Handyman Licenses in Wyoming: Everything you Need to Know

Understanding the laws is essential if you’d like to offer professional handyman or home improvement services in Wyoming. Knowing what you can and can’t do will keep you within the law while you enjoy the profits home repairs can bring.

I’ve poured over legal jargon, spoken to state and local representatives, and compiled the information you need.

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 Wyoming?

There are no handyman license requirements at the state level. Instead, Wyoming delegates all contractor licensing to county or city government.

The only state-level oversight is for electrical work. The inspectors I spoke with in Cheyenne, Casper, Cody, and Rock Springs all reinforced the fact that there is the least amount of leeway when it comes to electrical work. With the exception of handymen who earn the Class IV license in Casper or a full General Contractor’s license in Cody, an electrician’s license is required to perform ANY electrical work in the state.

The only other group exempt from the electrical licensing mandate is homeowners in Rock Springs, who are permitted to swap out their fans and lighting fixtures.

Many consider the state “handyman-friendly,” with some jurisdictions allowing handymen to take on plumbing jobs without a specialized license and others requiring only a simple registration and insurance to work legally.

With that said, it’s important to confirm licensing guidelines with your local board if the area you plan to work is outside of the four I researched. Since laws are managed locally, they can vary widely among districts throughout the state.

Advertising Restrictions

Of all the cities in Wyoming I researched, Cheyenne has its advertising guidelines outlined most clearly. In their Section 3.1 Contractor Licensing Regulations, they make it clear that

“…no person may advertise…without having obtained…licenses required by the Ordinances and the City of Cheyenne Contractor Licensing Regulations.”

So, advertising a handymen business in Cheyenne is limited to those who obtain the required licensing.

While I couldn’t find the same clarity in other Wyoming cities, it’s safest to refrain from advertising until your business is legally established. When you do advertise, use the title in which you are licensed (i.e., Building Contractor, Residential Contractor, etc.) and refrain from embellishing with a term not on your actual license.

On a positive note: including your license or registration information only adds legitimacy to your standing and appeal as a contractor.

Side note: Technically, it’s unconstitutional for the government to restrict advertising on services you can legally offer. It violates the First Amendment. So, the most important thing with advertising is to clarify what services you can and cannot provide legally and make no claims of being a “contractor” in ads if you don’t have the appropriate licensing.

Insurance Requirements

In Wyoming, handymen must hold Worker’s Compensation insurance if they have one or more employees working under them.

General Liability insurance is required of all handymen, and proof of coverage is required during the application process. Some districts also require coverage for personal injury and property damage. Insurance mandates for the four Wyoming cities I investigated are spelled out below.

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

If your work will take you outside of the four regions I researched, consult with your local licensing board for the insurance mandates in your district.

Penalties for contracting illegally

The enforcement of license violations is left to local jurisdictions. Performing work without the appropriate license can result in fines, problems obtaining a license in the future, and loss of money for work performed.

In Cheyenne, fines are most commonly assessed to handymen working without the necessary licensing and contractors that allow their license to expire while they continue to work.

Be smart—get licensed, work within the framework your license allows for, and don’t miss your renewal date. The repercussions aren’t worth it.

How do handymen obtain a license in Wyoming? What jobs can I/can’t I do?

Cheyenne

In Cheyenne, handymen choose between Class D and Class R Building Trade licenses. The Class D requires less work experience and no exam, however, separate licenses are needed for each specialty the handyman chooses to engage in. In other words, you’ll need a separate license for painting, one for fencing, and another for countertops.

Class R allows for a wide range of jobs, all under one license. Class R, however, requires more work experience and a passing exam grade.

Before going forward, it’s worth reviewing Cheyenne’s Contractor Licensing Regulations. The post addresses many questions you may have before launching a handyman business in the city and will help determine the license that’s best for you.

Class D License Requirements

• one year and 2,000 hours of related experience
• certificate of Liability insurance
• proof of Worker’s Compensation insurance IF the applicant has employees
• two favorable references, outside of family
• application fee of $50, along with $200 charge for first-time applicants
• renewal of a license is annual, prior to the expiration of the current license, at a rate of $50
• completed application, signed in the presence of a notary

Class R License Requirements

• five years and 10,000 hours of related experience
• successful completion of ICC or WAM Building Contractor exam
• two references from individuals or companies the applicant has done business with
• certificate of Liability insurance
• proof of Worker’s Compensation insurance IF the applicant has employees
• in-person or virtual attendance at the licensing board meeting when the application is being reviewed
• application fee of $50, along with a $400 charge for first-time applicants
• renewal of the license is annual, prior to the expiration of the current license, at a rate of $100
• completed application, signed in the presence of a notary

Casper

In Casper, no license is needed to install flooring or siding, or to paint and clean gutters. If you want to expand your options outside of these areas, you’ll need a license.

Most handymen opt for the Class IV license, which allows for the maintenance and repair of residential AND commercial buildings.

A standout advantage of this license is its allowance of basic plumbing, electric, and mechanical work…a concession many jurisdictions don’t offer. The application clearly lays out what is permissible–handymen aren’t left alone to clarify these gray areas.

The Building Inspector I spoke with also underscored the city’s adherence to the International Code Council (ICC). The city’s inspectors place a huge emphasis on the regulations contained within it, especially Section R105, which covers permits and exemptions. It’s worth reviewing.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for your handyman license in Casper:

• two years of experience in construction trades
• passing grade of 75% on the Building Contractor exam
• documented work history, signed in the presence of a notary
• proof of Personal Injury and Property Damage liability insurance
• application fee of $150
• renewal of a license is annual, at a rate of $75

Cody

Handymen in Cody go for the General Contractor or General Contractor–IRC license, depending on the level of plumbing and electrical they want to engage in, and their desire to work on commercial buildings in addition to residential.

GC–IRC requires less related work experience (24 months), and a less demanding exam. Handymen with this license are restricted from plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work, and must limit their work to residential structures.

A full GC license demands 60 months of relevant work history and a more involved examination. These license-holders, however, have the broadest range of work available to them, both commercial and residential, along with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC jobs.

Application prerequisites include:

• passing grade on the Class C ICC exam (or Class A or B for GC exam)
• documented work history of at least 24 months (or 60 months if applying for GC)
• proof of Property Damage and Personal Injury liability insurance
• interview with Cody Building Official and/or Contractor Licensing Board
• application fee of $200
• completed application, signed in the presence of a notary

Rock Springs

Delivering handyman services legally in Rock Springs is more akin to registering than licensing. There are no educational, work history, or exam requirements.

In fact, it’s so simple that handymen only need to take these three steps:

• proof of Property Damage and Personal Injury liability insurance
• registration fee of $125
• completed application

Another attribute unique to Rock Springs is flexibility around plumbing. Registered and insured handymen can take on plumbing jobs without a specialized plumbing license. In fact, the Chief Building Inspector I spoke with isn’t aware of any restrictions around the trade. This is my first time encountering such lenient regulations around a highly regulated field.

It’s worth noting that Rock Springs requires its contractors to display their names and phone numbers on large equipment and vehicles at work sites. Failure to do so can result in work stoppage and other penalties.

If you live in a city or county other than the four above, check with your local licensing board for guidance.

Conclusion

Wyoming 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 license or registration have great latitude in the work they can take on. In some cases, they can engage in fields like plumbing and electrical–areas off-limits to handymen in most parts of the country–and bid on commercial projects. And there’s no cap on the price of jobs they can accept. For these reasons, handyman earnings are much less restricted than in other states.

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

Do you offer handyman services in Wyoming?

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