covering everything from insurance and branding to web hosting and cryptocurrency.
Her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, AOL City's Best, Citysearch, USA Today, The San Francisco Chronicle and Livestrong.
