Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Clearfield, Davis County, Utah?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed August 2026

Clearfield, Utah handymen and small contractors operate under Utah's three-tier threshold system (effective May 7, 2025): projects under $3,000 are fully exempt from licensing; projects $3,000–$6,999 require a one-time handyman affirmation filing ($45–$52); projects $7,000+ require a full Utah Contractor License ($226 application fee). Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) requires separate licensing regardless of project value. Clearfield City requires a business license (fee varies by category; contact city for current amount). Hill Air Force Base, located 2 miles south, requires SAM.gov registration for on-base work.

The magic number in UT: $3,000. Jobs under $3,000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $3,000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Clearfield

Based on the UT threshold, handymen in Clearfield commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In UT, you can take jobs under $3,000 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — Clearfield

Required. Clearfield City Business License (Commercial Business License or Home Based Business License)

Setting Up Your Business in UT

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in UT: $59 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Clearfield

  1. Step 1: Determine your project scope and dollar value (combined labor and materials). If under $3,000, you are fully exempt from contractor licensing. If $3,000–$6,999, you must file a handyman affirmation with DOPL. If $7,000+, you need a full Utah Contractor License.
  2. Step 2: If performing trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas), obtain the appropriate trade license from DOPL regardless of project value. Trade licenses are never exempt.
  3. Step 3: Register your business entity. Form a Utah LLC by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Utah Division of Corporations ($59 filing fee) at osbr.utah.gov. File annual reports ($18 annually) during your LLC's anniversary month.
  4. Step 4: Obtain a Clearfield City Business License. Contact Clearfield City Planning & Zoning / Licensing Department (801-525-2701 or licensing@clearfieldcityut.gov) for the current fee schedule and application. Fees vary by business category.
  5. Step 5: Secure general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance (required for handyman affirmations and contractor licenses). Verify current insurance minimums with DOPL (801-530-6720).
  6. Step 6: If working on Hill AFB or federal property, register with SAM.gov (free) at sam.gov and obtain your CAGE Code. Comply with Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements.
  7. Step 7: Before starting any project, contact Clearfield City Building Department (801-525-2720) to determine if a building permit is required. Permits are often required even for exempt work.
  8. Step 8: File your handyman affirmation (if applicable) or contractor license application with DOPL at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contracting/. Include proof of insurance and surety bond (if required).
  9. Step 9: Verify all requirements directly with the appropriate government agencies before starting work. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations change frequently.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.