What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Yonkers, Westchester County, New York?

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

Handymen and contractors working in Yonkers, New York must obtain a Westchester County Home Improvement Contractor License ($750 for 2 years, effective January 1, 2026) plus a separate City of Yonkers business license. New York State has no statewide handyman exemption or dollar threshold—any paid home improvement work in Westchester County requires a county license. Specialty trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) require additional separate county trade licenses. The county license alone is insufficient; Yonkers imposes its own additional licensing layer.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Minor interior painting (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry repairs (shelving, trim, non-structural framing)
• Drywall patching and finishing (small areas, non-structural)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware—not plumbing or electrical work)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Door and window hardware installation (not structural replacement)
• Flooring installation (vinyl, laminate—not structural subfloor work)
• General handyman maintenance and repairs under the county license threshold

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Yonkers

Based on the NY threshold, handymen in Yonkers commonly take on:

• Minor interior painting (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry repairs (shelving, trim, non-structural framing)
• Drywall patching and finishing (small areas, non-structural)
• Fixture replacement (light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware—not plumbing or electrical work)
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• Door and window hardware installation (not structural replacement)
• Flooring installation (vinyl, laminate—not structural subfloor work)
• General handyman maintenance and repairs under the county license threshold

⚠️ What Requires a License

• ANY paid home improvement, renovation, repair, or remodeling work in Westchester County (no dollar exemption—requires Westchester County Home Improvement Contractor License)
• Electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires separate Westchester County electrician license)
• Plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires separate Westchester County Master Plumber or Restricted Master Plumber license)
• HVAC system installation or repair (requires EPA Section 608 certification and local permits)
• Structural modifications or framing work
• Roofing work
• Window or door replacement affecting the building structure
• Water heater installation or replacement
• Any work affecting electrical panels or service
• Asbestos removal or disturbance (requires New York State asbestos license)
• Work on federal property (requires SAM.gov registration and federal contractor compliance)

Business License — Yonkers

Required. City of Yonkers Business License / Contractor Permit

Setting Up Your Business in NY

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in NY: $200 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Yonkers

1. Step 1: Verify your business location. If you operate from a home address in Yonkers, obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Yonkers Planning/Zoning Division at (914) 377-6000.
2. Step 2: Form your business entity. File Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State ($200 fee). Plan for newspaper publication costs ($500–$1,500+ for Westchester County) within 120 days of formation. File Certificate of Publication ($50) after publication is complete.
3. Step 3: Register for a New York sales tax ID (Certificate of Authority) with the New York Department of Taxation and Finance at https://www.tax.ny.gov (free).
4. Step 4: Apply for the Westchester County Home Improvement Contractor License. Contact the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection, Licensing Division at (914) 995-2155 or visit https://consumer.westchestercountyny.gov. Current fee: $750 for 2 years (effective January 1, 2026). Processing time: 60 business days (or 7 days if expedited for an additional $100 fee). Include vehicle decal fees ($10 per vehicle).
5. Step 5: Obtain a City of Yonkers business license. Contact the City of Yonkers Department of Finance or Building Department at (914) 377-3000 or (914) 377-6000. Confirm current fee and requirements (not publicly available online—must contact city directly).
6. Step 6: If you plan to perform plumbing or electrical work, apply for separate Westchester County trade licenses. Contact the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155.
7. Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate recommended). Cost: $400–$1,200 annually.
8. Step 8: For each project, obtain required building permits from the Yonkers Building Department at (914) 377-6000. Permits are project-specific and required for most work affecting structure, utilities, or safety.
9. Step 9: If your project is in a historic district, obtain Historic Preservation Commission approval from the Yonkers Planning/Zoning Division at (914) 377-6000 before beginning 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.