Bulletproof Handyman

Handyman License Requirements in Clearfield, UT

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed August 2026

Clearfield, Utah handymen and small contractors operate under Utah's three-tier threshold system (effective May 7, 2025): projects under $3,000 are fully exempt from licensing; projects $3,000–$6,999 require a one-time handyman affirmation filing ($45–$52); projects $7,000+ require a full Utah Contractor License ($226 application fee). Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) requires separate licensing regardless of project value. Clearfield City requires a business license (fee varies by category; contact city for current amount). Hill Air Force Base, located 2 miles south, requires SAM.gov registration for on-base work.

The contractor license threshold in UT is $3,000. Jobs at or above this amount (labor + materials) require a state contractor license. Operating above this threshold without a license is a legal violation.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

The following work requires a state-issued contractor license in UT. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

State Contractor Licensing Law (UT)

The handyman exemption does not permit work that requires a building permit in most cases. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and gas work require specialty licensing regardless of project value — there is no handyman exemption for these trades. Even a $200 plumbing job technically requires a licensed plumber. The prior $1,000/$3,000 structure (pre-2024) is outdated and no longer applies.

County Requirements — Davis County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

City Business License — Clearfield

Required. Clearfield City Business License (Commercial Business License or Home Based Business License)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is a credential issued by the state (DOPL) or city proving you are qualified to perform specific work. A PERMIT is a local authorization (issued by city/county building department) allowing you to perform specific work at a specific location and ensuring compliance with building codes. You can hold a valid contractor license but still need a permit for certain work. Conversely, even if you are exempt from licensing (under $3,000), you may still need a permit for certain work. Permits are typically required when work affects structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, or when work is visible from public areas (historic districts). Always check with Clearfield City Building Department before starting work to determine if a permit is required.

Business Entity Registration (UT)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in UT: $59 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Clearfield, Davis County, Utah

Legal Registration Steps for Clearfield

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Clearfield, Davis County, Utah:

  1. Step 1: Determine your project scope and dollar value (combined labor and materials). If under $3,000, you are fully exempt from contractor licensing. If $3,000–$6,999, you must file a handyman affirmation with DOPL. If $7,000+, you need a full Utah Contractor License.
  2. Step 2: If performing trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas), obtain the appropriate trade license from DOPL regardless of project value. Trade licenses are never exempt.
  3. Step 3: Register your business entity. Form a Utah LLC by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Utah Division of Corporations ($59 filing fee) at osbr.utah.gov. File annual reports ($18 annually) during your LLC's anniversary month.
  4. Step 4: Obtain a Clearfield City Business License. Contact Clearfield City Planning & Zoning / Licensing Department (801-525-2701 or licensing@clearfieldcityut.gov) for the current fee schedule and application. Fees vary by business category.
  5. Step 5: Secure general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance (required for handyman affirmations and contractor licenses). Verify current insurance minimums with DOPL (801-530-6720).
  6. Step 6: If working on Hill AFB or federal property, register with SAM.gov (free) at sam.gov and obtain your CAGE Code. Comply with Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements.
  7. Step 7: Before starting any project, contact Clearfield City Building Department (801-525-2720) to determine if a building permit is required. Permits are often required even for exempt work.
  8. Step 8: File your handyman affirmation (if applicable) or contractor license application with DOPL at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contracting/. Include proof of insurance and surety bond (if required).
  9. Step 9: Verify all requirements directly with the appropriate government agencies before starting work. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations change frequently.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

See all 10 tasks →

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.