Bulletproof Handyman

Handyman License Requirements in Montgomery, TX

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed August 2026

In Montgomery, Texas, handymen and small contractors operate under a unique regulatory framework: Texas has NO state-level general contractor license, NO dollar threshold for unlicensed work, and NO state business license requirement. However, specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require state licenses from TDLR or TSBPE regardless of project size. The City of Montgomery requires a business license (fee amount requires verification with city), and any permitted work triggers building code compliance. Most general construction work—framing, drywall, roofing, carpentry, painting—can be performed without a state license, but electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work are strictly regulated and require trade-specific licenses.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

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

State Contractor Licensing Law (TX)

The exemption is based on WORK TYPE, not dollar amount. Electrical work (all non-exempt work), plumbing work (all work on others' property), and HVAC work are NOT covered by the handyman exemption and require state trade licenses. Any work affecting electrical panels, water heaters, structural elements, or requiring permits may trigger licensing requirements even if the work type itself is exempt.

County Requirements — Montgomery

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Montgomery

Required. City of Montgomery Business License — In Person: City Hall, 25 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Montgomery, TX 77356 — Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. By Mail: License & Revenue Division, P.O. Box 5070, Montgomery, TX 77356. Building permits require contractor registration with the city and valid Texas professional licenses as applicable. Building code adopted: 2024 ICC and 2023 NEC. Permit fees are variable based on permit type and project valuation—contact Planning & Development for the current fee schedule.

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is a credential issued by the state (or city) that authorizes a person or business to perform a specific trade or occupation. A PERMIT is a one-time authorization issued by a local government (city or county) for a specific project, allowing work to proceed and triggering inspections. In Texas, a handyman may not need a state license for general construction work, BUT even exempt handymen must obtain permits for certain work types. Permits are required by the city/county building department and are separate from state trade licenses. For example, a handyman can paint a house without a license, but if that painting involves exterior work affecting the structure or historic district, a permit may be required. Similarly, installing a water heater requires both a plumbing license (state) AND a permit (city/county). Failure to obtain required permits can result in fines, stop-work orders, and liability issues.

Business Entity Registration (TX)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $300 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Montgomery in Montgomery County, Texas

Legal Registration Steps for Montgomery

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Montgomery in Montgomery County, Texas:

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. An LLC is recommended for liability protection. File a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 one-time fee). File the Public Information Report (PIR) annually by May 15 (no fee, but $50 late penalty if missed).
  2. Step 2: Obtain a City of Montgomery Business License. Contact the License & Revenue Division at (936) 597-6434 or visit City Hall, 25 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Montgomery, TX 77356. Verify the current fee and renewal deadline.
  3. Step 3: If you will sell materials as part of jobs, obtain a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Comptroller (no fee) at comptroller.texas.gov or (512) 463-4600.
  4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance. While not legally required for unlicensed handyman work, insurance is highly recommended and often required by customers.
  5. Step 5: Determine which trades you will perform. If you plan to do electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire alarm, security, or other specialty work, you MUST obtain the appropriate state trade license from TDLR or TSBPE. Contact the relevant board for exam requirements, experience hours, and fees.
  6. Step 6: Before starting any permitted work (water heater installation, roofing, structural modifications, etc.), contact the City of Montgomery Planning & Development or Montgomery County Permit Office to determine permit requirements and fees.
  7. Step 7: Verify your project location. Determine whether you are in the City of Montgomery (city permits and rules apply) or unincorporated Montgomery County (county permits and rules apply). If in an unincorporated area, contact the Montgomery County Permit Office at (936) 539-7839.
  8. Step 8: File your annual business personal property rendition with your local appraisal district by April 15 each year (starting in 2026, you may claim a $125,000 exemption per location).

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.