Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Lewisville, Denton County, Texas?

Texas has no statewide general contractor license or dollar-threshold handyman exemption—licensing is regulated entirely at the city level and by trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Lewisville requires contractor registration before pulling permits but does not charge a separate general business license fee for most contractors. Handymen can perform general construction work (carpentry, drywall, painting, roofing, etc.) without a state license, but any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work requires a state-licensed professional. An LLC formation costs $300 one-time with the Texas Secretary of State.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Lewisville

Based on the TX threshold, handymen in Lewisville commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

Business License — Lewisville

Not required at the city level.

Setting Up Your Business in TX

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $300 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Lewisville

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. An LLC is recommended for liability protection. File a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 one-time fee). If using a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate ($25 state or ~$15–$22 county).
  2. Step 2: Register as a contractor with the City of Lewisville. Use the MGO Connect online portal at cityoflewisville.com to create an account and submit your contractor registration. Verify the current registration fee by calling (972) 219-3470.
  3. Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance. While not legally required, most clients and homeowners require proof of coverage ($1–$2 million is standard). Get quotes from contractor insurance providers.
  4. Step 4: Verify exemption limits and trade licensing. If you plan to perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, you must be a state-licensed professional in that trade. Contact TDLR at (512) 463-6599 or TSBPE for current license requirements and fees.
  5. Step 5: Understand permit requirements. Before starting any project, contact Lewisville Inspection & Permitting at (972) 219-3470 or use MGO Connect to determine if a building permit is required. Pulling permits is mandatory for most projects.
  6. Step 6: File your annual Public Information Report (PIR) with the Texas Comptroller by May 15 each year (free filing, but $50 late fee if missed). This is required even if no franchise tax is owed.
  7. Step 7: Obtain a Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Comptroller (free) if you install tangible personal property or sell goods. Most pure-labor services are not taxable.
  8. Step 8: Keep records of all licenses, permits, insurance, and contractor registrations. Maintain compliance with city and state requirements.

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.