What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Riverton, Burlington County, New Jersey?

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

In Riverton, New Jersey, handymen and small contractors must register as Home Improvement Contractor Businesses (HICB) with the state for any paid home improvement work. New Jersey has no true dollar-threshold handyman exemption, though a limited carve-out exists for those earning under $1,500 per contract and $25,000 annually (they register rather than obtain the full individual license). The state HICB registration ($110 initial, $90 annual renewal) is your primary state credential. You must also obtain a Riverton Borough business registration and comply with local building permits. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires separate state licenses and cannot be performed by unlicensed handymen.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting and staining
• Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving installation, non-structural repairs)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, door handles) — but NOT electrical or plumbing system work
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)
• Tile work and backsplash installation (non-structural, cosmetic)
• Work on non-profit properties (exempt from HICB registration)
• Work valued under $1,500 per contract if your annual earnings stay under $25,000 (still requires registration, but under the limited carve-out tier)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Riverton

Based on the NJ threshold, handymen in Riverton commonly take on:

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting and staining
• Basic carpentry (trim work, shelving installation, non-structural repairs)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, door handles) — but NOT electrical or plumbing system work
• Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Deck staining and sealing (non-structural)
• Tile work and backsplash installation (non-structural, cosmetic)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors license)
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires NJ State Board of Master Plumbers license)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement (requires NJ Board of Examiners of HVAC Contractors license)
• Gas line or gas appliance work (requires licensed gas contractor or plumber with gas certification)
• Structural modifications or repairs (requires HICB registration and may require engineer review)
• Water heater installation or replacement (requires plumbing license and building permit)
• Window or door replacement affecting the building structure (requires HICB registration and building permit)
• Any work affecting electrical panels or service (requires licensed electrician)
• Roofing work (requires HICB registration and building permit)
• Foundation or structural repairs (requires HICB registration, engineer review, and building permit)
• Any paid home improvement work for compensation (requires HICB registration)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In NJ, you can take jobs under $1,500 (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 — Riverton

Required. Riverton Borough Business Registration

Setting Up Your Business in NJ

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in NJ: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Riverton

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended). File a Certificate of Formation with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services at https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessFormation. Fee: $100 (as of July 1, 2026). You will also need to file an annual report by the last day of your formation month each year ($75 fee).
2. Step 2: Obtain general liability insurance and a surety bond. Bond amount depends on your contract value (see contractorLicensing section). You will need the certificate of insurance and bond documentation for your HICB registration.
3. Step 3: Register as a Home Improvement Contractor Business (HICB) with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Submit your application, certificate of insurance, bond documentation, and $110 fee to: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, 124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 46016, Newark, NJ 07101. Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov. Phone: (973) 504-6370.
4. Step 4: Obtain a Riverton Borough business registration. Contact Riverton Borough Hall at (856) 829-1322 or visit https://www.riverton-nj.com to confirm the current registration fee and process.
5. Step 5: Verify exemptions and requirements with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Confirm whether your work falls under the $1,500/$25,000 carve-out or requires the full individual license (as of Feb. 1, 2026). Confirm which trades require separate state licenses.
6. Step 6: For each project, determine whether a building permit is required. Contact Riverton's Construction/Code Enforcement office at https://riverton-nj.com/construction-code-enforcement/ or call (856) 829-1322.
7. Step 7: Subcontract all electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas work to licensed professionals. Do not attempt these trades yourself.
8. Step 8: Display your HICB registration number in all advertisements, business documents, contracts, and on your commercial vehicles. Display your original registration certificate at your place of business.

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.