Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License?

In most of the United States, a handyman can legally do a wide range of home repair and maintenance work without a contractor license — as long as each job stays under a dollar limit set by the state. That dollar limit (often called the "handyman exemption" or "minor work" threshold) is the single most important number in your business. Below it, you're free to work. At or above it, you generally need a contractor license.

The dollar threshold is the key

Most states let handymen take on small jobs without a license, then require a license once a single job crosses a set dollar amount — counting labor and materials combined. Depending on the state, that line can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. A handful of states set no dollar threshold and instead license by the type of work. The city-by-city guides below show the exact number and rules for your area.

Work handymen can usually do without a license

These are the everyday jobs handymen typically handle without a contractor license (always confirm the threshold and any local rules for your city):

Work that usually requires a license

Bigger or safety-critical work almost always needs a licensed contractor or a trade license — in many states regardless of the dollar amount:

The bottom line

Know your state's threshold, keep each job under it (or get the right license), and be upfront with clients about your scope of work. When a job is bigger than you can legally take, refer it out or partner with a licensed contractor. Pick your city below for the exact dollar limit, what you can do, what needs a license, and the steps to operate legally.

Find your city