What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Saint Louis in Saint Louis County, Missouri?
Missouri does not issue a single statewide “general contractor” or “handyman” license. Instead, contractor licensing (and most trade licensing) is handled at the city/county level, meaning a handyman can often operate without a state contractor license—but must comply with local contractor registrations, permits, and any required electrical/plumbing/HVAC credentials where the job is located.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Painting (interior/exterior) where no lead-abatement certification is required; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes when applicable
- Drywall patching and minor repairs (non-structural)
- Trim/carpentry repairs (baseboards, door casing, minor cabinetry repairs)
- Replacing door hardware (locks/knobs), installing shelves, curtain rods, and TV mounts
- Minor caulking/grouting, tile repairs that do not alter waterproofing assemblies or plumbing
- Assembling prefabricated furniture/sheds/playsets (non-permanent, non-structural foundations)
- Gutter cleaning and minor soffit/fascia repairs (no structural roof framing changes)
- Like-for-like fixture swaps only where the local inspector permits it (e.g., replacing a faucet or light fixture) — BUT permits/licensed trades are often required in the City of St. Louis depending on scope
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Saint Louis
Based on the MO threshold, handymen in Saint Louis commonly take on:
- Painting (interior/exterior) where no lead-abatement certification is required; follow EPA RRP rules for pre-1978 homes when applicable
- Drywall patching and minor repairs (non-structural)
- Trim/carpentry repairs (baseboards, door casing, minor cabinetry repairs)
- Replacing door hardware (locks/knobs), installing shelves, curtain rods, and TV mounts
- Minor caulking/grouting, tile repairs that do not alter waterproofing assemblies or plumbing
- Gutter cleaning and minor soffit/fascia repairs (no structural roof framing changes)
- Like-for-like fixture swaps only where the local inspector permits it (e.g., replacing a faucet or light fixture) — BUT permits/licensed trades are often required in the City of St. Louis depending on scope
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Pulling electrical permits and performing electrical work beyond minor like-for-like device/fixture replacement (especially any panel work, new circuits, rewiring) — typically requires a locally licensed electrician in the City/metro municipalities
- Plumbing system alterations (new lines, moving fixtures, water heater replacement in many jurisdictions, sewer work) — typically requires a locally licensed plumber and permits/inspections
- HVAC/mechanical system installation or replacement (furnaces, AC condensers, coil changes, duct modifications) — commonly requires mechanical permits; refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification
- Gas piping installation/alteration (CSST, black iron, appliance gas hookups beyond simple connections) — commonly requires permitted work by qualified trades
- Structural work (load-bearing walls, beams, foundation repairs, framing changes) — generally requires building permits and plan review
- Roof replacement (not just minor repair) — commonly permitted and may require contractor registration depending on municipality
- Work in regulated environments (lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing where RRP applies; asbestos-containing materials) — requires federal/state compliance and may require specialty licensing/abatement contractors
Business License — Saint Louis
Required. City of St. Louis Business License (Business License / Business Registration handled through the Collector of Revenue / License Collector functions)
Setting Up Your Business in MO
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MO: $50 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Saint Louis
- Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC recommended) with the Missouri Secretary of State ($50 filing).
- Step 2: Obtain a City of St. Louis business license if you are operating in the City (fee varies by classification and gross receipts/payroll; confirm with Collector of Revenue).
- Step 3: Get general liability insurance (commonly $1M/$2M) and keep certificates ready for permit pulls and commercial clients.
- Step 4: Before quoting, verify whether the jobsite municipality requires contractor registration and whether your scope triggers permits or licensed-trade involvement (City of St. Louis Building Division for city jobs; county/municipal building departments elsewhere).
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.