Handyman License Requirements in Scranton, PA

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

In Pennsylvania, handymen and small contractors must register with the state if they earn $5,000 or more annually from home improvement work on residential properties. This state registration (HICPA) costs $100 every two years and requires proof of $50,000 general liability insurance. Additionally, Scranton requires individual contractors to obtain a separate city license ($250 application fee plus $150 exam fee) before performing any work within city limits. Contractors performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work may face additional trade-specific requirements at the city level.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

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

• Any home improvement work on residential property if your annual gross revenue exceeds $5,000 (requires state HICPA registration)
• All contractor work in Scranton city limits (requires city contractor license regardless of revenue)
• Electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement (new circuits, panel work, rewiring)
• Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (new lines, drain work, water heater installation)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement
• Gas line work and gas appliance installation
• Roofing work
• Siding and exterior cladding installation
• Window and door replacement affecting structural integrity
• Structural modifications, framing, or load-bearing wall work
• Basement finishing and waterproofing
• Deck and patio construction
• Driveway and hardscape installation
• Insulation installation
• Any work requiring building permits

State Contractor Licensing Law (PA)

HICPA exemption applies only to residential home improvement work. New construction of one- or two-family homes is excluded from HICPA coverage. Commercial work is not covered by HICPA and has no state licensing requirement. Even exempt handymen must comply with written contract requirements for jobs over $500 and must obtain local city/county licenses and permits. Unregistered contractors cannot sue homeowners for payment.

County Requirements — Lackawanna County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Scranton

Required. City of Scranton Contractor License

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is permission to work in a trade or profession (e.g., contractor license, electrical license). A permit is authorization to perform a specific project at a specific location (e.g., building permit, electrical permit). In Pennsylvania, you need BOTH: a state HICPA registration (if earning over $5,000 annually) and a Scranton city contractor license to legally operate. Additionally, most individual projects require separate permits from the city. Even handymen exempt from state registration must obtain city licenses and project permits. Permits are issued by the city after plan review and are tied to specific addresses and project scopes.

Business Entity Registration (PA)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in PA: $125 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Scranton, Pennsylvania

• Insurance Requirement: All contractors must carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with minimum $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage coverage to register with the state. Proof of insurance is required for both state HICPA registration and Scranton city licensing.
• Written Contracts: Pennsylvania law requires all home improvement contracts over $500 to be in writing and signed by both contractor and consumer. Failure to provide a written contract is a violation of HICPA.
• Continuing Education: Scranton requires proof of 6 hours of continuing education in construction within the past year for contractor license renewal. Master Electrical Contractors must provide proof of 8 CEUs from an approved organization.
• Unregistered Contractor Consequences: Contractors who fail to register with the state HICPA cannot sue homeowners for payment. This is a significant legal and financial risk. Unregistered contractors also face civil penalties of $1,000 or more.
• Dual Licensing: Both state HICPA registration AND Scranton city contractor license are required. These are separate, non-overlapping requirements. Obtaining one does not satisfy the other.
• Fee Verification: Scranton municipal fees can be updated by ordinance. Always verify current fees directly with the Bureau of Licensing, Inspections & Permits at (570) 348-4193 before applying.
• Home Occupation Zoning: If operating from a home address in Scranton, verify zoning compliance and home occupation permit requirements with the Scranton Zoning Office at (570) 348-4100.
• Historic District Review: Scranton contains historic districts. Any exterior work visible from public areas requires additional historic district review and approval. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines.
• Trade-Specific Requirements: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work may have additional local requirements beyond general contractor licensing. Contact Scranton LIP for trade-specific details.
• Annual Revenue Threshold: The $5,000 state exemption threshold is based on TOTAL annual gross revenue from all home improvement work combined, not per-project amounts. Track all revenue carefully.

Legal Registration Steps for Scranton

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Scranton, Pennsylvania:

1. Step 1: Determine if you meet the state exemption (less than $5,000 annual revenue from residential home improvement work). If you exceed this threshold, proceed to Step 2.
2. Step 2: Register with Pennsylvania HICPA at https://hic.attorneygeneral.gov/. Cost: $100 every two years. Provide proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance ($50,000 minimum coverage).
3. Step 3: Obtain Scranton city contractor license. Contact Bureau of Licensing, Inspections & Permits at (570) 348-4193. Costs: $250 application fee + $150 exam fee (70% passing score required). Provide: driver's license, client references, insurance proof, HICPA registration copy, and proof of 6 hours continuing education.
4. Step 4: Verify zoning compliance. If operating from a home address, contact Scranton Zoning Office at (570) 348-4100 to confirm home occupation permit requirements.
5. Step 5: For each project, obtain necessary permits from Scranton Bureau of Licensing, Inspections & Permits. Permit fees vary by project scope (building plan review: 0.000715 × construction cost with $137.50 minimum).
6. Step 6: Maintain compliance: Renew state HICPA registration every two years ($100). Renew city contractor license annually by March 31 (late fees apply after March 31). Maintain proof of 6 hours annual continuing education.
7. Step 7: For trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), verify additional local requirements with Scranton LIP at (570) 348-4193.
8. Step 8: Ensure all home improvement contracts over $500 are in writing and signed by both parties. Keep copies for compliance records.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting and staining
• Basic carpentry work such as installing shelves, trim, or simple cabinetry
• Replacing light fixtures and outlet covers (not electrical work beyond fixture replacement)
• Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixture replacements (not new plumbing lines or major repairs)

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.