What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee?

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

Memphis handymen operating in Shelby County, Tennessee can perform work under $3,000 (labor + materials) without a state contractor license. Projects between $3,000–$24,999 require a Home Improvement License ($250 fee + $10,000 surety bond). All work requires a Memphis city business license ($15) and Shelby County business license ($15), obtained together for $30 total. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separate state licenses regardless of project value. Building permits are required by local code for many projects, even if below the license threshold.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior and exterior painting (residential)
• Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving, non-structural repairs)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware — not plumbing/electrical connections)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)
• Landscaping and yard work (non-structural)
• All of the above are permitted for residential projects under $3,000 (labor + materials combined) where no building permit is required by local code. Always verify with Memphis & Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement whether a permit is needed for your specific project.

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Memphis

Based on the TN threshold, handymen in Memphis commonly take on:

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior and exterior painting (residential)
• Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving, non-structural repairs)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware — not plumbing/electrical connections)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)
• All of the above are permitted for residential projects under $3,000 (labor + materials combined) where no building permit is required by local code. Always verify with Memphis & Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement whether a permit is needed for your specific project.

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any residential remodeling project totaling $3,000–$24,999 in Shelby County (requires Home Improvement License)
• Any residential or commercial project totaling $25,000 or more (requires Full Contractor License)
• Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Limited Licensed Electrician or Licensed Electrician)
• Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Limited Licensed Plumber or Licensed Plumber)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement (requires Certified Mechanical Contractor license)
• Roofing work (requires Roofing Contractor license)
• Gas piping installation or repair (requires appropriate trade license)
• Structural modifications or additions (requires Full Contractor License)
• Any work requiring a building permit under Memphis/Shelby County code (even if project value is under $3,000)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In TN, you can take jobs under $3,000 (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 — Memphis

Required. City of Memphis Business License

Setting Up Your Business in TN

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TN: $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 Memphis

1. Step 1: Determine your project scope and total cost (labor + materials). If under $3,000 and no permit required, you may operate without a state contractor license (but still need city/county business licenses).
2. Step 2: Register your business entity. Form an LLC with the Tennessee Secretary of State ($300 filing fee) for liability protection. Alternatively, operate as a sole proprietor (no filing fee, but higher personal liability).
3. Step 3: Obtain city and county business licenses. Submit a combined application to the Shelby County Clerk's Office (Downtown: 150 Washington Avenue, Second Floor, Memphis, TN 38103, (901) 545-4249, or East Branch: 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 379-7099). Cost: $30 total ($15 city + $15 county).
4. Step 4: Register for Tennessee business tax with the Department of Revenue at https://tntap.tn.gov ($15 registration fee).
5. Step 5: If performing projects $3,000–$24,999 in Shelby County, apply for a Home Improvement License from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors ($250 application fee + $10,000 surety bond). Apply online at https://core.tn.gov or by mail.
6. Step 6: If performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or roofing work, verify trade license requirements with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors ((615) 741-8307) and Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement.
7. Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance ($300–$800 annually) and surety bond ($300–$800 annually if required).
8. Step 8: Before starting any project, verify with Memphis & Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement whether a building permit is required. Contact: Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement, (901) 545-4249 or Develop901 (Memphis & Shelby County Division of Planning and Development).
9. Step 9: If working in a historic district, verify design review requirements with the Memphis Historic Commission or Develop901.
10. Step 10: Keep all licenses, permits, insurance certificates, and bonds current and on-site during work. Maintain detailed records of all projects, costs, and client communications.

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.