What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Georgetown, Delaware (Sussex County)?

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

In Delaware, handymen and small contractors must register with the Delaware Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration ($200–$300 initial fee) and obtain a state business license from the Division of Revenue ($75 annually plus 0.6472% gross receipts tax above $100,000/month). There is no formal 'handyman exemption,' but work on projects under $50,000 does not trigger competitive-bid registration requirements. However, any work requiring a building permit or involving electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems requires a licensed tradesperson. Georgetown (Sussex County) also requires town-level building permits and may require a separate town contractor registration—contact Town Hall to confirm local requirements.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Painting (interior and exterior) on projects under $50,000
• Drywall repair and patching (minor work not requiring structural changes)
• Trim work and carpentry (non-structural, under $50,000)
• Fence repair and installation (non-structural, under $50,000)
• Basic maintenance and cleaning tasks
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware) that does not involve plumbing or electrical system modifications
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Door and window hardware replacement (not structural replacement of windows/doors)
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural maintenance)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Georgetown

Based on the DE threshold, handymen in Georgetown commonly take on:

• Painting (interior and exterior) on projects under $50,000
• Drywall repair and patching (minor work not requiring structural changes)
• Trim work and carpentry (non-structural, under $50,000)
• Fence repair and installation (non-structural, under $50,000)
• Basic maintenance and cleaning tasks
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware) that does not involve plumbing or electrical system modifications
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Door and window hardware replacement (not structural replacement of windows/doors)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes—requires a licensed Master Electrician
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement—requires a licensed Master Plumber
• HVAC system installation, repair, or modification—requires a licensed Master HVAC technician
• Gas line work or gas appliance installation—requires a licensed Master Plumber or HVAC technician
• Structural modifications or load-bearing wall work
• Roofing work (typically requires a contractor license and building permit)
• Foundation work or concrete work affecting structure
• Any work requiring a building permit (see Permits vs. License section below)
• Work on projects over $50,000 in value—triggers formal competitive-bid registration if bidding on state contracts
• Any work on federal property (Dover AFB) requires federal contractor registration and base access clearance

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In DE, you can take jobs under $50,000 (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 — Georgetown

Required. Town of Georgetown Contractor Registration / Business License (exact name and requirements not published online)

Setting Up Your Business in DE

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in DE: $110 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Georgetown

1. Step 1: Register your business entity with the Delaware Division of Corporations. File a Certificate of Formation for an LLC ($110 one-time) or register as a sole proprietor/partnership. Register at https://corp.delaware.gov or through Delaware One Stop at https://onestop.delaware.gov.
2. Step 2: Obtain a Delaware state business license from the Division of Revenue ($75 annual fee plus gross receipts tax). Apply through Delaware One Stop or directly at https://revenue.delaware.gov/business-tax-forms/contractors-resident-and-non-resident/. Phone: (302) 577-8778.
3. Step 3: Register with the Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Contractor Registration ($200–$300 initial fee depending on work type). Apply at https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/industrial-affairs/construction-industry/contractor-registration-act/ or call (302) 430-7739.
4. Step 4: Contact the Town of Georgetown at (302) 856-7391 to determine whether a separate town-level business or contractor license is required and what the fee is.
5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance (required by Delaware law). Contact an insurance broker for quotes.
6. Step 6: If your work involves electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, apply for the appropriate state trade license through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (https://dpr.delaware.gov or (302) 744-4500). You must employ a licensed Master tradesperson.
7. Step 7: Before starting any project, contact the Town of Georgetown Planning Department at (302) 856-7391 and Sussex County Planning & Zoning at (302) 855-7878 to determine whether a building permit is required.
8. Step 8: If working on Dover Air Force Base or any federal property, register in SAM.gov at https://sam.gov and coordinate with the base contracting office at (302) 677-3000.

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.