Ohio Handyman License Requirements (How to Get Yours Fast)

If you want to work as a handyman in Ohio, you’ll need to understand the state’s licensing requirements. While Ohio doesn’t issue a statewide handyman license, many cities and counties have their own licensing or registration rules. You’ll also need a state-level contractor license if your work involves electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other specialty trades.

This guide walks you through what you can legally do without a license, how to get licensed for larger or regulated jobs, and what to consider when starting your handyman business in Ohio.

Ohio handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of what licensing and registration rules apply to handymen in Ohio.

Do you need a handyman license in Ohio?

You don’t need a license to do general handyman work in Ohio. You can perform small repairs, maintenance, and nonstructural tasks such as the following:

• Deck or porch repair
• Fence and gate maintenance
• Gutter cleaning
• Installing shelves, cabinets, or flooring
• Painting, drywall repair, or patching
• Replacing doors or windows (nonstructural)

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing

While many basic repair and maintenance tasks don’t require a license in Ohio, certain types of work fall under regulated trades and do require a state-issued commercial contractor license from the OCILB.

Here are examples of jobs that require a specialty contractor license in Ohio:

• Adding a new bathroom or kitchen plumbing system
• Any job that requires a permit under local or state law
• Hydronic heating or cooling system installation
• Installing or modifying electrical systems
• Installing or repairing gas lines
• Installing refrigeration systems
• Performing plumbing work, including pipe installation or repair
• Replacing a furnace or air conditioner
• Running new electrical lines or outlets
• Servicing or replacing HVAC units

Local handyman license requirements

Though Ohio doesn’t require a statewide handyman license, local governments may enforce their own licensing, permitting, and registration rules. Before starting work in a specific area, check with your local building department for requirements based on project type and location.

Below are a few examples of local regulations in major Ohio cities.

Columbus (Franklin County)

If your work in Columbus involves building permits—think structural, electrical, or plumbing work—you need to register as a contractor. You may also need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor for anything beyond basic maintenance.

Cincinnati (Hamilton County)

If you’re offering renovation or repair services in Cincinnati, you might need to register as a contractor. For work involving permits (like electrical and HVAC), you must hold the proper licenses—even for low-dollar projects.

Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)

In Cleveland, you must be licensed or registered with the Building and Housing Department if you’re doing electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or any type of permitted building work. Failing to comply can lead to penalties or stop-work orders.

Toledo (Lucas County)

Toledo enforces strict code compliance. If your handyman services include plumbing, HVAC, or structural repairs, you’ll need to register with the city and pull the right permits. For simpler tasks like painting or furniture assembly, registration usually isn’t necessary.

Consequences for working without a contractor license in Ohio

Doing work that legally requires a contractor license without holding one is a violation of Ohio state law. According to Section 4740.13 of the Ohio Revised Code, no person may act as or claim to be a licensed contractor in a regulated trade (such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, or hydronics) unless they hold or have been assigned the appropriate state license.

Violations carry the following penalties:

• First offense: Charged as a minor misdemeanor.
• Subsequent offenses: Charged as a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which may result in fines and potential legal consequences.

Unlicensed contractors may also be barred from getting permits, subject to fines by local jurisdictions, and may not have legal standing to collect payment on work performed. Always verify your licensing status before taking work in regulated trades.

Ohio contractor license requirements: Age, education, and training

If you plan to perform regulated handyman work in Ohio, you’ll need to apply for a state contractor license through the OCILB. To be licensed, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal alien with documentation
• Have at least five years of experience in your trade (or be a registered engineer in Ohio with three years of construction business experience in the trade you’re applying for)
• Pass both a trade exam and a business/law exam
• Hold at least $500,000 in contractor liability coverage
• Not have a conviction for a disqualifying offense
• Pay all application and exam fees

After approval, you must pass state and federal background checks. These expire after one year. If your application takes longer than a year, you’ll have to reapply and pass new background checks.

Recommended skills

Having a broad range of skills can help you take on more jobs, build a better reputation, and gain a competitive edge. Here are some practical skills worth building as a handyman:

• Appliance setup: Hook up washers, dryers, or dishwashers using existing utility lines.
• Basic carpentry: Repair doors, hang shelves, install trim, or patch framing issues.
• Flooring basics: Install laminate, vinyl, or hardwood in small areas.
• Furniture assembly: Put together ready-to-assemble furniture like desks, beds, and cabinets.
• Home maintenance: Clean gutters, fix screen doors, power wash surfaces, and handle seasonal upkeep.
• Light renovations: Update bathrooms or kitchens with new hardware, paint, and fixtures.
• Minor electrical work: Swap out light fixtures, ceiling fans, or switches—within legal scope.
• Painting and prep: Patch drywall, caulk trim, and handle both interior and exterior paint jobs.
• Plumbing basics: Replace faucets, fix leaky sinks, or clear minor drain clogs.
• Tool safety: Operate ladders, drills, and saws with care and proper technique.

How much does a contractor license cost in Ohio?

If your work requires a state-issued specialty contractor license, here are some of the typical fees you can expect:

• Application: $25. Must be paid by check to “Treasurer – State of Ohio.” Mail along with your notarized application to: Division of Industrial Compliance, Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, 6606 Tussing Road, P.O. Box 4009, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-9009.
• Exam: $69 per exam section (includes a Business & Law portion, as well as a trade-specific portion)
• License issuance: $25
• Background check: Typically $60–$80 (both FBI and BCI checks are required before taking the exam)
• Insurance: Variable. Proof of general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 is mandatory. Rates vary by provider.

These fees are current as of the latest available information but are subject to change. 

How to apply for a contractor license in Ohio

If you plan to perform regulated trades like plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or refrigeration, you’ll need a state-issued license through the OCILB.

To get started:

• Submit your notarized application
• Complete the FBI and state background checks
• Schedule and pass both required exams with a 70% or higher
• Provide proof of experience and insurance
• Pay all fees and receive your license

Remember to always confirm local rules before starting any work. Some cities may require registration even if the state doesn’t.

Transferring your contractor license to or from Ohio

The OCILB has limited reciprocal licensing agreements for electricians and HVAC contractors from select states:

• Alabama: HVAC, refrigeration
• Arkansas: Plumbing
• Kentucky: Electrical, HVAC, refrigeration
• Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee: Multiple trades (B&L required)
• North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia: Electrical and more

How to renew your contractor license in Ohio

To keep your Ohio contractor license active, you’ll need to renew it before the expiration date. Licenses typically last one to three years, depending on the type and your location. Though renewals don’t require you to resubmit proof of liability insurance, you still need to maintain at least $500,000 in coverage under your registered company name.

You can renew your license, update your contact information, access forms, and find approved continuing education courses through the Ohio Department of Commerce Online Licensing Portal. Renewing on time helps you avoid late penalties, lost work, or having to restart the licensing process from scratch.

What happens if your Ohio contractor license expires?

If your license lapses for more than a year, you’ll have to reapply and retake the licensing exam. That means:

• Submitting a new application
• Repeating the background check
• Repassing the trade and business/law exams
• Paying all applicable fees again

Letting your license expire could lead to project delays, lost clients, and extra costs. We recommend setting a renewal reminder each year to avoid any issues.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Ohio

If you plan to operate independently or launch your own handyman business in Ohio, you’ll need to take the following steps:

• Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
• Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This is required for tax purposes, even if you don’t have employees.
• Get a local business license if required in your city or county. 
• Carry general liability insurance with at least $500,000 in coverage.
• Apply for a state license for regulated trades such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, or refrigeration.

Keep in mind:

• Licenses can only be assigned to one company name. DBAs are not permitted.
• Your license number must be displayed on all advertising, including vehicles, business cards, websites, and directory listings. (If your company name is not visible on your vehicle, it’s not considered an advertisement.)

Insurance and bonding needs

Handymen working in Ohio, specifically those operating as licensed contractors, are required to carry general liability insurance with at least $500,000 in coverage. This protects you and your clients from potential property damage or on-the-job accidents.

Bonding may be required at the local level. Each city or county that requires a bond sets its own rules for the amount. Typical bond requirements in Ohio range from $5,000–$25,000, but you don’t pay the full bond amount. Instead, you pay a small premium (usually a percentage of the total bond value) based on your creditworthiness.

Even when bonding isn’t required, having both insurance and a bond makes your business look more trustworthy and may help you land more clients.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Ohio

Growing a successful handyman business is all about building relationships, staying organized, and being seen as a trusted professional in your community.

Here are some proven tips for success:

• Get licensed and insured: Clients in Ohio are more likely to hire someone who’s properly licensed and carries liability insurance. It shows you take your work—and their home—seriously.
• Use business tools to stay organized: With platforms like Housecall Pro, you can simplify scheduling, automate invoices, leverage templates for appropriate pricing, and keep track of customer information all in one place.
• List your services locally: Register with platforms like Google Business Profile and Yelp. Make sure to highlight the specific counties or cities in Ohio you serve.
• Ask for reviews and referrals: Word-of-mouth still rules in local markets. Ask happy clients to leave reviews and refer friends.
• Focus on small specialties: From drywall patching in Dayton to deck repair in Cleveland, offering niche services can help you stand out.
• Advertise where it counts: Flyers, yard signs, and vehicle decals (with your license number clearly displayed) are all simple ways to attract local clients.
• Invest in continuing education: Stay ahead of competitors by learning new skills or upgrading certifications when possible.
• Join local trade networks: Connect with realtors, property managers, or other contractors who may send consistent work your way.

FAQ

How much can a handyman charge without a license in Ohio?

Ohio doesn’t limit how much an unlicensed handyman can charge. What matters more is the type of work you’re doing. If the job involves a licensed trade—like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC—you must hold a state-issued license, no matter the cost of the job. Staying within legal task limits is more important than the amount charged.

Can I do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman?

You can do minor plumbing or electrical work as a handyman in Ohio, like swapping out light fixtures or replacing faucets. Anything more involved—like installing new wiring or rerouting pipes—requires a contractor license.

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

A handyman typically handles small repairs and home maintenance tasks, usually without needing a license. A general contractor oversees larger construction projects, may hire subcontractors, and is often required to be licensed, especially when working on commercial or specialized trades in Ohio.