Colorado Handyman License Requirements (Step-by-Step 2025 Guide)

If you want to start a handyman business in Colorado, you’ll need to check the rules for your city or county. Colorado doesn’t issue a statewide handyman or general contractor license. Instead, it leaves requirements up to local municipalities, which often require a local contractor license for projects that need permits or involve regulated trades like plumbing or electrical.

Our guide outlines handyman licensing requirements in major Colorado cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder to help you get a general idea of what you need.

Colorado handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to become a handyman in Colorado.

Do you need a handyman license in Colorado?

Whether you need a handyman license depends on where you live. Most cities and counties require licensing for any work that needs a permit, structural work, or specialty trades. Unlike many other states, Colorado doesn’t have a cap on the project’s costs before a license is required, but some municipalities may.

Examples of projects that require specialty licenses include:

• Electrical rewiring
• Fire suppression or alarm systems
• HVAC system installation
• In-ground swimming pool installation
• Masonry, brick, and foundation work
• Replacing or rerouting plumbing pipes or natural gas lines
• Structural remodels or additions

Local handyman license requirements

Because Colorado regulates handymen and general contractors locally, we’ll explore the requirements for several larger metro areas in the state.

Denver handyman licensing requirements

Handymen in Denver can complete nonstructural finish work (painting, tiling, flooring, fixture replacement) without a license. To erect, add to, alter, demolish, or repair any building or structure requires a Construction Certification. 

There are several levels of this certification, and it’s issued according to the size and type of the structure being worked on. For example, a higher level of certification is required to perform structural work on high-rise structures.

Requirements include proof of at least seven years of experience, passing the International Code Council (ICC) exam, and paying a $250 annual licensing fee.

Colorado Springs handyman licensing requirements

In Colorado Springs, all handymen are required to hold a local license issued by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Most handyman work requires a Building A-1 license, which allows the license holder to contract for the construction, alteration, and repair of any type or size of structure permitted by the Regional Building Code.

To receive your license, you must:

• Pass an ICC Exam
• Submit your photo ID and resume
• Pay the $50 processing fee

Once your application is approved, you can pay your $200 annual licensing fee online. Licenses are valid for one year.

Boulder handyman licensing requirements

Contractors must hold a City of Boulder contractor license for any project requiring a building or right-of-way permit. The city does not have a reciprocity licensing agreement with any other municipality, so you must meet the city’s application requirements if you want to do structural or finish work in Boulder. These include:

• Passing the ICC Exam
• Providing proof of general liability insurance
• Providing proof of workers’ compensation insurance (or a rejection form)
• Submitting any needed ICC certifications, State of Colorado Electrical or Plumbing certifications, or ISA Arborist certifications

You can pay the application fees through Boulder’s Customer Self Service (CSS) portal. Once your license is approved, you’ll pay the required fees for the type of license you applied for ($350 for Class A, $250 for Class C, and $150 for Roofing). Licenses are valid for one year.

What can a handyman do without a license in Colorado?

Colorado doesn’t issue a statewide handyman license, and many cities and counties allow you to do certain handyman tasks without a contractor license. In general, if the job doesn’t require a building permit and doesn’t involve plumbing, electrical, or structural work, you can usually complete it without a license.

That means there are plenty of profitable jobs you can do as a handyman, including the following:

• Assembling furniture
• Cleaning gutters
• Drywall patching
• Hanging shelves or blinds
• Installing basic cabinets
• Installing small appliances (non-plumbing/electrical)
• Painting or wallpapering
• Pressure washing
• Replacing doors and locks

Consequences of working without a handyman license in Colorado

Colorado municipalities take unlicensed work seriously and may issue criminal charges, such as the following:

• First offense: Class 2 misdemeanor (3 to 12 months jail, $250 to $1,000 fine)
• Subsequent offense: Class 6 felony

You can also face civil action from the property owner you did unlicensed work for. They could file a lawsuit against you, leaving you responsible for the return of fees and/or remediation for any code violations.

Colorado handyman license requirements: Age, education, and training

Each city or county that requires a general contractor license for handyman work sets its own rules, including any experience required and whether you need to pass a background check or have fingerprints on file.

In general, most contractor licenses require that you:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Apply and pay the application and licensing fees (typically $200–$500)
• Pass a trade and/or ICC exam ($75–$200 each)
• Pay for a background check and fingerprinting ($50–$200)
• Submit proof of at least four years of work experience
• Submit proof of general liability insurance and/or a surety bond
• Provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage if you have employees

This is not exhaustive and may not apply to all jurisdictions. Check your city’s development department for requirements in the municipalities where you want to work.

Recommended skills

As a handyman, you’ll be expected to perform a wide variety of tasks, so the broader your skillset is, the more jobs you can take on. Some of the most in-demand skills for a handyman in Colorado include:

• Ceiling fan and lighting fixture installation
• Door and window installation or fixes
• Drywall repair and patching
• Fence repair, yard work, and outdoor upkeep
• Furniture assembly and setup
• General home maintenance, inside and out
• Interior and exterior painting or staining
• Minor plumbing, electrical, or carpentry tasks
• Seasonal services such as interior winterization
• Tile replacement and repairs

None of these tasks typically requires a building permit, so they shouldn’t require a license.

How to apply for a contractor license in Colorado

If your municipality requires a contractor license for handyman work, the steps to apply usually include:

1. Registering your business locally.
2. Applying for a contractor license with your city or county.
3. Providing proof of experience, insurance, and bonds.
4. Passing ICC or trade exams if required.
5. Paying application and annual fees.

If your city doesn’t require licensing for your scope of work, you may only need a local business license.

Transferring your contractor license to Colorado

Colorado does not offer reciprocity for handyman or contractor licenses. If you’re moving to Colorado and have an existing license, you’ll need to meet any local requirements and submit a new application.

How to renew your contractor license in Colorado

Contractor licenses must be renewed annually in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. Renewal fees are typically the same as the original license fee. However, your city or county may have different requirements. Always check with the agency issuing your license for your renewal deadlines.

What happens if your license expires?

If you miss the deadline to renew your license, some cities offer a short grace period along with a late fee. If you don’t renew after that, you risk losing your license and may face penalties if you keep working.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Colorado

There’s no license requirement to start a handyman business in Colorado, but you may need insurance or a surety bond on file with your city or county.

Insurance and bonding needs

Colorado doesn’t have a single set of requirements for contractor liability insurance; instead, specific requirements depend on local regulations, the type of work performed, and the size of projects.

The state doesn’t require contractors to have general liability insurance, but most cities and counties do. Even if your location doesn’t require general liability insurance, it’s recommended to carry a policy with coverage between $300,000 and $500,000.

If you have employees, you must carry an appropriate amount of Colorado workers’ compensation coverage.

Finally, if you operate as a contractor, Colorado requires you to carry commercial auto insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Colorado

A successful handyman business is built on trust, reputation, and strong word-of-mouth referrals. Here are some tools and strategies to help grow your handyman business:

• Promote your services locally: Use free platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook for Business to connect with your community and increase visibility.
• Find new clients online: Join job boards like Thumbtack and Angi, which integrate with Housecall Pro for easy lead management.
• Streamline your workflow: Use tools like Housecall Pro to create quotes in minutes, follow up on leads from your phone, and simplify invoicing, payments, and ordering to keep cash flow strong.
• Highlight reviews and testimonials: Ask happy clients to share their experiences on Google or Yelp to boost credibility and attract new business.
• Build referral partnerships: Network with property managers, realtors, or landlords who can send steady work your way.

Ready to grow?
Start using Housecall Pro’s handyman software today to save time, impress clients, and book more jobs.