North Carolina Handyman License Requirements (Step-by-Step Process)

If you plan to offer handyman services in North Carolina, it’s important to understand the state’s licensing laws before starting work. While you can take on many small repair and maintenance tasks without a license, you’ll need a general contractor’s license for larger projects or those that involve regulated trades, such as plumbing and HVAC.

Our guide breaks down what you can and can’t do as a handyman, how to apply for a general contractor license if needed, and practical tips for getting your business off the ground.

North Carolina handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of key requirements for handymen in North Carolina:

Do you need a handyman license in North Carolina?

You don’t need a license to work as a handyman in North Carolina as long as each project stays under $40,000. If a job exceeds this limit, it must be overseen by a licensed contractor. This applies to both residential and commercial projects.

Here are examples of jobs that require a license in North Carolina:

• Adding a new room or major home addition
• Building a deck or garage
• Finishing a basement
• Installing or repairing HVAC units
• Installing or rerouting plumbing
• Modifying structural walls
• Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
• Replacing a roof
• Upgrading or rewiring electrical systems

Local handyman license requirements

North Carolina’s licensing rules are primarily enforced at the state level, but certain cities and counties may have additional business registration, permit, or zoning requirements. Here are some examples of additional requirements in major areas of the state.

Charlotte (Mecklenburg County)

You may need a permit for work involving structural changes, even if it’s below the $40,000 threshold. You may also need to register with the City of Charlotte for zoning compliance.

Raleigh (Wake County)

You may need a local business license or home occupation permit if you’re running your business from your home.

Greensboro (Guilford County)

You may need to adhere to local zoning regulations if you run your business from home, and you may need building permits for certain repairs.

Asheville (Buncombe County)

You’ll need to register with the city or county to conduct business. You’ll also need permits for any work involving windows, doors, or structural elements, regardless of the project cost. Home-based businesses are subject to zoning review.

What can a handyman do without a license in North Carolina?

Unlicensed handymen can do minor repairs, small carpentry projects, and simple home improvements that don’t require a permit or involve structural changes, so long as the total project value stays under the $40,000 limit. Here are examples of jobs that don’t require a license:

• Assembling furniture and mounting to walls
• Caulking, weatherstripping, and sealing minor gaps
• Cleaning gutters and power washing
• Hanging blinds or window coverings
• Installing nonstructural flooring (laminate, vinyl, tile)
• Installing shelves or curtain rods
• Painting interiors and exteriors
• Patching drywall or making minor repairs
• Replacing door knobs, cabinet handles, or faucets (without plumbing changes)
• Repairing decks or fences (minor, not full replacement)

Consequences for working without a handyman license in North Carolina

Working without a contractor’s license on jobs that require one can lead to serious legal and financial consequences in North Carolina, including the following:

• Inability to collect payment: Clients may be legally released from paying, and you may be barred from suing for unpaid work. Clients can also sue to recover money already paid.
• Fines and civil penalties: You may face financial penalties imposed by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
• Legal action: The Board can pursue an injunction to stop unlicensed work. If violated, courts may hold individuals in contempt, resulting in up to 30 days of jail time and fines of $500 per violation.
• Criminal charges: Knowingly misrepresenting yourself as licensed may result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the case.

Beyond the legal risks, working without a license can ruin your reputation, making it hard to win future clients.

Types of handyman work that may require additional licensing

Some types of work require a specialty license, regardless of the project cost. These trades are strictly regulated and often require additional qualifications such as exams, certifications, or apprenticeships.

Here are common examples of handyman projects you’ll need a specialty license for:

• Electrical work (installations, upgrades, wiring, panel work)
• Plumbing (installing or moving pipes, drains, water heaters)
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning installations or repairs)
• Roofing and roof replacements
• Structural framing or load-bearing modifications
• Foundation work and major masonry
• Fire sprinkler systems and alarms
• Large-scale remodeling or renovation projects
• New home construction or additions

North Carolina contractor license requirements: Age, education, and training

While general handyman work in North Carolina doesn’t require a license, anyone planning to perform projects valued at $40,000 or more must apply for a general contractor license through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

To qualify for the general contractor exam, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess good moral character, as determined by the Board
• Show financial responsibility
• Submit the appropriate application fee
• Consent to a criminal background check, if required

Applications must be approved by the Board before you can schedule an exam. You can apply online at www.nclbgc.org.

Contractor Exams

Once approved, applicants must pass the relevant exam with a minimum score of 70%. Testing is conducted at PSI Examination Service Centers.

• Building contractor exam
  • 90 questions, 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Partial open book
  • Pass with at least 63 correct answers
• Residential contractor exam
  • 90 questions, 3.5 hours
  • Partial open book
  • Pass with at least 63 correct answers

These exams assess your understanding of construction methods, building codes, and safety regulations.

Recommended skills

The more capable and versatile you are, the more clients you’ll attract. Here are some useful skills to build as a handyman:

• Appliance installation: Connecting washers, dryers, and dishwashers to existing hookups
• Basic carpentry: Building or repairing shelves, installing trim, and fixing doors or frames
• Flooring installation: Laying tile, laminate, vinyl, or hardwood in small-scale projects
• Furniture assembly: Assembling beds, tables, cabinets, and other flat-pack items
• General maintenance: Cleaning gutters, replacing screens, pressure washing, and maintaining exterior surfaces
• Light remodeling: Refreshing kitchens or bathrooms with new fixtures, paint, and hardware
• Minor electrical tasks: Installing or replacing light fixtures and switches, staying within legal limits
• Painting and surface prep: Painting interior and exterior walls, drywall patching, and caulking
• Plumbing repairs: Fixing basic leaks, replacing faucets, and unclogging drains (no major pipe work)
• Tool and ladder safety: Using power tools, ladders, and safety equipment with proper techniques

Always double-check whether a task legally requires a license.

How to apply for a contractor license in North Carolina 

If the type of work you want to perform requires a contractor license, you’ll need to apply through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors by following these steps:

1. Submit your application online at the NCLBGC application portal.
2. Gather and submit required documents:
   • Contact information
   • Business name (if applicable)
   • License fee
   • Financial statements
   • Social Security number
   • Criminal history disclosure (with court documents, if applicable)
   • Desired license classification
3. Submit three character references:
   • Must include name, address, phone, email, and explanation of how they know you
   • References must be dated within 12 months of submission
4. Schedule your exam through PSI Services. After receiving your eligibility letter, you have 120 days to take the exam.

Contractor license cost in North Carolina 

Taking the general contractor’s exam costs $79 in North Carolina. You’ll also need to pay a licensing fee, which varies by type:

• Limited license (projects up to $750,000): $75
• Intermediate license (projects up to $1.5 million): $100
• Unlimited license (no dollar limit on projects): $125

Transferring your contractor license to or from North Carolina

North Carolina doesn’t offer full reciprocity for contractor licenses from other states. However, if you’re licensed in one of the below states, you may be eligible to waive the trade portion of the exam:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

Take these steps to apply:

1. Complete a full license application through the NCLBGC.
2. Have your current state licensing board fill out the Examination Waiver form (included in the application).
3. Submit the application and waiver form together.

Even with the waiver, you must still pass North Carolina’s Business and Law exam to receive your license. 

How to renew your contractor license in North Carolina

General contractors must renew their licenses annually in North Carolina, with licenses expiring on Jan. 1 of each year. You’ll need to complete eight hours of continuing education (CE) courses prior to renewal, including two mandatory hours from the NCLBGC and six elective hours from approved providers. Classes end on Nov. 30 each year.

Once your CE is complete, visit www.ncclic.org and log in or create an account. Then, go to the “Renewal” section to complete the renewal application and pay your renewal fee.

What happens if your license expires?

If you fail to renew your license on time, you cannot legally perform contractor work in the state. Continuing to work can result in disciplinary or legal action.

To return to active status, you’ll need to fulfill all CE requirements and complete the renewal process through your account at ncclic.org. You may have to pay late or reactivation fees.

Plan ahead to avoid interruptions to your business.

Requirements to start a handyman business in North Carolina

Whether or not you have a contractor license, you’ll need to take the following steps to set up your handyman business properly:

1. Register your business (if applicable) with the North Carolina Secretary of State
2. Apply for a local business license, if required by your city or county
3. Get an EIN from the IRS if you plan to hire employees
4. Purchase general liability insurance to protect your business
5. Check local permitting rules (some cities may require permits for certain tasks, even if permissible without a license)

Insurance and bonding needs

Having insurance protects your business and helps you meet licensing and contractual obligations. Though not always required, insurance is strongly recommended and often expected by clients. Here are common policies and their average costs:

General liability insurance

• Protects against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, or accidents that happen on a job site.
• Cost per month: $142

Business owner’s policy (BOP)

• Bundles general liability with property coverage, protecting both your business space and equipment from risks like fire, theft, or certain lawsuits.
• Cost per month: $121
  

Workers’ compensation

• Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs if an employee gets injured or sick while working.
• Cost per month: $318

Tools and equipment coverage

• Protects portable tools and machinery from theft, loss, or damage—whether on-site, in transit, or stored.
• Cost per month: $14
  

Professional liability

• Covers claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver professional services as promised (sometimes called errors & omissions insurance).
• Cost per month: $65
  

Builder’s risk insurance

• Protects buildings under construction or renovation against risks like fire, vandalism, theft, or weather damage during the project.
• Cost per month: $134
  

Commercial auto insurance

• Covers vehicles used for business (trucks, vans, etc.), protecting against accidents, property damage, and liability on the road.
  Cost per month: $180
  

Commercial umbrella insurance

• Provides extra liability coverage above the limits of other policies, useful for large claims or lawsuits.
• Cost per month: $143

If you plan to get licensed as a general contractor in North Carolina, you’ll also need to maintain a surety bond based on your license level:

• $175,000 bond for a limited license
• $500,000 bond for an intermediate license
• $1,000,000 bond for an unlimited license

Surety bond premiums start at around $10 per month.

Tips for growing your handyman business in North Carolina 

You’ll need more than a toolbox and a little know-how to run a successful handyman business. Whether you’re new or expanding, these tips can help you grow strategically:

• Get licensed and insured: Being licensed builds credibility and allows you to take on  higher-value or specialized work. Even for smaller jobs, general liability insurance shows clients you take your work seriously.
• Keep your pricing accurate: Use pricing tools and templates to estimate jobs. Factor in material cost fluctuations and consider progress payments to protect your cash flow.
• Create a visible online presence: Ask happy clients for reviews, post before-and-after photos, and keep your contact details up to date so new customers can easily find and trust you.
• Use handyman software: Platforms like Housecall Pro help you manage scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication all in one place. Try our free 14-day trial to see if our handyman software works for you.

FAQ

How much can a handyman charge without a license in North Carolina?

A handyman in North Carolina can price jobs up to $39,999, as long as the work doesn’t require a building permit or involve regulated trades. Projects at $40,000 or more must be handled by a licensed general contractor.

Can I do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman?

No, you can’t do plumbing or electrical work as a handyman. Though you can do minor tasks like unclogging a drain or replacing a faucet, anything that involves rewiring or installing plumbing equipment requires a specialty license.

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

A handyman performs minor, nonstructural repairs and maintenance on projects valued under $40,000. A general contractor is licensed to take on larger projects, structural work, and jobs requiring permits.