Handyman License Requirements in Lexington-Fayette Urban County, KY
Anyone contracting in Lexington, wherever based, gets the occupational license from Revenue, then registers online with Building Inspection, uploading that license and a certificate of insurance naming LFUCG, 200 E. Main St. A home or office in Fayette County also needs a $10 Home Office Certificate or $25 Certificate of Occupancy first.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County requirements
Anyone contracting in Lexington, wherever based, gets the occupational license from Revenue, then registers online with Building Inspection, uploading that license and a certificate of insurance naming LFUCG, 200 E. Main St. A home or office in Fayette County also needs a $10 Home Office Certificate or $25 Certificate of Occupancy first.
Source: lexingtonky.gov · checked November 5, 2026
Local business license
Required
- Name: Occupational license
- Trigger: Engaging in any business in Lexington-Fayette County
- Office: Revenue, 218 E. Main St., 2nd floor, Lexington, (859) 258-3340
- Fee: $100 initial; $100 annual minimum; 2.25% occupational license fee on compensation and net profits
"Every person and business entity engaged in any business in Lexington-Fayette County is required to apply for and obtain an initial occupational license before starting a business."
Source: lexingtonky.gov · lexingtonky.gov · checked November 5, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
Required
- Name: Contractor Registration
- Applies when: Needs the occupational license and a certificate of insurance first. The pages do not define whether small handyman jobs count as contractor work.
- Trigger: Working as a contractor in Lexington-Fayette County
- Office: Building Inspection, 101 E. Vine St., Lexington, (859) 258-3770
- Fee: Home Office Certificate $10 or Certificate of Occupancy for an existing commercial building $25, only if located in Fayette County
"This ordinance requires all contractors to register with the Building Inspection. For additional information call us. Unregistered contractors cannot obtain building permits."
Source: lexingtonky.gov · lexingtonky.gov · checked November 5, 2026
County: Fayette County
The Kentucky rule
Regulator: None for general contracting (local). Trades: Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC) - Electrical Division, Division of Plumbing, Division of HVAC.
No state licensing threshold for general/handyman work. Trade licensing has no dollar floor (none verified).
What counts toward it: other: no state threshold
"Domestic Limited Liability Company (Profit, Non-Profit or Professional Service) Articles of Organization: $40.00"
Source: sos.ky.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
No state GC registration. Electrical contractors, master HVAC contractors, and master plumbers are licensed by HBC.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · dhbc.ky.gov · dhbc.ky.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Kentucky
State filing fee: $40.
Source: sos.ky.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Kentucky rule and confirm with None for general contracting (local). Trades: Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC) - Electrical Division, Division of Plumbing, Division of HVAC..
- Line up the Lexington-Fayette Urban County items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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