What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah?
In Utah, handymen and small contractors can operate under a state handyman exemption for projects valued under $7,000 (including labor and materials), though projects between $3,000–$7,000 require filing a one-time affirmation of exemption ($35 fee) and proof of insurance. Projects over $7,000 require a full B100 General Building Contractor license ($225 application fee). All work in Salt Lake City requires a city business license (approximately $50–$150 annually depending on business classification). Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always require separate trade licenses regardless of project value. Trade-specific work cannot be performed under the handyman exemption.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
- Interior painting (residential)
- Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-structural repairs)
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Simple faucet repair or replacement
- Door and window hardware replacement (non-structural)
- Flooring installation (non-structural, such as vinyl or laminate)
- General handyman repairs and maintenance on projects valued under $7,000 (including labor and materials)
- Note: All of the above assume the total project value stays under $7,000 and does NOT involve electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural work. Projects between $3,000–$7,000 require filing a one-time Affirmation of Exemption ($35 fee) and proof of insurance.
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Salt Lake City
Based on the UT threshold, handymen in Salt Lake City commonly take on:
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
- Interior painting (residential)
- Basic carpentry work (trim, shelving, non-structural repairs)
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Simple faucet repair or replacement
- Door and window hardware replacement (non-structural)
- Flooring installation (non-structural, such as vinyl or laminate)
- General handyman repairs and maintenance on projects valued under $7,000 (including labor and materials)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (outlet replacement, light fixture installation, etc.) — requires Electrician License
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (faucet repair) — requires Plumber License. This includes water heater installation, pipe work, drain repairs, and toilet replacement.
- HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance — requires H100 HVAC Contractor License
- Alarm system installation — requires Alarm System Installer License
- Any construction project valued at $7,000 or more (including labor and materials) — requires B100 General Building Contractor License
- Structural modifications, additions, or remodeling — requires appropriate contractor license
- Any work that requires a building permit — typically requires contractor license
- Work affecting public safety, health, or welfare — requires appropriate license
What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work
In UT, you can take jobs under $7,000 (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 — Salt Lake City
Required. Salt Lake City Business License
Setting Up Your Business in UT
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in UT: $59 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Salt Lake City
- Step 1: Verify your project value and determine if you need a license. Call DOPL at (801) 530-6628 to confirm the current handyman exemption threshold ($3,000 or $7,000).
- Step 2: Register your business entity. Form an LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the Utah Division of Corporations (osbr.utah.gov) — filing fee is $59. Alternatively, operate as a sole proprietorship (no filing required, but less legal protection).
- Step 3: If your project is valued $3,000–$7,000, file the Affirmation of Exemption from Contractor License with DOPL ($35 fee) and provide proof of insurance.
- Step 4: If your project is valued $7,000 or more, apply for a B100 General Building Contractor License from DOPL ($225 application fee + $72 exam fee + $72 business law exam fee).
- Step 5: Obtain a Salt Lake City Business License. Apply online at https://slcgov.my.site.com/BusinessLicensing/s/ — fee varies by business classification ($50–$150 typical range for handyman services).
- Step 6: Obtain general liability insurance. Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $3,000,000 aggregate for licensed contractors. Recommended for all handymen.
- Step 7: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate trade license from DOPL.
- Step 8: If working in a historic district, contact Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission at (801) 535-7757 to determine if your work requires a Historic District Design Review Permit.
- Step 9: Obtain a Sales & Use Tax Permit (Seller's Permit) from the Utah State Tax Commission at https://tap.utah.gov if billing for taxable labor or materials — this is free.
- Step 10: Verify all local permit requirements with Salt Lake City Building Services before starting work.
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.