What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Manhattan, Kansas (Riley County)?

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

In Manhattan, Kansas, handymen and small contractors operate under a local licensing system administered by the City of Manhattan's Code Services office. Kansas has no state-level general contractor licensing requirement, making it one of the most contractor-friendly states; however, specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and roofing all require local licenses in Manhattan. Most finish work and minor repairs can be performed without a license, but any structural work, trade-specific services, or work on federal property (Fort Riley is adjacent to Manhattan) requires appropriate licensing. The City of Manhattan's Code Services office at 785-587-4506 is your primary regulatory authority.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Painting (interior and exterior) — no license required
• Drywall repair and patching (minor, non-structural) — no license required
• Flooring installation (non-structural, finish work) — no license required
• Carpentry (finish work, trim, cabinets, non-structural) — no license required
• Door and window frame installation (non-structural finish work) — no license required
• Simple fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, outlet covers) — no license required
• Caulking and weatherstripping — no license required
• Pressure washing and exterior cleaning — no license required
• Gutter cleaning and repair (non-structural) — no license required

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Manhattan

Based on the KS threshold, handymen in Manhattan commonly take on:

• Painting (interior and exterior) — no license required
• Drywall repair and patching (minor, non-structural) — no license required
• Flooring installation (non-structural, finish work) — no license required
• Carpentry (finish work, trim, cabinets, non-structural) — no license required
• Door and window frame installation (non-structural finish work) — no license required
• Simple fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, outlet covers) — no license required
• Caulking and weatherstripping — no license required
• Pressure washing and exterior cleaning — no license required

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Manhattan electrical contractor license)
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Manhattan Class D plumbing contractor license)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance (requires Manhattan HVAC/mechanical contractor license)
• Roofing work of any kind (requires Kansas Attorney General Roofing Contractor Registration Certificate statewide)
• Structural carpentry or framing (requires Manhattan general contractor license)
• Load-bearing wall removal or modification (requires Manhattan general contractor license and building permit)
• Foundation work or structural repairs (requires Manhattan general contractor license)
• Gas line installation or repair (requires Manhattan gas/mechanical contractor license)
• Water heater installation or replacement (requires permit and may require plumbing license)
• Any work on federal property like Fort Riley (requires federal contractor registration in SAM.gov and base access)
• Any work on tribal land (requires tribal business license from the specific tribe)

Business License — Manhattan

Required. City of Manhattan Contractor License / Trade License

Setting Up Your Business in KS

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in KS: $85 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Manhattan

1. Step 1: Determine your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation). LLC formation is recommended for liability protection. File Articles of Organization with the Kansas Secretary of State at sos.ks.gov ($85 online filing fee, effective February 27, 2026).
2. Step 2: Obtain a Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at irs.gov. This is free and required before most license applications.
3. Step 3: Register for a Kansas Sales Tax Permit through Kansas Business One Stop at ksbiz.kansas.gov (free and perpetual if you perform taxable labor services).
4. Step 4: Contact Manhattan Code Services at (785) 587-4506 or visit manhattanks.gov/2689/Contractor-Trade-Licensing to determine which licenses you need based on the specific trades you perform. Obtain current fee schedules and exam requirements.
5. Step 5: Apply for required Manhattan contractor and/or trade licenses (general contractor, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.). Budget $100-$400+ depending on licenses needed.
6. Step 6: Obtain general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate is typical). Costs typically range from $400-$1,200 annually.
7. Step 7: If you will have employees with gross annual payroll exceeding $20,000, obtain workers' compensation insurance through a Kansas-approved carrier.
8. Step 8: If you perform roofing work, register with the Kansas Attorney General at ag.ks.gov for a Roofing Contractor Registration Certificate.
9. Step 9: If you will work on Fort Riley or other federal property, register in SAM.gov at sam.gov (free but requires annual renewal).
10. Step 10: Verify zoning compliance with Manhattan Planning & Zoning at (785) 587-2416 if operating from a home address. Obtain a Home Occupation Permit if required.
11. Step 11: For each project, verify permit requirements with Manhattan Code Services before beginning work. Obtain all required permits before starting.

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.