Handyman License Requirements in Derry, NH

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

New Hampshire has no state-level general contractor licensing requirement, making it one of the most business-friendly states for handymen. Handymen can perform general construction work (carpentry, drywall, painting, roofing, etc.) without any state license or dollar threshold. However, electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, and mechanical work require state licenses from the OPLC. The Town of Derry does not issue business licenses but requires state registration and may require a home occupation permit for home-based businesses. Local building permits are still required for structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work regardless of who performs it.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

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

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (outlet, switch, light fixture replacement) — requires OPLC Electrician's License (RSA 319-C)
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement — requires OPLC Plumbing License (RSA 329)
• Gas fitting and fuel oil work — requires OPLC Service Technician (Gas Fitter) License and Mechanical Business Entity registration (RSA 153)
• HVAC system installation and repair involving gas lines or fuel connections — requires OPLC Mechanical License
• Asbestos abatement or disturbance — requires NH Bureau of Health Risk Assessment certification
• Lead abatement or lead inspection — requires NH Division of Public Health Services license
• Any structural modifications affecting building integrity — typically requires licensed contractor or engineer oversight and local permits

State Contractor Licensing Law (NH)

This exemption does NOT cover electrical work (RSA 319-C), plumbing (RSA 329), gas fitting/fuel oil (RSA 153), or asbestos/lead abatement work, which require state licenses. Local building permits are still required for structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other regulated work. Performing licensed trade work without a license is a misdemeanor under RSA 332-A.

County Requirements — Rockingham County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Derry

Not required at the city level.

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is a credential issued by the state (or in rare cases, the city) that certifies you are qualified to perform a specific trade. A permit is a local authorization issued by the town/city that allows you to perform specific work on a specific property. In New Hampshire, you do NOT need a state contractor license for general construction work, but you DO need local building permits for most structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other regulated work — regardless of whether you hold a trade license. Even exempt handymen must obtain permits before starting regulated work. Performing unpermitted work can result in fines, stop-work orders, and liability issues.

Business Entity Registration (NH)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in NH: $102 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

• Insurance: General liability insurance is strongly recommended and required for HIC registration. Minimum $25,000 per occurrence coverage. If you have employees, workers' compensation insurance is mandatory under NH law.
• State Registration: All businesses operating as legal entities (LLC, corporation, partnership) must register with the NH Secretary of State. Fee is $100 for online filing. Sole proprietors using their own name do not need to register unless using a trade name (DBA).
• Building Permits: Always contact Derry Code Enforcement BEFORE starting any work to determine if a permit is required. Unpermitted work can result in fines, stop-work orders, and liability issues. Derry Code Enforcement: (603) 432-6104.
• Home Occupation Permit: If operating from home, contact Derry Planning Department to verify whether a home occupation permit or zoning clearance is required under the Derry Zoning Ordinance.
• Trade Licensing: If performing electrical, plumbing, gas, or mechanical work, you must hold the appropriate OPLC license. Operating without a required license is a misdemeanor under RSA 332-A.
• Common Compliance Mistakes: (1) Assuming no permit is needed because you're a 'handyman' — permits are required by work type, not by contractor type. (2) Performing electrical or plumbing work without a license. (3) Not registering your business entity with the state. (4) Operating from home without checking zoning requirements. (5) Not carrying adequate liability insurance.
• Derry-Specific Quirk: Derry does not issue business licenses, which is unusual for many states. However, this does NOT mean you can operate without oversight — you still need state registration, local permits, and trade licenses as applicable.

Legal Registration Steps for Derry

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire:

1. Step 1: Determine your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). If using a legal entity, register with NH Secretary of State ($100 online filing fee). If sole proprietor using your own name, no state registration required unless using a trade name ($50 DBA registration).
2. Step 2: Contact Derry Planning Department (603-432-6104) to verify home occupation permit requirements if operating from home, and to understand local zoning rules.
3. Step 3: Contact Derry Code Enforcement (603-432-6104) to understand which types of work require local building permits in Derry.
4. Step 4: If performing electrical, plumbing, gas, or mechanical work, apply for the appropriate OPLC license through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (oplc.nh.gov, 603-271-3252).
5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance with minimum $25,000 per occurrence coverage. This is required for HIC registration and strongly recommended for all contractors.
6. Step 6: If registering as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC), submit registration to OPLC with proof of insurance and applicable fee.
7. Step 7: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (free at irs.gov) if you plan to hire employees or operate as an LLC.
8. Step 8: Register for any applicable federal and state tax obligations (self-employment tax, income tax withholding if you have employees).

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Carpentry work: framing, trim, cabinet installation, deck building (subject to local permits)
• Drywall installation, repair, and finishing
• Painting and staining (interior and exterior)
• Flooring installation: hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile (non-structural)
• Roofing and roof repair (subject to local permits)

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.