Handyman Licenses in Idaho – Everything You Need To Know

Understanding the laws is essential if you’d like to offer professional handyman services or home improvements in Idaho.

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

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

Do you need a license to offer handyman services in Idaho?

No, there are no licensing laws governing handymen in Idaho. The clerk I spoke with at the Idaho Contractor’s Board underscored this. However, the clerk did make it clear that handymen need to register to work legally.

Regardless of specialty, all contractors must register with the state to do business lawfully.

Idaho doesn’t require education, field experience, or exam prerequisites to register, which is welcome news to many considering the handyman profession.

Limitations for handymen in Idaho

Despite having no licensing requirements, there are limitations on the services unlicensed handymen can perform in Idaho.

I was fortunate to speak directly with the Inspector and the Plumbing and Electrical Program Managers within Idaho’s Occupational and Professional Licenses Department for clarity on the “gray areas” handymen often face.

For example, is it lawful to switch out a faucet in Idaho without a plumber’s license if the piping isn’t altered? Is it okay to install a new lighting fixture without an electrical license if no rewiring is involved?

The answer to both of these questions is “No.” While some states allow for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC-related work of a cosmetic nature, Idaho isn’t one of them.

That said, both men offered that “like-for-like” changes within one’s own home are permissible without a plumbing or electrical license.

The Program Managers were also clear that maintenance and repair work in these fields IS allowed without speciality licensing. To that point, handymen are able to perform such tasks as repairing leaks, replacing toilet flappers, handles, and seats, and clearing clogged drains.

So, you may be able to provide these basic electrical and plumbing services if there are no structural changes, rewiring, or reconfiguring of pipes (and the work is superficial).

As a final note: to avoid overstepping boundaries in a state that isn’t forthcoming with its handymen guidelines, consulting with a lawyer before embarking on work in these areas is your safest bet. Or even consulting with other pros in the area.

Advertising Restrictions

Like most states, unlicensed handymen need to be careful not to “oversell” themselves in their ads, websites, proposals, and invoices. To avoid a run-in with the law, refrain from using terms like “licensed contractor,” as it is a misnomer- there are no licensed contractors in Idaho, and there are no licensing laws governing GCs in the state, which is very unusual.

Rather, all contractors, including handymen, must register with the state to work in Idaho. Including your registration details in your business communications is essential and adds legitimacy to your standing with prospective customers.

Insurance Requirements

Handymen must hold General Liability insurance of $300,000 per occurrence, plus Worker’s Compensation if they have an employee(s) working under them. Fortunately, insurance is low cost if you get it here.

An interesting exemption in Idaho pertains to family members. If your employee(s) are members of your family, you’re precluded from the Worker’s Comp. mandate.

Penalties for contracting illegally

Handymen in Idaho who perform work without registering (or engage in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work without proper specialty licensing) are subject to penalties.

Not only can you be reported to the Contractor’s Board and face fines and possible jail time, you’ll have no recourse if a customer refuses to pay. Transgressions that can lead to disciplinary action are detailed here.

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

How do handymen register for work in Idaho?

Handymen often begin the application process by visiting the Idaho Contractor’s Board for a quick, two-minute video on setting up an account and password. The next step in the registration process requires applicants to provide the following:

• Driver’s license
• General Liability insurance certificate reflecting coverage of $300,000 per incident
• Proof of Worker’s Compensation insurance (for applicants with non-family employees)
• Social Security number or EIN number (for applicants with employees)
• $50 fee

It’s important to note that handymen opting to utilize a business name other than their own (a DBA) must begin the registration process with Idaho’s Secretary of State office. Here, you’ll apply for a Certificate of Assumed Business Name (an ABN) and pay the $25 fee BEFORE registering with Idaho’s Contractor’s Board.

Conclusion

Idaho laws make it easy to start a handyman business. There are far fewer hoops to jump through than in other states.

Unlike other states, Idaho doesn’t require its handymen to fill educational, experience, or exam prerequisites. And there is no cap on the price of jobs a registered contractor can tackle, which means your handyman earnings are much less limited than in other states.

Since many Idaho 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 Idaho?

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