What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Plano, Texas (Collin County)?
Texas has no state-level general contractor license requirement for handymen or general contractors—this is a categorical exemption, not a dollar-threshold exemption. However, any work involving electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other regulated trades requires a state license from TDLR or TSBPE. In Plano, you must obtain building permits project-by-project through the City of Plano's TRAKiT portal; Plano does not require a separate general business license registration. Trade-specific state licenses (electrical $110/year renewal, plumbing RMP $420/year, HVAC $115 application) are mandatory if you self-perform those trades.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
- Interior and exterior painting
- Basic carpentry (trim, shelving, non-structural framing)
- Gutter cleaning and maintenance
- Fence repair and installation (non-structural)
- Landscaping and yard maintenance
- Simple fixture replacement (faucets, light fixtures, door handles) — NOT electrical work
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- General handyman repairs and maintenance work of any dollar value (no threshold in Texas)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Plano
Based on the TX threshold, handymen in Plano commonly take on:
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
- Interior and exterior painting
- Basic carpentry (trim, shelving, non-structural framing)
- Gutter cleaning and maintenance
- Fence repair and installation (non-structural)
- Simple fixture replacement (faucets, light fixtures, door handles) — NOT electrical work
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- General handyman repairs and maintenance work of any dollar value (no threshold in Texas)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Texas TDLR Electrician License — $110/year renewal)
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Texas TSBPE Responsible Master Plumber License — $420/year renewal)
- HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance (requires Texas TDLR ACR Contractor License — $115 application fee)
- Reroofing work (requires Texas TDLR Licensed Reroofing Contractor registration as of 2026)
- Fire sprinkler system installation (requires Texas TDLR Fire Sprinkler Contractor License)
- Well drilling or pump installation (requires Texas TDLR Water Well Driller License)
- Mold remediation (requires Texas TDLR Mold Remediation Contractor License)
- Elevator or escalator installation (requires Texas TDLR Elevator Contractor License)
- Landscape irrigation system installation (requires Texas TDLR Irrigator License)
- Electrical sign installation (requires Texas TDLR Electrical Sign Contractor License)
Business License — Plano
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 Plano
- Step 1: Determine if your work involves regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, reroofing). If yes, obtain the required state license from TDLR or TSBPE before performing any work.
- Step 2: Form a business entity (LLC recommended). File a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 one-time fee). Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free).
- Step 3: File an Assumed Name Certificate with the Collin County Clerk if operating under a trade name ($15 fee).
- Step 4: Register for a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit with the Texas Comptroller (free) if you sell taxable items or services.
- Step 5: Obtain a home occupation permit from the City of Plano Planning Department if operating from a residential address.
- Step 6: For each project, obtain a building permit from the City of Plano through the TRAKiT portal (plano.gov/350/Building-Permits). Permit fees vary by project valuation.
- Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance (recommended, required if performing regulated trades). Minimum coverage: $300,000 for electrical/plumbing/Class A HVAC; $100,000 for Class B HVAC.
- Step 8: If working in Plano's historic district, obtain approval from the Plano Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior work visible from public areas.
- Step 9: Register with the Texas Workforce Commission if you have employees.
- Step 10: File an annual No Tax Due Report with the Texas Comptroller if your LLC revenue is below $2.47 million (free filing).
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.