Arizona Handyman License Requirements (How to Get Yours Fast)

Thinking about starting a handyman business in Arizona? You may need a license first. While there are plenty of handyman jobs you can do without a license, some require a contractor’s license to work legally. Getting a license also builds trust with clients and opens the door to higher-paying, more complex work.

This guide will walk you through when a license is required, how to prepare and apply, and what to expect once you’re officially licensed. We’ll also share tips for growing your business, based on our experience working with over 50,000 home service pros.

Arizona handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of the key requirements for working as a handyman in Arizona, including when a license is needed and what additional qualifications may apply.

Do you need a handyman license in Arizona?

No, you don’t need a license for handyman work in Arizona as long as the following factors apply:

• The total cost of the project, including labor and materials, is under $1,000.
• The work doesn’t require a building permit.

If your project doesn’t meet the above requirements, you’ll need a contractor’s license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). This includes most structural work—like moving walls, replacing roofs, or installing concrete foundations—because it requires building permits and inspections. Even tasks that seem simple, like installing a new window or exterior door, can require a license if you’re altering the structure of the home.

You’ll also need a license if you take on specialized work, such as plumbing or electrical.

Here are examples of jobs that require a license in Arizona:

• Any job requiring a building permit
• Major renovations or remodeling exceeding $1,000
• Building or remodeling garages, sheds, or additions
• Concrete work such as driveways, patios, or foundations
• HVAC system installations or upgrades
• Installation or replacement of electrical wiring or panels
• Installing windows or doors that alter structural openings
• Plumbing system installations or repairs
• Roof replacements or significant roof repairs
• Structural changes to walls, ceilings, or floors

What can a handyman do without a license in Arizona?

Handymen can perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks in Arizona without a formal license, so long as the project is under $1,000 and doesn’t require a building permit. Just make sure all of your advertising clearly states “not a licensed contractor.”

Here are examples of handyman jobs you can do without a license in Arizona:

• Assembling furniture or installing shelving
• Installing ceiling fans or light fixtures (if no wiring modifications are needed)
• Installing window coverings like blinds or shades
• Minor tile repair or caulking
• Painting interior or exterior surfaces
• Power washing driveways or siding
• Repairing drywall or patching small holes
• Repairing fences or gates
• Replacing door hardware or cabinet handles
• Replacing faucets or showerheads (not involving major plumbing changes)

Consequences of working without a handyman license in Arizona 

Doing unlicensed contracting work can lead to serious consequences in Arizona. Penalties vary by jurisdiction. For example, Phoenix classifies unlicensed contracting as a Class 1 misdemeanor. A first offense may result in up to six months in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000, along with a one-year ban from obtaining a license. Repeat offenses carry even steeper penalties, including a minimum fine of $2,000.

Legal action, fines, and reputation issues can significantly impact your business.

Contractor license types in Arizona: General vs. specialty

Arizona offers two main types of contractor licenses: general and specialty. Which one you need depends on the kind of work you plan to do and whether it’s for residential or commercial properties.

General contractor licenses cover broader scopes of work, including full-scale remodeling, structural changes, and building additions. Specialty contractor licenses focus on one area of work, such as plumbing, electrical, roofing, or HVAC.

General contractor license types

Arizona offers several general contractor licenses depending on the project type and scale:

• B (general residential contractor): All types of residential construction.
• B-1 (general commercial contractor): All types of commercial construction.
• B-2 (small commercial contractor): Commercial projects under $2 million.
• B-3 (remodeling and repair): Residential remodeling and repairs.
• B-4 (residential engineering): Residential construction and repairs.
• B-5/B-6 (swimming pool contractors): B-5 covers pools and spas; B-6 covers the same plus solar heating installations.
• B-10: Installation and repair of premanufactured spas and hot tubs.

Specialty contractor licenses

Arizona issues C-Class (Commercial) and R-Class (Residential) specialty licenses for specific trades. These cover areas such as:

• Mechanical systems: HVAC, plumbing (including solar), boilers, comfort heating
• Electrical and communications: Electrical, low-voltage systems
• Structural work: Roofing, masonry, drywall, concrete, framing, structural steel
• Finishes and fixtures: Painting, tile, plastering, floor covering, glazing, finish carpentry
• Outdoor and site work: Fencing, irrigation, paving, excavation, hardscaping, signs
• Specialized trades: Welding, elevators, fire protection, septic systems, water conditioning, wrecking

If you plan to do work in one of the above categories, you’ll need the appropriate specialty license to perform the job legally. Attempting this work without the correct credentials can lead to fines and legal consequences.

Arizona handyman license requirements: Age, education, and training

To get a contractor’s license in Arizona, you must:

• Be 18 or older
• Have worked under a licensed contractor for a specified time (typically 2-4 years)
• Pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting
• Register your business legally
• Obtain a contractor’s bond or cash deposit (a type of insurance/security deposit)
• Pass the statutes and rules exam (SRE)
• Submit an application to the ROC and pay applicable fees

Additional requirements vary depending on the type of license. In addition to the SRE, most licenses require passing a trade exam to demonstrate technical knowledge. However, you can skip this step in some cases if you’ve worked under a licensed contractor for a certain number of years.

Experience requirements depend on the trade. Highly skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC typically require four years of documented experience, while lower-risk or less complex work—like installing appliances or servicing pools—may require little to no prior experience, especially if you pass the trade exam.

The table below outlines the typical requirements for different Arizona contractor licenses:

Check the ROC website for a full list of licensing requirements.

Recommended skills

Handymen should be comfortable performing a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks. The broader your skill set, the more jobs you’ll be able to take on. We recommend gaining experience with:

• Basic carpentry: Repairing doors, building shelves, framing walls
• Plumbing repairs: Fixing leaks, replacing faucets, unclogging drains
• Electrical work: Installing light fixtures, outlets, and switches (within legal limits for unlicensed work)
• Painting and finishing: Interior/exterior painting, drywall patching, caulking
• Flooring installation and repair: Tile, laminate, hardwood, or vinyl
• Appliance installation and maintenance: Dishwashers, washers, dryers
• General home maintenance: Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, yard work
• Furniture assembly and repairs: Putting together or fixing household items
• Small-scale remodeling: Updating kitchens, bathrooms, or basements within local code limits
• Tool operation and safety: Using power tools, ladders, and other equipment correctly

Handyman license cost in Arizona 

If your handyman work requires a contractor’s license, you’ll need to pay a variety of fees based on the license type and classification. This includes separate application and license fees, plus a Recovery Fund assessment for residential licenses. The Recovery Fund protects homeowners financially if contractors fail to complete work or commit fraud. Your fee helps maintain the fund’s balance.

Here’s a breakdown of typical licensing costs in Arizona:

*The Recovery Fund assessment applies only to residential and dual license classifications.

**Fees are subject to change. Check ROC for current details.

How to apply for a handyman license in Arizona

To perform handyman work valued over $1,000, you must apply for a contractor’s license through the ROC. If you’re completing smaller jobs, you still need to take certain steps to operate your business legally.

To legally operate as an unlicensed handyman (jobs under $1,000 with no permit required):

• Register your business name with the Arizona Secretary of State or Arizona Corporation Commission.
• Get a local business license from your city or county.
• Purchase general liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients.
• Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees.
• Keep project costs under $1,000 and avoid jobs that require permits or regulated trades.

To apply for a contractor’s license:

• Determine your license classification (general, specialty, or dual).
• Designate a qualifying party with at least four years of trade experience.
• Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission (LLCs and corporations must be in good standing).
• Complete a criminal background check for all listed individuals.
• Pass the required exams through PSI.
• Obtain a contractor’s bond based on your license type and expected volume.
• Provide proof of general liability insurance.
• Submit your license application and fees to the ROC.

Transferring your handyman license to Arizona

Arizona has reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah. This means contractors from these states can skip the trade exam but still must:

1. Submit an application to the ROC
2. Pass the Arizona Business Management Exam
3. Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
4. Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue
5. Provide proof of experience and post required bonds

If you’re moving from a different state, you’ll also need to ensure your previous license is in good standing, submit verification of your licensing history, possibly complete additional background checks or fingerprinting, and meet any other state-specific requirements.

How to renew your handyman license in Arizona 

In Arizona, contractor licenses must be renewed every two years through the Arizona ROC. The renewal process can be completed online and includes the following steps:

1. Complete the license renewal form
2. Submit the renewal fee based on your license classification
3. Verify your business registration is active and in good standing (for LLCs and corporations)
4. Maintain a valid contractor’s bond and general liability insurance
5. Update any contact or qualifying party information

For full details, visit the ROC License Renewal Checklist.

What happens if your license expires?

If your contractor’s license expires, it will automatically be suspended. If you let your license expire, it will be suspended automatically. You can reactivate it by submitting a reactivation request, but only within five years of inactivity. After that, you’ll need to start over with a new application.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Arizona 

Even if you don’t need a contractor license, you’ll still need a business license if you want to run your own handyman company. Arizona doesn’t issue state-level business licenses, but most cities and counties require a local license. You’ll also need to register your business name and structure, whether as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation.

Follow these steps to open your own business:

1. Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission or the Secretary of State
2. Obtain a local business license
3. Apply for an EIN from the IRS if hiring employees
4. Purchase general liability insurance
5. Apply for a contractor’s license if you plan to take jobs beyond the $1,000 limit

Insurance and bonding needs

While Arizona doesn’t require general liability insurance to get licensed, many clients will ask for proof of coverage before hiring you. General liability insurance protects your handyman business from claims related to:

• Bodily injury: Medical and legal costs for third-party injuries
• Property damage: Repairs for accidental damage to a client’s property
• Products and completed operations: Covers issues after your work is done
• Medical payments: Immediate minor medical costs (typically up to $5,000)
• Personal and advertising injury: Libel, slander, or copyright issues

Standard limits include $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate, and $2 million for completed operations.

Arizona also requires a contractor’s bond, which is a financial guarantee that protects clients if you fail to complete a job. These bonds are affordable and can cost as little as $5 per month, with discounts available for two- or three-year terms based on your credit and business size.

Tips for growing your Arizona handyman business 

Once you’re up and running, growing your handyman business takes strategy, professionalism, and the right tools. Here are a few ways to stand out and build lasting success:

• Price accurately: Use pricing calculators to quote jobs and avoid undercharging.
• Be transparent: Give clear, consistent pricing so clients trust you.
• Build your online presence: Claim your Google Business listing, encourage reviews, and stay active on social media
• Ask for referrals: Word of mouth is powerful. Don’t hesitate to ask happy customers for recommendations.
• Keep learning: Expand your skills and consider adding specialty licenses to offer more services.
• Use handyman software like Housecall Pro: Manage scheduling, estimates, invoices, and payments all in one place. Plus, track client history to follow up on repeat business. Try our free 14-day trial to see if our software is the right fit for your needs.