New Jersey Handyman License Requirements (How to Get Yours Fast)

You’re the one people call when a door sticks, a deck starts to sag, or a kitchen needs repainting. In New Jersey, that kind of paid work is considered home improvement contracting—and it comes with rules.

Right now, you’ll need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) and carry liability insurance to work as a handyman in New Jersey. But starting Feb. 1, 2026, a new licensing program will take effect and bring major changes.

Here’s what you need to know today and how to prepare for what’s ahead.

New Jersey handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll need to register and work legally in New Jersey. 

Do you need a handyman license in New Jersey?

Yes, you do. While New Jersey doesn’t have a formal handyman license, it requires anyone doing paid home improvement work to register as an HIC.

This applies to sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations. HIC registration is required before you advertise, quote, or begin work. Examples of handyman jobs that require HIC registration include:

• Interior/exterior home remodeling and renovations (drywall replacement beyond minor patches, new tile, built-ins, etc.)
• Kitchen and bath updates, including fixture swaps that alter plumbing or electrical, or work that needs local Uniform Construction Code (UCC) permits
• Nonstructural deck or porch repairs

• Painting, flooring, and trim or molding (cabinetry installs, gutter or leader replacement, insulation, etc.)
• Window or door replacement and siding or roof covering repairs

If you offer financing, you’ll also need a home repair contractor license from the state’s Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI).

Important: HIC registration doesn’t cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. These require state licenses.

Local handyman license requirements

Depending on where you work, you may face other licensing requirements on top of HIC. Below are some cities in New Jersey with additional rules for handymen:

• Atlantic City: If you plan to work in Atlantic City, you’ll also need a Mercantile License. The Licensing & Inspections Department governs both mercantile business licenses and construction/building permits, so it will be your single point of contact for city-level compliance. 
• Jersey City: Commercial jobs in Jersey City that aren’t state-licensed require a JC Contractor registration. You can get this by starting in their Permit Portal and following the registration steps. 
• Newark: Requires a Building Contractor business license for specific jobs. Everything is handled through their online portal. You’ll need to upload your NJ Business Registration Certificate, your HIC proof, and other required documents.
• Paterson: In Paterson, all contractors need a Mercantile License. Check with the city’s Licensing Division before starting any job for the latest permitting steps.

What can a handyman do without a license in New Jersey?

To put it simply, not much. If you’re getting paid to repair, remodel, or install at someone else’s home, you must be HIC-registered. There’s no dollar cutoff.

Without proper registration, you may:

• Work on your own home
• Work as a W-2 employee of a registered contractor

You may not:

• Advertise or perform handyman services on your own
• Perform trade work like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC without a separate state license

It’s worth noting that permitting is separate from registration. Some small jobs, like painting or minor drywall repairs, don’t require permits. But you still need to be registered if you’re doing the work for hire. It’s always worth checking the UCC list and confirming local requirements.. 

Consequences for working without a handyman license in New Jersey

If you take paid home improvement jobs without being registered with the state, you’re breaking the law. The state treats this offense as a Consumer Fraud Act violation, and it’s a fourth-degree crime if you knowingly skip registration. To top it off, cities won’t issue permits to unregistered contractors, meaning your jobs can’t move forward. Don’t risk it—registration is required and enforcement is strict.

When is additional licensing needed?

Your HIC registration doesn’t cover trade-licensed work. Bring in (or become) a contractor who holds the right state license for these scopes to remain compliant and avoid failed inspections or enforcement:

• Electrical: Electrical Contractors Board
• Plumbing: Master Plumbers Board
• HVAC: HVACR Board

New Jersey handyman license requirements: Age, education, and training

Today’s HIC registration is a business filing, not a skills exam. There’s no state test, but you’ll need to:

• Be properly set up to do business (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor)
• Carry commercial general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence and file proof with DCA
• Submit the application or renewal through DCA each year 

These requirements live in N.J.A.C 13:45A-17. Remember, if you plan to offer financed home repair contracts, you’ll also need a home repair contractor license with DOBI. 

Recommended skills for New Jersey handymen

A handyman is often a jack of all trades. While you don’t need to cover all the bases, you can stay competitive by gaining confidence across a few core areas:

• Assembly and installation: Furniture, TVs, shelves, closet systems
• Doors and windows: Rehangs, latch and lock repair, weather stripping
• Exterior upkeep: Siding, gutter repairs, light deck work
• Flooring and tile: LVP/laminate installs, threshold fixes, small tile repairs
• Interior fixes and finishes: Drywall, paint, trim, grout, caulk
• Kitchens and baths: Fixture swaps, cabinet installs, disposal/trap/stop repairs

Learning about smart-home add-ons, accessibility upgrades, and energy-efficient materials can further set you apart.

How much does a handyman license cost in New Jersey?

To legally operate as a handyman in New Jersey, you’ll need to register. That cost varies based on the specifics: 

• Initial HIC registration: $110
• Annual renewal: $90
• Late fee: $25
• Reinstatement fee: $50
• Duplicate certificate: $20

If you plan to work on public projects, you’ll need your Public Works Contractor Registration (PWCR) from the NJ Department of Labor. This costs $500 for a one-year card or $750 for a two-year card (if you’re eligible). 

Your registration isn’t the only thing to consider, though. You’ll also need commercial general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence to register and renew as an HIC. The exact amount you’ll pay will depend on your carrier, limits, and claim history. 

How to apply for a handyman license in New Jersey

If you’re ready to work as a handyman in New Jersey, here’s what you’ll need to do first:

1. Register your business and get your NJ Business Registration Certificate (BRC).
2. Carry the required insurance (commercial general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence and workers’ comp if you have employees).
3. Apply for HIC through the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA).
4. Use written contracts for jobs over $500 and include required disclosures. 
5. Pull permits when required. Use the UCC “ordinary maintenance” list as a reference. 
6. If applicable, apply to be a DOBI home repair contractor for financed home repair contracts and/or PWCR if you plan to work on public jobs. 

Transferring your handyman license to or from New Jersey

New Jersey uses HIC registration and doesn’t offer reciprocity with any other states. That means that if you plan to work as a handyman in nearby states, you’ll need to complete that state’s requirements to operate legally. 

For specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), reciprocity—if any—is board-specific and limited. Check with the specific licensing board in New Jersey and the second state you plan to work in for guidance.

How to renew your handyman license in New Jersey

You’ll need to renew your handyman registration once a year through New Jersey’s online system. Have your current commercial general liability certificate ready, confirm your business details, and pay the $90 renewal fee. 

What happens if your license expires?

If your registration expires, you’ll need to stop working and advertising home improvement jobs. You can’t pull permits, and it’s a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act. Fix the issue by renewing or reinstating your registration with the DCA before taking any new jobs.

Requirements to start a handyman business in New Jersey

If you’re a handyman taking on paid home improvement jobs, New Jersey asks for a few basics upfront. To start your handyman business, you’ll need to:

• Register as an HIC
• Carry commercial general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence
• Use a written contract for any job over $500
• Follow permit rules under the UCC

If you want to scale up or handle bigger remodels, you’ll need to take a few additional steps. Bring in (or become) a contractor with the proper state license for any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, get workers’ compensation if you hire employees, register with PWCR for prevailing-wage public jobs, and apply to DOBI if you want to execute financed home repair contracts.

Insurance and bonding needs

New Jersey requires commercial general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence to register and renew as an HIC. Keep your certificate current and on file with the state. If you have employees, you also need workers’ compensation coverage.

New Jersey now requires each HIC business to maintain additional security—either a compliance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other acceptable security—in amounts set by law, alongside your liability coverage.

Tips for growing your handyman business in New Jersey

You already do solid work. These tips will help more people find, trust, and book you so you can grow your handyman business without adding hours to your week:

• Lead with compliance: Display your HIC number on your website, estimates, invoices, ads, and work vehicles as required.
• Be permit-smart: Save the UCC ordinary maintenance list and your city’s permit portal for easy reference as needed. You’ll quote faster and avoid delays. 
• Systematize the admin: This is a big one, especially if you’re a solo operator. Use Housecall Pro for online booking, pricing, estimates, e-signatures, scheduling, and payments. Less admin work on your plate means jobs are finished faster. 
• Package “easy yes” services: Too many options can leave customers in a state of decision paralysis. Create packages of services for easy yeses that upgrade basics and boost your bottom line. Seasonal tune-ups (caulk, filters, gutter clears), move-in punch lists, or smart home add-ons are simple, repeatable jobs your customers can book in one tap. 
• Show your work: Send before-and-after photos with wrap-up notes. It’s a great way to build trust. 
• Ask for reviews quickly: Request these within 24 hours while the job’s still fresh. A short link and one prompt are all you need (you can automate Housecall Pro’s customer management handyman software). 
• Respect the trades: Bring in licensed electrical, plumbing, or HVAC pros when the scope requires it. You stay compliant, they handle the specialty.  

FAQ

What changes are coming to handyman laws in 2026?

Starting Feb. 1, 2026, New Jersey will license individuals and preempt municipal contractor licensing. If you’ve been registered for five or more years when this takes effect, you can be issued a license at your next HIC expiration (application and fee required). This shift will also include a limited carve-out: those who earn no more than $1,500 per contract and $25,000 per year in home improvement services will remain under registration rather than a new individual license.

Is there a dollar cutoff where I don’t have to register?

No. While some states have a dollar cutoff for registration or licensing, New Jersey isn’t one of them. However, a job of $500 or more means your home improvement contract must be in writing and include specific information (your HIC number, proof of insurance, etc.).

How much insurance do I need to register as a handyman in NJ?

You’ll need to carry commercial general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence and file proof with the Division of Consumer Affairs. If you have employees, you’ll need workers’ compensation coverage, too. 

Can I pull a building permit if I’m not registered?

No. The law prevents municipalities from issuing construction permits for home improvements to unregistered contractors.