Do you need a license to work as a handyman in Lawrence, KS?

Q: Do you need a license to work as a handyman in Lawrence, KS?

Kansas has no statewide general contractor license for this work, so local and trade rules decide. Lawrence PDS (Building Safety, 785-832-7700, buildinginspections@lawrenceks.gov) licenses contractors by class (A, B, C, D incl. Roofing, E trades, L Limited Specialty) under City Code Ch. 5 Art. 15 for anyone performing such work or pulling permits within city limits; MEP/fireplace workers need master/journeyman certification.

Handyman License Requirements in Lawrence, KS

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Kansas rules checked November 2, 2026 · Lawrence local rules checked November 2, 2026

Lawrence PDS (Building Safety, 785-832-7700, buildinginspections@lawrenceks.gov) licenses contractors by class (A, B, C, D incl. Roofing, E trades, L Limited Specialty) under City Code Ch. 5 Art. 15 for anyone performing such work or pulling permits within city limits; MEP/fireplace workers need master/journeyman certification.

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Lawrence requirements

Source link: lawrenceks.gov · lawrenceks.civicweb.net · assets.lawrenceks.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Local business license

Our check could not confirm this from an official page, so we don't state it. Ask the city or county office.

Local contractor or handyman license

Required

Name: City of Lawrence Contractor License (Class A General, B Building, C Residential, D Building Specialty incl. Roofing/Framing/Concrete/Pool, E trade classes, L Limited Specialty) + master/journeyman tradesperson certification for MEP/fireplace
Trigger: Applies to anyone (located anywhere) performing licensed-class work / pulling building or trade permits within Lawrence city limits; no dollar trigger. Roofing: $75 application + $75 license, $75/yr renewal, requires KS AG roofing registration; 8 hrs CE/yr for qualifying party

"The City of Lawrence requires certain building and trade contractors (or contracting businesses) to obtain a license to perform work within the City limits, and to apply for and obtain required building and trade-related construction, remodeling and/or repair permits."

Source: lawrenceks.gov · checked November 2, 2026

County: Douglas County

The Kansas rule

Regulator: None for general contracting (local). Roofing: Kansas Attorney General, Roofing Registration Unit (Kansas Roofing Registration Act).

No statewide general license

Kansas

No state licensing threshold. Roofing registration applies to every 'roofing contractor' providing commercial or residential roofing services for a fee. No dollar floor was verified.

What counts toward it: other: no state threshold

"Online Articles of Organization:...................... $85 Paper Articles of Organization:....................... $90 (Rev. 2/27/26)"

Source: sos.ks.gov · sos.ks.gov · checked November 2, 2026

State registration

Roofing contractors only: a roofing contractor registration certificate from the Kansas AG. Certain general contractors are exempt per the 2015 HB 2254 criteria.

Source: ag.ks.gov · ag.ks.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Forming an LLC in Kansas

State filing fee: $85.