What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Joliet, Illinois (Will County)?
In Joliet, Illinois (Will County), handymen and small contractors are NOT subject to a statewide dollar-threshold exemption—Illinois has no statewide general contractor license. However, Joliet REQUIRES a City business license, and certain trades (plumbing, roofing, electrical, HVAC) require state or local licenses regardless of project size. Any work requiring a building permit also requires a licensed contractor. General handyman work like painting, drywall repair, and carpentry can be performed without a state license, but you must obtain a Joliet city business license and comply with all local permit requirements.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Painting (interior and exterior, non-structural)
- Drywall patching and repair (minor damage, not structural)
- Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving installation, non-structural repairs)
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Door and window hardware replacement (hinges, locks, handles)
- Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) – NOT full plumbing work
- Gutter cleaning and minor repairs (not replacement affecting structure)
- General handyman maintenance and minor repairs not requiring permits
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Joliet
Based on the IL threshold, handymen in Joliet commonly take on:
- Painting (interior and exterior, non-structural)
- Drywall patching and repair (minor damage, not structural)
- Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving installation, non-structural repairs)
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Door and window hardware replacement (hinges, locks, handles)
- Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucet aerators, towel bars) – NOT full plumbing work
- Gutter cleaning and minor repairs (not replacement affecting structure)
- General handyman maintenance and minor repairs not requiring permits
⚠️ What Requires a License
- ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes – requires City of Joliet Electrical License
- ANY plumbing work – requires Illinois Department of Public Health State Plumbing License (even minor work like fixture replacement or drain clearing)
- HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance – requires City of Joliet HVAC License and federal EPA 608 certification for refrigerant work
- Roofing work of any kind – requires Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation State Roofing License
- Any work requiring a building permit (water heater installation, structural modifications, window/door replacement affecting structure, electrical panel work)
- Work in the Joliet Historic District affecting exterior appearance – requires Historic Preservation Permit
- Any work on federal property (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie) – requires SAM.gov registration for contracts over $10,000
Business License — Joliet
Required. City of Joliet Business License
Setting Up Your Business in IL
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in IL: $150 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Joliet
- Step 1: Determine your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation). If forming an LLC, file Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State ($150 fee) at https://www.ilsos.gov.
- Step 2: Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue for a Certificate of Registration and taxpayer ID (free) at https://mytax.illinois.gov.
- Step 3: Obtain a City of Joliet Business License from the Business Services office at (815) 724-4000 or https://www.joliet.gov/business/business-license-applications. Fee: approximately $200 annually.
- Step 4: If performing electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or roofing work, obtain the appropriate state or local trade licenses. Contact the City of Joliet Community Development – Inspection Division at (815) 724-4070 for electrical and HVAC licensing. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at (217) 782-5830 for plumbing licensing. Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at (888) 473-4858 for roofing licensing.
- Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended for all handymen; required for roofing and HVAC work).
- Step 6: If operating from a residential address, contact the City of Joliet Community Development – Planning Division at (815) 724-4050 to determine if a home-occupation permit is required.
- Step 7: Before starting any project, contact the City of Joliet Community Development – Inspection Division at (815) 724-4070 to determine if a building permit is required. If work is in the historic district, contact the Historic Preservation Commission at (815) 724-4050.
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.