What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Edison, New Jersey?

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

New Jersey does not have a dollar-threshold handyman exemption—all residential home improvement work requires state registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs regardless of project value. Contractors must register with the state ($110 initial, $90 renewal), obtain general liability insurance and a surety bond, and comply with Edison Township zoning requirements. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separate state licenses. Edison Township does not impose a separate contractor business license, and Middlesex County defers to state licensing.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Painting interior or exterior surfaces (non-structural)
• Installing or replacing light fixtures, outlets, and switches (basic electrical fixture changes only—NOT panel work or new circuits)
• Replacing faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures (like-for-like replacement only—NOT new supply lines or drain modifications)
• Drywall patching and minor repairs (not structural changes)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Basic carpentry repairs and trim work (non-structural)
• Painting cabinets and interior finishes
• Installing shelving and basic hardware
• NOTE: Even for these tasks, if performed for compensation on residential property, you must hold active HICB registration. Permits may still be required for certain work. Always verify with Edison's Construction Office before starting work.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Edison

Based on the NJ threshold, handymen in Edison commonly take on:

• Painting interior or exterior surfaces (non-structural)
• Installing or replacing light fixtures, outlets, and switches (basic electrical fixture changes only—NOT panel work or new circuits)
• Replacing faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures (like-for-like replacement only—NOT new supply lines or drain modifications)
• Drywall patching and minor repairs (not structural changes)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Basic carpentry repairs and trim work (non-structural)
• Painting cabinets and interior finishes
• Installing shelving and basic hardware

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement (new circuits, panel work, rewiring, installing new outlets on new circuits)
• Any plumbing work beyond like-for-like fixture replacement (new supply lines, drain modifications, water heater installation, gas line work)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement
• Structural modifications, load-bearing wall removal, or framing changes
• Roofing work
• Window or door replacement affecting structural integrity or building envelope
• Bathroom or kitchen remodeling
• Basement finishing or waterproofing
• Any work requiring a building permit under Edison Township code
• Gas line installation or modification
• Fire suppression system work
• All of the above require BOTH state HICB registration AND trade-specific licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) where applicable

Business License — Edison

Not required at the city level.

Setting Up Your Business in NJ

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in NJ: $125 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Edison

1. Step 1: Register your business entity (LLC recommended) with NJ DORES at https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessFormation/ — Cost: $125 filing fee. File your Certificate of Formation and pay the annual report fee ($75/year).
2. Step 2: Complete free NJ-REG tax/employer registration at https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessRegistration/ — No fee, but mandatory for all businesses.
3. Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence minimum) and a surety bond ($5,000–$50,000 depending on scope). Contact insurance brokers or surety bond providers for quotes.
4. Step 4: Apply for HICB registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Mail your application to: 124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor, PO Box 46016, Newark, NJ 07101. Include proof of insurance and bond. Cost: $110 application fee.
5. Step 5: Verify zoning compliance with Edison Township Planning & Zoning Division at (732) 248-7242. Confirm whether a home occupation permit is required if operating from home.
6. Step 6: Once HICB registration is approved, you can pull permits from Edison Township Construction/Permit Office at (732) 248-7242 for specific projects.
7. Step 7: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, obtain the appropriate trade license from the NJ Board of Examiners (electrical, plumbing, or HVAC). Trade licenses are separate from HICB registration.
8. Step 8: Maintain compliance: Renew HICB registration annually (January 15–March 30), file annual LLC report ($75/year), and keep insurance and bond current.

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.