Handyman Licenses in New York: Everything you Need to Know

Understanding the laws is essential if you’d like to offer professional handyman or home improvement services in New York.

Luckily for you, I’ve already poured over pages of difficult-to-understand legal jargon, spoken to state and local representatives, and compiled the most critical information.

Here, you’ll learn what you need to know to confidently offer home repairs for profit.

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in New York?

New York doesn’t offer a state-wide license. Because of its large and diverse makeup, it’s a commonwealth that places license regulation in the hands of local government.

For example, laws for densely populated New York City may not be appropriate for the suburbs of Westchester County. And some rural areas may not require a license (other than a business registration.

Of the four regions I researched–New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, and the City of Buffalo–Only NYC exempts its handymen from obtaining a Home Improvement Contractor license, and only when work is under $200. That exemption is too limiting for most handymen, meaning a license is required for almost all contracting work in New York.

In addition to a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license, handymen must register their business to deliver contracting services in the state.

For handymen looking to take on work in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, speciality accreditation in each respective field is required.

Limitations for handymen in New York

While I couldn’t get first-hand feedback from electrical and plumbing inspectors in most of the cities I contacted, I could speak with leadership in the Department of Consumer Protection in Westchester County. The manager I talked to is part of a team that reports violations to the electrical and plumbing boards for review (definitely a good guy to know!).

This supervisor advises against all plumbing and electrical-related projects. Despite the cosmetic nature of swapping out faucets or ceiling lights, for example, you’ll be making connections with pipes and exposed wiring (both tasks that require specialized licensing in Westchester County). This also means projects like changing outlets and switches or sinks and toilets are off-limits. He stressed that fines for violations are cumulative by the day, meaning the penalties will quickly add up.

Regarding guidelines in other districts, I was also able to get feedback on plumbing regulations in NYC. In response to the question: “Can I swap out plumbing fixtures in NYC if I don’t reconfigure pipes?” the answer is YES, if you have your HIC license. I was unable to locate similar guidelines for electrical in NYC.

Speaking of New York City, the metropolis has a comprehensive resource for small business owners to answer targeted questions on exemptions to licensing and the “gray areas” surrounding electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural work. The support is only available to New York residents, so they were unwilling to respond to my inquiries. If you reside in the state, it’s a resource worth leaning into. And with any luck, they can shed light on the electrical guidelines referenced above.

For the many handymen looking to work in other regions of the state, the consensus among the permitting reps I spoke with is to check in with the licensing board in the area you plan to work. It’s here where you can get answers to common questions (“Can I replace a ceiling light if there’s no rewiring?”) during the application process.

All licensing and registration in New York is managed at the local level.

Advertising Restrictions

Like most states, handymen need to be careful not to “oversell” themselves in their ads or on their websites, proposals, and invoices. To avoid a run-in with the law, refrain from using terms like “General Contractor” unless that is the specific license you have. If it’s a Home Improvement license you’ve obtained, that is the designation you should use.

Include your license and registration numbers on all your business communications. In Westchester County, for example, it’s considered a violation to withhold your license number on public relations materials and can result in penalties.

Nassau County takes it one step further. You must be approved for it and have your license in hand before advertising. And that license must be available at all times on job sites and in work vehicles.

On a more positive note, including your license and registration information only adds legitimacy to your standing with prospective customers.

Insurance Requirements

In New York, handymen must hold Worker’s Compensation insurance if they have one or more employees working under them. This is true whether the employee is a family member or if the employee only works part-time.

General Liability insurance is required of all handymen, and proof of coverage is required during the application process.

Fortunately, insurance is low cost if you get it here.

Penalties for contracting illegally

Handymen in New York who work without an HIC license (or who engage in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work without the proper specialty licensing) can incur serious penalties.

Punishment can include compounding fines, the loss of earned payments, the inability to obtain a license in the future, and jail time.

In Buffalo, for example, working without a license is considered a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment of 60 days. In Nassau County, working without a license is also considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and one year in jail, as well as seizure of vehicles and tools.

Be smart—work within the framework the state has laid out for handymen, and tread the gray areas carefully. The repercussions aren’t worth it.

How do handymen obtain a license in New York?

Handymen often begin the process of starting a business by visiting the Division for Small Business at NYS Empire State Development website. Here, you’ll find the few steps you need to take to register, as well as contact information if you have questions about the process. Applicants file in the county where they live for $25.

Applying for a HIC license also takes place in the county where you reside. Below are guidelines for applying in the four jurisdictions I researched. If you live in a city or county other than the ones below, check with your local licensing board for guidance on the process.

New York City

Apply for the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license here.

Among the application requirements is a passing grade on the HIC exam from an approved test center.

Fees hover around $175, which includes the price of applying, the exam, and fingerprint processing. The expense to register your business, along with an insurance policy, makes up the remaining costs.

A full checklist of application requirements can be found on this page.

Applications can be submitted online or in person.

Westchester County

HIC licenses are issued by the Department of Consumer Protection. It’s here that you’ll find an informative link about laws surrounding running a home improvement/handyman business.

Candidates can apply for their license here. Among the requirements are copies of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a liability insurance certificate.

The application fee is $500. Additional costs to budget for include insurance and business registration.

Applications must be mailed–there is no online version or in-person option.

Nassau County

A good place to start the process of licensing is at the Department of Consumer Affairs. There are several useful links to Rules and Regulations and FAQs.

Step by step instructions and the application form itself can be found here. Requirements include a notarized application, fingerprinting, and a certificate of insurance.

Fees will amount to around $800, which includes the app fee, fingerprint processing, and a mandatory “restitution fund” payment. Candidates should also include the cost of registration and insurance in their numbers.

City of Buffalo

Buffalo’s Department of Permit and Inspection Services is a good first stop in the HIC application process. Unlike most districts, Buffalo is forthcoming with details on who to contact with questions. On this page, you’ll find the name and contact information for various supervisors, laid out by profession.

Application requirements include a certificate of liability insurance, proof of Worker’s Compensation insurance (or exemption form), and a sample contract adhering to the outlined provisions.

The fee to apply is $225, not including the cost to register your business and obtain proper insurance coverage.

Applications are only accepted via mail.

Conclusion

New York handyman laws vary by region but can be readily understood through the links in this article and by consulting with your local licensing board.

Handymen who obtain their Home Improvement License have full control over the size of projects they take on. For this reason, your handyman earnings are much less restricted than in other states.

Since many New York residents rely on handymen for home repairs, maintenance, and remodeling, the doors are wide open for anyone motivated enough to start a business.

Do you offer handyman services in New York?

If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to share any insights I may have missed.