Bulletproof Handyman

Handyman License Requirements in Georgetown, KY

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Georgetown, Kentucky does not require a state-issued general contractor license for handymen and most construction trades. However, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work require state licenses from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. All businesses operating in Georgetown must register with the Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission and pay an occupational tax (rate varies by business type—contact GSCRC for current rate). Building permits are typically required for most projects regardless of licensing status. There is no dollar threshold exemption for general contracting work in Kentucky.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

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

State Contractor Licensing Law (KY)

The absence of a handyman exemption means that general repair and construction work is largely unregulated at the state level, but local (city/county) licensing requirements may apply. Even unlicensed work typically requires building permits. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) has NO exemption—any work in these trades requires the appropriate state license.

County Requirements — Scott County

Business license: Required (Occupational License (administered jointly by Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission))

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

City Business License — Georgetown

Required. Occupational License (administered by Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission) — Every person, partnership, or corporation doing business in Georgetown must obtain an occupational license. Registration is completed by submitting the GSCRC BQ100 Business Registration Form/Questionnaire. You will need a federal EIN and state business registration before applying. Renewal is by filing the annual Net Profit License Tax Return. Home-based businesses must comply with local zoning laws and may require a home-occupation permit—contact Georgetown Planning & Zoning at https://www.georgetownky.gov or (502) 863-9800.

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is a credential issued by the state or local government certifying that you are qualified to perform a specific trade (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC). A PERMIT is a one-time approval issued by the local building department for a specific project, confirming that the planned work complies with building codes and zoning laws. You can be licensed but still need a permit for a specific job. Conversely, you may not need a license for general carpentry, but you still need a permit if the work triggers permit thresholds (e.g., structural changes, electrical upgrades, plumbing changes). In Kentucky, even unlicensed handymen performing exempt work typically must obtain building permits for most projects. Always check with Georgetown/Scott County Building Department before starting work.

Business Entity Registration (KY)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in KY: $40 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky

Legal Registration Steps for Georgetown

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky:

  1. Step 1: Register your business entity. Form an LLC with the Kentucky Secretary of State ($40 filing fee) or register as a sole proprietor with the county clerk. Obtain a federal EIN from the IRS (free).
  2. Step 2: Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Use the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal (https://onestop.ky.gov) to obtain a Commonwealth Business Identifier (CBI) and sales/use tax account (free).
  3. Step 3: Register with the Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission. Submit the BQ100 Business Registration Form to obtain an occupational license. Contact GSCRC at (502) 603-5860 or visit https://www.gscrevenueky.gov for the current occupational tax rate and any regulated business fees.
  4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance. Carry at least $1–$2 million in coverage. If you have employees, obtain workers' compensation insurance.
  5. Step 5: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate state trade license through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (https://hbc.ky.gov). Provide proof of experience, pass the required examination, and pay the license fee.
  6. Step 6: Verify building permit requirements with Scott County Building Department before starting any project. Contact the county at (502) 863-7875 or check https://www.georgetownky.gov for permit procedures.
  7. Step 7: If working in the Georgetown Historic District, contact the Planning Department at (502) 863-9800 to determine if a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for your project.
  8. Step 8: If working on federal property or military installations, register in SAM.gov (https://sam.gov) and contact the base contracting office for additional requirements.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

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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.