What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Provo, Utah County, Utah?
In Utah, handymen can work without a state contractor license on projects under $3,000 (or potentially $7,000 per recent updates—verify with DOPL), but must file a one-time $35 affirmation of exemption for work between $3,000–$7,000. All electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires a separate state trade license regardless of project value. Provo requires a city business license (approximately $50–$200 depending on employee count) and a home occupation permit (free for minor home-based operations). Utah County does not impose a separate license on incorporated Provo businesses.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $3,000 total project value)
- Interior and exterior painting (under $3,000 total project value)
- Basic carpentry repairs (replacing trim, fixing doors, minor framing repairs under $3,000)
- Flooring installation in a single room (under $3,000 total project value)
- Tile work on small areas like backsplashes or bathroom walls (under $3,000 total project value)
- Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware—not plumbing system work)
- Basic landscaping and yard maintenance (under $3,000 total project value)
- Weatherstripping, caulking, and sealant work (under $3,000 total project value)
- Deck or fence repair (not new construction, under $3,000 total project value)
- NOTE: All work must be valued at $3,000 or less (labor and materials combined). Work between $3,000–$7,000 requires filing a one-time Affirmation of Exemption ($35 fee) with DOPL. Work over $7,000 requires a full B100 contractor license. You cannot break larger projects into smaller jobs to avoid the threshold.
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Provo
Based on the UT threshold, handymen in Provo commonly take on:
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (under $3,000 total project value)
- Interior and exterior painting (under $3,000 total project value)
- Basic carpentry repairs (replacing trim, fixing doors, minor framing repairs under $3,000)
- Flooring installation in a single room (under $3,000 total project value)
- Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware—not plumbing system work)
- Weatherstripping, caulking, and sealant work (under $3,000 total project value)
- Deck or fence repair (not new construction, under $3,000 total project value)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- ANY electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (replacing light bulbs, outlet covers, or light fixtures without rewiring). Electrical system work, panel modifications, new circuits, or rewiring requires an E200 or E201 Electrical Contractor license.
- ANY plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement. Plumbing system alterations, new installations, water line work, drain modifications, or water heater installation requires a P200 or P201 Plumbing Contractor license.
- HVAC system installation, modification, or repair. Any work on heating, cooling, or ventilation systems requires an H100 HVAC Contractor license.
- Structural modifications or additions to buildings (framing, load-bearing wall changes, roof structural work). Projects over $7,000 in total value require a B100 General Building Contractor license.
- Any construction work valued over $7,000 (labor and materials combined) requires a B100 General Building Contractor license, regardless of trade.
- Work that requires a building permit (determined by Provo Building Department). Even if under the dollar threshold, permitted work may require a license.
- Any work using the titles 'contractor,' 'builder,' 'plumber,' 'electrician,' or similar terms implying licensure. Unlicensed persons cannot use these titles.
What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work
In UT, 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 — Provo
Required. Provo City Business License
Setting Up Your Business in UT
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in UT: $54 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Provo
- Step 1: Verify the current handyman exemption threshold with DOPL at (801) 530-6628 or https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contracting/ (confirm whether it is $3,000 or $7,000).
- Step 2: Register your business entity (sole proprietorship DBA, LLC, or corporation) through the Utah Division of Corporations at osbr.utah.gov (no fee).
- Step 3: Obtain a sales tax registration (seller's permit) through the Utah State Tax Commission at tap.utah.gov if you will charge sales tax on taxable services or materials (no fee).
- Step 4: If your work will be between $3,000–$7,000, file an Affirmation of Exemption with DOPL ($35 processing fee) and provide proof of workers' compensation insurance or exemption affidavit.
- Step 5: Obtain a Provo City Business License from Provo311 at (801) 852-6000 or https://www.provo.gov/196/Commercial-Business-License (fee: $50–$200 depending on employee count).
- Step 6: If operating from home, apply for a Provo Home Occupation Permit (free for Minor Home Occupation) at https://www.provo.org/provo311/licensing/business-licensing/business-license-renewal.
- Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance ($1–$2 million coverage recommended) from an insurance broker.
- Step 8: Before starting any project, contact Provo Building Department at (801) 852-6000 to determine if a permit is required.
- Step 9: If your work involves electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, or if projects exceed $7,000, apply for the appropriate state trade license or B100 General Building Contractor license from DOPL.
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.