Do you need a license to work as a handyman in Lehi, UT?

In UT, handyman jobs under $3,000 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a state contractor license. Jobs at or above $3,000 require a licensed contractor. Always confirm the current rules with your local city and county before bidding work.

What is the handyman license threshold in Lehi, UT?

The contractor license threshold in UT is $3,000. Handyman work priced below this amount (labor plus materials) generally does not require a contractor license.

Does Lehi require a business license for handymen?

Yes. Lehi requires a local business license to operate as a handyman, in addition to any state contractor licensing rules.

Handyman License Requirements in Lehi, UT

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

Handymen in Lehi, Utah can operate under a state handyman exemption for projects under approximately $3,000–$7,000 (verify current threshold with DOPL), but must register with an Affirmation of Exemption ($35 fee) and obtain a Lehi City Business License ($140 for commercial address, free for home-based with possible $50 fire inspection fee). Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require separate state licenses regardless of project value. No state-level general business license is required in Utah.

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:

ANY electrical work (including fixture installation, panel work, rewiring) — requires Journeyman Electrician license
ANY plumbing work beyond simple faucet repair — requires Plumber license
ANY HVAC system work (installation, repair, replacement) — requires H100 HVAC Contractor license
Gas line work — requires separate gas fitter license
General contracting work on projects over $3,000–$7,000 (depending on current threshold) — requires B100 General Contractor license
Structural modifications or additions to buildings
Work that requires a building permit (water heater installation, window/door replacement affecting structure, electrical panel work, plumbing changes)

State Contractor Licensing Law (UT)

The exemption does NOT cover electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work—those trades always require separate state licenses. Unlicensed handymen cannot advertise using terms like 'contractor,' 'builder,' 'plumber,' or 'electrician.' Work cannot be artificially split into smaller projects to avoid the threshold; the entire scope must be evaluated. If your project falls in the $3,000–$7,000 range, you may need to file an Affirmation of Exemption with DOPL.

County Requirements — Utah County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Lehi

Required. Lehi City Business License (General or Home Occupation)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is a credential issued by the state (DOPL) that certifies you are qualified to perform a specific trade or type of work. A PERMIT is a local authorization (issued by Lehi City or Utah County) that certifies a specific project has been reviewed for code compliance and safety before work begins. You can be licensed but still need a permit for a specific job. Conversely, even if you are exempt from licensing (handyman exemption), you may still need a permit for certain work. Permits are typically required for work affecting structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, or safety systems.

Business Entity Registration (UT)

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

Compliance Notes for Lehi, Utah County, Utah

Insurance: General liability insurance is strongly recommended for all handymen, even those operating under the exemption. Many customers require proof of insurance before allowing work to begin. Contractors with employees must carry workers' compensation insurance.
Licensing Threshold Dispute: The operative handyman exemption threshold is currently disputed between $3,000 and $7,000. Call DOPL at (801) 530-6628 BEFORE accepting work to confirm the current threshold and whether your project requires an Affirmation of Exemption filing.
Trade Work Always Requires License: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas work ALWAYS require a separate state license, regardless of project value or whether you qualify for the handyman exemption. Do not attempt these trades without proper licensing.
Advertising Restrictions: Unlicensed handymen cannot use terms like 'contractor,' 'builder,' 'plumber,' 'electrician,' or similar words that imply they can perform licensed work. Violating this can result in enforcement action.
Continuing Education: If you obtain a full contractor license, you must complete 6 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.
Operating Without License: Operating as a contractor without a license is a Class A misdemeanor in Utah. First offense: up to $1,000 fine. Second offense: up to $2,000 fine. Subsequent offenses: up to $2,000 per day. DOPL can also issue cease-and-desist orders.
Home Occupation Zoning: If operating from your home, ensure your business use is permitted under Lehi's zoning code. Contact Lehi Planning & Zoning at (385) 201-1000 to verify.

Legal Registration Steps for Lehi

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

Step 1: Verify the current handyman exemption threshold with DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or (866) 275-3675 (toll-free). Confirm whether your planned work falls under the exemption or requires a full contractor license.
Step 2: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code at corporations.utah.gov. Filing fee is $59. Include your business registration number on all DOPL applications.
Step 3: If operating under the handyman exemption, submit an Affirmation of Exemption form to DOPL with the $35 processing fee.
Step 4: Obtain a Lehi City Business License. If home-based, submit a Home Occupation Application to Lehi Planning & Zoning at (385) 201-1000. Fee is $0 unless a fire inspection is required ($50 impact fee). If commercial address, fee is $140.
Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended for all handymen, required by many customers).
Step 6: For any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work, apply for the appropriate state trade license through DOPL.
Step 7: Before starting any project, determine whether a building permit is required by contacting Lehi City Planning & Zoning or Utah County. Permits are required for structural work, electrical/plumbing/HVAC changes, and other safety-related modifications.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

Painting (interior and exterior)
Drywall repair and patching (minor work)
Trim carpentry and finish work
Fence repair and installation (non-structural)
Floor installation and refinishing (non-structural)

See all 9 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.