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

If you’re thinking about starting a handyman business in Nevada, it’s important to understand what you legally can or can’t do. Some smaller jobs can be done without a license, while bigger projects or specialized trades usually require one. This guide will walk you through what’s allowed without a license, when licensing is necessary, and how to get licensed if you’re ready to take your business to the next level.

Nevada handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a summary of Nevada’s rules:

Do you need a handyman license in Nevada?

You don’t need a handyman license for small jobs under $1,000, so long as they don’t require a permit or involve specialty trades. Keep in mind that you can’t split up a larger project to avoid the rule.

You will need a license to do any of these common home improvement projects:

• Home repair or remodeling exceeding $1,000: May require a contractor license
• Plumbing work: Requires a plumber’s license
• Electrical work: Requires an electrician’s license
• Fire protection services: May require a special electrician’s license
• HVAC installation or repair: May require a county license or EPA Section 608 certification
• Roofing: May require a county contractor license
• Swimming pool construction, repair, or installation: May require a specialized contractor license

Local handyman license requirements

Most local governments accept the state contractor license for projects above $1,000. Some cities and counties may require local business licenses or permits in addition to the state license. Always check with your local building department before beginning work.

What can a handyman do without a license in Nevada?

Handymen in Nevada can do a wide range of home improvement tasks without a license, including the following:

• Cabinet installation under $1,000
• Fixing minor leaks
• Furniture assembly or hanging shelves
• Gutter cleaning and power washing
• Installing blinds or curtain rods
• Patching drywall or painting
• Replacing doors or windows (nonstructural)
• Wallpapering, tiling, or grout repair

Remember that any job must be under $1,000 (labor and materials), with no permits or plumbing, electrical, or HVAC involved.

Consequences for working as a contractor without a license in Nevada

Nevada takes unlicensed contractor work very seriously. Performing contractor work without a license or working on projects not covered under the state’s handyman exemption face legal penalties, including:

• First offense: Misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail
• Second offense: Gross misdemeanor
• Third offense: Class E felony
• Increased fines: NSCB may impose fines ranging from $1,000–$50,000, with increased penalties for repeated offenses

Unlicensed contractors cannot enforce payment in court and may be sued for damages.

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing

Handyman work involving the following trades requires a specialty license in Nevada:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Carpentry
• Masonry
• Roofing and siding

Nevada contractor license requirements: Age, education, and training

To start as an unlicensed handyman in Nevada, you just need to be at least 18 and have the basic tools and skills to complete basic jobs around town. If you’re interested in becoming a contractor, though, there are additional qualifications. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Submit the formal license application to the NSCB
• Provide a financial statement based on the monetary limit you are applying for, which dictates the maximum contract value you can take on
• Submit a disclosure statement and authorization form for background checks and fingerprinting
• Provide proof of at least four full years of experience at a journeyman level, or as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor within the 15 years immediately before filing the application

The state contractor’s board offers free classes to help you get started.

Contractor license cost in Nevada

You can expect to pay the following fees to launch your handyman business with a general contractor license:

• Business registration: $200 annually for limited liability Companies (LLCs) and sole proprietorships
• General contractor license application fee: $300 (paid to NSCB)
• Business and Law exam fee: $95
• Trade exam fee: $95 (if applicable)
• Surety bond: $1,000–$500,000 (set by NSCB based on the nature of the business)
• Cash bond administrative fee: $200 (if using a cash deposit bond instead of a surety bond)

How to start a handyman business in Nevada

While you don’t need a contractor license to do general handyman work in Nevada, you do need a business license to provide services for payment. Here’s how to get one:

• Decide on a legal structure, like a sole proprietorship or LLC.
• File a Doing Business As (DBA) with your County Clerk’s office if you plan to name your business as something other than your legal name.
• Register with the Nevada Secretary of State.
• Create a profile on the SilverFlume portal (Nevada SBDC) to file the required formation documents for your chosen business structure.
• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
• Submit a license application to the NSCB.
• Successfully pass both the trade exam and the Business and Law exam.
• Obtain contractor insurance and meet Nevada’s bonding requirements.

Insurance and bonding needs

The NSCB stipulates the following insurance requirements for Nevada handymen and contractors:

• Bonding is required for all licensed contractors performing construction work in Nevada. The amount depends on license/classification and NSCB review of financials and scope.
• General liability insurance is only required for a home improvement license; however, it’s strongly recommended for everyone.
• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with four or more employees. 

Even if you have fewer than four employees—or if it’s just you—we recommend getting workers’ comp to ensure your health care is covered if you get hurt on the job. The following forms of insurance can also protect you if something goes wrong, even though they’re not required by law:

• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance: Protects you financially if a client claims you made a mistake or provided faulty work.
• Commercial auto insurance: Covers business-owned vehicles or personal vehicles used for work, helping pay for damages, repairs, or medical costs after an accident.
• Tools and equipment insurance: Helps cover repair or replacement costs if your tools are lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Commercial property insurance: Protects your business location and assets, including buildings, equipment, and inventory.

Transferring your contractor license to or from Nevada

Nevada doesn’t offer full reciprocity for general contractor licenses. However, it has licensure by endorsement agreements with Arizona, California, and Utah, which allow applicants to waive the trade exam if they show proof of a valid license. Applicants must still meet all other Nevada licensing requirements.

How to renew your contractor license in Nevada

Contractor licenses must be renewed through Nevada’s SilverFlume portal. Renewal costs $600 every two years. You must also maintain your surety bond and provide updated proof of workers’ compensation coverage or exemption.

What happens if your license expires?

If you forget to renew your general contractor license, you can submit your renewal within a month without having to reapply, but you’ll pay a late fee.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Nevada

A successful handyman business takes more than technical skill. You need a solid reputation, good word of mouth, and strategic business management. Here are a few ways to grow your customer base and stand out from the competition: 

• Leverage free platforms: Use sites like Nextdoor and Facebook for Business to connect with local customers and get referrals without added costs.
• Use professional job boards: Platforms like Thumbtack and Angi can help you land more projects. They also integrate with Housecall Pro, so customer details sync automatically and you can respond faster.
• Boost credibility with licensing: Even if it’s not required, holding a general contractor license makes you more appealing to customers who want a trusted professional.

Want to grow your business faster? Housecall Pro’s fully customizable handyman software allows you to create quotes in just a few minutes, follow up on leads from your phone, and streamline your back-end invoicing, payments, and ordering to improve your cash flow.

Try our free 14-day trial today.

Nevada Handyman License FAQ

Is a background check required for a contractor license?

Yes, all general contractor applicants are required to pass a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.

What kind of tests do I need to take for a contractor license in Nevada?

Nevada requires a Business and Law Exam (the Contractor Management Survey) and a trade-specific exam. You’re eligible to take the tests once NSCB has reviewed your application and verified your work experience.

Can I advertise myself as a contractor if I only don’t hold a license?

No. Nevada law specifically prohibits advertising as a contractor without an active license. Contractors in Nevada are licensed professionals whose experience and training have been thoroughly vetted by the state’s Contractors Board. A handyman is an unlicensed professional with no state-approved training or education.