Do you need a license to work as a handyman in Livonia, MI?

In MI, handyman jobs under $600 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a state contractor license. Jobs at or above $600 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 Livonia, MI?

The contractor license threshold in MI is $600. Handyman work priced below this amount (labor plus materials) generally does not require a contractor license.

Does Livonia require a business license for handymen?

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

Handyman License Requirements in Livonia, MI

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

In Michigan, handymen can work without a state contractor license on projects under $600 (labor + materials combined) thanks to the residential handyman exemption under MCL 339.2403(f). However, this exemption does not cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work—those trades require separate state licenses regardless of project cost. Livonia requires a business license for certain trades including electricians and contractors; you must verify with the City Clerk whether your specific business type requires one. All contractors must register with Michigan's Department of Treasury for tax purposes (no fee), and LLC formation costs $50 with the state.

The contractor license threshold in MI is $600. 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 MI. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor License)
Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Master Plumber License)
Any HVAC or mechanical system work (requires Mechanical Contractor License)
Residential construction, alteration, repair, or remodeling projects over $600 (requires Residential Builder or M&A Contractor License)
Water heater installation or replacement
Structural modifications or load-bearing work
Work affecting electrical panels or service upgrades
Plumbing system changes beyond fixture replacement
Any work requiring building permits in Livonia

State Contractor Licensing Law (MI)

The exemption does NOT cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work—those trades require separate state licenses regardless of dollar amount. The exemption also does not apply if the work is part of a larger operation split into multiple contracts to evade licensing (anti-splitting rule). Projects affecting building structure or load-bearing elements will likely require permits, which unlicensed handymen typically cannot obtain themselves.

County Requirements — Wayne County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Livonia

Required. City of Livonia Business License

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is a credential issued by the state (or city) that authorizes you to perform a specific trade or business—it proves you have met education, experience, and examination requirements. A permit is a specific authorization from a local government (city or county) to perform a particular project—it allows inspectors to verify that the work meets building codes and safety standards. Even if you are exempt from needing a contractor's license under the $600 handyman exemption, you may still need to obtain permits for certain work. Permits are typically required for projects affecting a building's structure, electrical system, plumbing system, or mechanical systems. As an unlicensed handyman, you generally cannot obtain permits yourself—the property owner or a licensed contractor must apply for them.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in MI: $50 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Livonia, Wayne County, Michigan

Insurance: General liability insurance of at least $100,000/$300,000 is required for all licensed contractors in Michigan. Even if you operate under the $600 handyman exemption, carrying liability insurance is strongly recommended to protect yourself and your clients.
Tax Registration: All contractors must register with the Michigan Department of Treasury for tax purposes (seller's permit / withholding registration). This is free but mandatory before you begin work.
Anti-Splitting Rule: You cannot split a large project into multiple contracts under $600 to avoid licensing requirements. Michigan law prohibits this practice, and violations can result in fines of $5,000-$25,000 and up to one year in jail for first offenses.
Permit Responsibility: As an unlicensed handyman, you cannot obtain building permits yourself. The property owner or a licensed contractor must apply for permits. Performing permitted work without a permit can result in fines and orders to stop work.
Trade Work Prohibition: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work require separate state licenses regardless of project cost. You cannot perform any of this work as an unlicensed handyman, even for small jobs.
City Verification: Contact the City of Livonia Clerk's Office at (734) 466-2228 to confirm whether your specific business type requires a city business license and the current fee.
Zoning Compliance: Verify with the City of Livonia Planning Department that your proposed business location and operations comply with local zoning regulations. Home-based businesses may require a home-occupation permit.

Legal Registration Steps for Livonia

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Livonia, Wayne County, Michigan:

Step 1: Determine your business scope—will you work on projects under $600 (handyman exemption) or over $600 (requires contractor license)?
Step 2: If working under $600, verify with LARA that your planned work does not include electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (those always require licenses). Contact LARA at (517) 241-9316.
Step 3: Register your business entity (LLC recommended). File Articles of Organization with Michigan LARA Corporations Division ($50 fee). File online at the MiBusiness Registry Portal using MiLogin for Business.
Step 4: Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury for tax purposes (free, mandatory).
Step 5: Contact the City of Livonia Clerk's Office at (734) 466-2228 to determine if your business type requires a city business license and obtain the current fee.
Step 6: Verify zoning compliance with the City of Livonia Planning Department. If operating from home, determine if a home-occupation permit is required.
Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance ($100,000/$300,000 minimum recommended).
Step 8: If working on projects over $600 or performing trade work, apply for the appropriate state contractor or trade license through LARA. Complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education, pass the PSI exam ($75), and submit your application ($195 fee).
Step 9: File your Annual Statement with Michigan LARA by February 15 each year ($25 fee) to maintain LLC good standing.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

Drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
Interior and exterior painting (residential)
Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-load-bearing)
Caulking and weatherstripping
Replacing cabinet hardware and door handles

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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.