Kansas Handyman License Requirements (How to Get Yours Fast)

If you want to start your own handyman business in Kansas, you’ll need to understand the laws regarding home improvement work. Unlike many states, Kansas doesn’t handle licensing at the state level. Instead, each county sets its own regulations for handyman and light contractor work. These requirements can vary significantly, so if you’re planning on taking jobs in more than one county, you’ll need to know what kind of license (if any) you need, as well as bonding and insurance minimums.

Our guide covers everything you need to know, including licensing requirements by area, tips for getting more business, and opportunities for training and education.

Kansas handyman license requirements at a glance

The table below provides a quick overview of Kansas’ licensing requirements, but always check specifics for your county before accepting jobs.

Do you need a handyman license in Kansas?

You don’t need a handyman license in Kansas, but some counties may require a contractor license for projects valued over a certain threshold (commonly $1,000).

Some jobs that may require a license include:

• Electrical work: Requires an electrician’s license
• Fire protection services: May require a special electrician license
• HVAC services: May require a county license or EPA Section 608 certification
• Plumbing work: Requires a plumber’s license
• Repairing or remodeling single-family homes or duplexes: May require a contractor license
• Roofing services: May require a county contractor license
• Swimming pool installation, repair, or construction: May require a specialized contractor license

Local handyman license requirements

Each Kansas county sets its own requirements for handyman work, including when you need a permit, what jobs can be completed with and without a contractor license, and minimum insurance and surety bond amounts, if any.

Let’s look at the requirements for four of the most populous counties in Kansas to give you a general idea of what to expect.

Sedgwick County (Wichita)

Sedgwick County permits handymen to perform finish work without a permit on projects totaling less than $2,500 (labor and materials combined). Handymen can also replace toilets and faucets or lighting fixtures. However, Sedgwick County specifically prohibits handymen from using the term “contractor” or identifying themselves as such in any advertising or promotional materials.

The county requires contractor licenses for projects over $2,500. It also requires specialty licenses for running wires or rewiring, laying pipes, working on electrical panels and water heaters, and mechanical work on HVAC equipment.

If you want to get your contractor license in Sedgwick County, you must pass a test and submit proof of a $300,000 general liability policy, plus auto insurance and, if you have employees, proof of Kansas Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.

Note that these insurance requirements are for general contractors, not unlicensed handymen (though it’s still a good idea to have coverage).

Johnson County (Overland Park)

Johnson County allows unlicensed handymen to install new cabinets, flooring, fixtures, light fixtures, and similar general improvement work. However, you’ll need a general contractor license if you want to take on larger projects or do structural work like reconfiguring pipes and wiring or reconstructing a subfloor.

Insurance isn’t required for unlicensed handymen, though it is recommended. Licensed contractors will need general liability insurance plus workers’ comp if hiring employees.

Wyandotte County (Kansas City)

Wyandotte County requires all handymen to have a valid city occupational tax license. Handymen in the county can complete finish work, but you’ll need a residential general contractor license to make any structural alterations, including building additions, renovations, or remodels. If you’re performing specialty work, such as plumbing or electrical, you’ll need additional licensing.

To get a license, you need a Certificate of Qualification in the respective trade(s) for which you will perform work and a business license issued by the county Finance Department.

Shawnee County (Topeka)

Similar to other counties, Shawnee permits handymen to complete finish work without a license, but requires a contractor license from the City of Topeka Development Services for any structural changes. You’ll also need a license for plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work.

What can a handyman do without a license in Kansas?

Here are some of the handyman jobs you likely won’t need a license for in Kansas. Remember that this varies by city and county, so check with your local licensing board before starting work.

• Fixing leaks (minor)
• Furniture assembly and hanging pictures or shelves
• Gutter cleaning, exterior painting, power washing (house/driveway)
• Installing blinds
• Installing cabinets (minor)
• Installing or repairing doors/windows
• Installing small appliances (without altering plumbing or electrical systems)
• Minor tiling, grout cleaning, and sealing
• Patching walls and repairing drywall
• Wallpaper installation and painting

Consequences for working without a handyman license in Kansas

If you perform unlicensed handyman work outside of the permitted scope, you could face significant fines and may lose your business license. Some counties also impose criminal penalties. Working unlicensed can significantly damage your professional reputation and lead to lawsuits.

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing

Working in skilled trades is strictly regulated in Kansas. You’ll need a specialty license for the following work:

• Electrical installation, repair, and rewiring
• HVAC installation and repair
• Natural gas line piping and gas line repair
• Plumbing (also requires a gas line repair license in some cases)
• Work requiring refrigerant (EPA Section 608 Certificate)

These licenses are issued at the county level. To obtain a license, you must complete a certain number of classroom hours, pass technical exams, and work for a set number of years as an apprentice. Most of these trades have different levels of licenses: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Each requires several years of experience plus a trade-based exam.

Kansas contractor license requirements: Age, education, and training

If your work requires a contractor license, you’ll generally need to meet the following criteria. These requirements vary by county. Always check with your local licensing office for specifics.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED (not always required, but often preferred)
• Pass a criminal background check and/or provide fingerprints
• Obtain a local business license or contractor registration
• Show proof of general liability insurance (coverage amounts vary by county)
• Meet experience requirements (some jurisdictions ask for documented trade experience or references)
• Pass a licensing exam covering building codes, safety, and business law (varies by county)
• Carry additional trade licenses if you perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work

Take your time submitting the paperwork. “I suggest making a checklist of everything you have to submit,” says Laura Waterson, the general manager of Koehn Painting in Wichita, Kansas. “If you have any questions about the requirements, don’t hesitate to contact your local licensing office. It’s better to ask questions at the beginning than to deal with delays or fines later on.”

Recommended skills

As a handyman, you’ll be asked to do a wide variety of home improvement tasks. The more of these skills you have, the more jobs you can take on:

• Ceiling fan installation
• Door and window installation and repair
• Drywall repair
• Exterior and interior maintenance
• Furniture assembly
• Interior and exterior painting and staining
• Interior winterization services
• Lighting installation and maintenance
• Minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry tasks
• Tile repair
• Yard and fence maintenance and repairs

Contractor license cost in Kansas

Licensing costs vary by city and county, but you can generally expect the following fees in Kansas:

• License application fee: $75-$200
• Exam fees: $35-$150
• License renewal fees: $35-$100
• Background check and fingerprinting fees: $35-$100

We also recommend budgeting for the following costs to start your handyman business:

• • Tools: $500-$10,000+, depending on the quality and whether you need specialty equipment
  • Company van or truck: $20,000-$50,000
  • Company auto insurance: $125-$300 per month
  • General liability insurance: $1,700 per year (not required, but good to have)

• Workers’ compensation coverage: ~$20 per month (not always required, but good to have)

How to apply for a contractor license in Kansas

If your work requires a contractor license, the application process will depend on your county or city. Most follow a similar sequence, but application forms, fees, and renewal rules can vary. Plan ahead—some steps, like background checks or exam scheduling, can take several weeks.

1. Check the requirements of the county you’re applying with
2. Take the required exam (most require a passing score of 70%)
3. Submit your general contractor license application to the appropriate municipal body
4. Complete a background check (including fingerprinting)
5. Provide proof of insurance and a surety bond

Transferring your contractor license to or from Kansas

Kansas doesn’t offer license reciprocity with other states, as the licenses are issued by municipalities within the state rather than statewide. If you’re moving to Kansas and have a contractor license in another state, you’ll need to apply for a new license in the city or county where you plan to work. This usually means meeting all local requirements regardless of your prior licensing history. Likewise, if you’re leaving Kansas, you’ll need to meet the licensing requirements of your new state or municipality from scratch.

How to renew your contractor license in Kansas

If you have a contractor license, you’ll need to renew it through the issuing city or county, according to the renewal schedule set by that entity. In most areas, licenses must be renewed annually, though some cities and counties may issue them for two or three years at a time. Renewal typically involves submitting an application, paying a renewal fee, and, in some cases, providing updated proof of insurance, bonding, or continuing education credits.

None of the counties we mentioned in this article have continuing education requirements for contractors, but your home county may have different requirements. Make sure to track renewal deadlines carefully. “Many times contractors don’t pay attention to changes in local regulations or safety requirements, and even if you do, the licenses are not just one-time things, they’re continuous,” Waterson says.

What happens if your license expires

If your contractor license expires, you cannot work legally until you renew it. Continuing to work without a valid license may lead to fines, penalties, or even legal action.

You could face a “stop work” order, effectively halting your ability to complete projects that require a license. Any work you do without a license may also not be to code. Both of these outcomes will make your customers unhappy and damage your reputation.

To renew an expired license, some jurisdictions may require you to pay late fees or complete additional steps, such as reinstatement applications or proof of continuing education.

To avoid disruptions to your business and potential fines, keep track of your license expiration date and pay close attention to deadlines.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Kansas

You need to register your business with the state of Kansas to legally work as a handyman, even if you’re operating solo. Business registration is handled through the Kansas Secretary of State’s office and requires the following steps:

1. Register your business with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office
2. Pay a $160 fee and provide a valid ID and proof of our address
3. Get a local business license from any city or county you work in
4. Purchase general liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients
5. Purchase Kansas workers’ compensation insurance if your payroll exceeds $20,000
6. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS if you have employees
7. Carefully vet your projects to ensure you don’t need a regulated trade license to perform them

There’s no exam or proof of field experience required.

Once you have your registration certificate, you can begin work immediately. Registration renewal is required every other year and costs $100.

Insurance and bonding needs

Insurance requirements vary depending on your location and the type of work you take on. Even if insurance isn’t mandatory, we recommend it in case something goes wrong. “Insurance is not just a piece of paper to get a license. It protects your business from risk and lawsuits. Be sure that the insurance is current, and always make sure that you have the correct policies for what type of work you are doing,” Waterson says.

General liability insurance

Kansas doesn’t require unlicensed handymen to carry general liability insurance, but many cities and counties do.

• Protects in case of property damage or injuries on the job
• Minimum coverage: $300K–$500K ($1M recommended for larger jobs like remodeling)
• Average cost: $82/month or $981/year
• Typical limits: $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles general liability with commercial property insurance, often at a lower cost than buying each separately. This option works well for small, low-risk handyman businesses. 

• Average cost: $98/month or $1,173/year
• Covers both liability claims and property damage

Surety bond or cashier’s check

Some Kansas counties require you to post a surety bond or keep a cashier’s check on file. This acts as a financial guarantee if there’s an accident, unpaid wages, or unfulfilled contract terms.

• Amount required varies by county
• Posted with your local county finance department
• Can help build client trust

Workers’ compensation insurance

Kansas businesses with a payroll of over $20,000 must also carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if you don’t meet this threshold, we recommend getting workers’ comp to protect you if you’re injured on the job. Your insurance will cover your medical care and provide a wage stipend while you’re out of work.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Kansas

Running a successful handyman business is about more than knowing your way around tools.  It’s about marketing yourself strategically, building a reliable customer base, and making smart business decisions. With the right approach, you can reach more clients and steadily increase your revenue. Here are some practical tips to help you grow:

• Leverage word-of-mouth: Don’t be shy about asking happy customers for referrals or online reviews. This will help you grow your client base organically.
• Use free social media platforms: Sites like NextDoor and Facebook for Business help you reach local customers without paying for advertising.
• Join professional job boards. Platforms like Thumbtack and Angi connect you with people actively looking for handyman services and can sync with software like Housecall Pro.
• Maintain a professional online presence. A simple website or Google Business Profile makes it easy for customers to find and contact you.
• Consider getting a general contractor license. Even if not required for all jobs, many customers prefer hiring licensed professionals for peace of mind.
• Communicate clearly and professionally. Being punctual, transparent about pricing, and following up after jobs builds trust and repeat business.
• Track finances carefully: Log business expenses from the start, even if you’re just starting with a few small jobs. Forgetting this is the No. 1 mistake Waterson sees new business owners make. “It’s easy to let paperwork pile up, but having a solid financial record and understanding your tax implications is crucial.”

• Keep learning and networking. Ongoing training and connections with other contractors can open doors to bigger projects and improve your skills.

Using a tool like Housecall Pro can help you manage bookings, streamline customer communication, and keep your schedule organized—letting you focus more on the work you do best. Try our free 14-day trial to see if our software is the right fit for your needs.

FAQ

+ How much can a handyman charge without a license in Kansas?

Handymen without a license generally charge $100 to $1,000 per job. This is because many counties in Kansas require a contractor’s license for jobs exceeding a certain amount, usually $500 to $1,000. Your market will set your prices, though. Research what competitors are charging and price yourself accordingly, considering your skills and experience. Use our handy calculator to set fair but profitable prices.

+ Can I do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman?

No, unless it’s finish work, like replacing a faucet, lightbulb, or fixture. Any structural plumbing or electrical work requires a specialty license.

+ What’s the difference between a handyman and a general contractor in Kansas?

A general contractor has a license; a handyman can complete jobs without one. Customers typically see a contractor as someone who completes structural repairs and renovations, and a handyman as someone who does odd jobs and light home improvement work.