Do I need a Handyman License in Utah?
The answer is quite simple:
- If you are doing jobs over $1,000 you must fill out a handyman application form and register with the state.
- If you are charging over $3,000 or performing work that requires pulling building permits, then you will need a contractor license.
- Anything under $1,000 does not require any certification
There are three levels of General Contractor Licensing in Utah:
- R101 Residential and Small Commercial Nonstructural Remodeling and Repair Contractor (over $3,000)
- S350 – General Building Contractor
- E100- General Engineering Contractor
Utah Handyman License Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- Proof of Liability Insurance ($300,000 in total)
- Social Security Number
- USA Identification or Documents verifying work authorization
- Outstanding citations or fines must be paid in full before application is accepted
- Submit Application with $35.00 fee
What kind of work can you do as Utah Handyman?
- Minor home repair services, property maintenance and improvements
- Cosmetic and Non-structural projects
You are NOT allowed to do any jobs involving:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Alarm Systems
- Structural Framing
- Mechanical Work
- Radon and Soil Depressurization
- Projects which significantly impact public health and Safety
- Trades which fall under the Utah Contractor License Classifications
Utah Handyman Business Registration
If you plan on doing jobs over $1,000 in labor and materials, you will need to register with the state of Utah office of licensing.
The application process includes:
- Providing Basic Information
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- Credit Authorization Reporting
- Proof of Workers Compensation (If you have workers)
Here, you can find the full Utah Handyman Pre-registration Checklist
Utah Handyman License Look-Up
You can look up anyone holding a professional certification or license in the state of Utah here
- Select verify a profession or license number
- Either type the persons name or choose the type of certification “handyman”
Recommended Courses
Handyman Advertising Laws
According to Utah contractor license law, a Handyman may NOT advertise themselves as a contractor or use the terms:
- Construction
- Builder
- Plumber or Electrician
- Alarm System Installer
- Mechanical Work
- Any work that falls under the contractor license classifications list
Who Needs a Contractor License in Utah?
- Anyone performing construction, alteration, maintenance or repair projects
- Anyone Charging money for construction services that fall under Utah's Contractor License Classification List
- Contracting without a license in Utah is Class A misdemeanor
Utah Contractor License Requirements
- 18 Years of age
- Valid Driver's License or USA Identification
- Social Security Number
- Completion of 25 Hour Pre-License Course
- Proof of General Liability Insurance – Contractors in Utah are required to hold a minimum of $300,000 in total coverage.
- Register a Business Entity – Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corporation, or Partnership (what is the difference?)
Utah Pre-License Course
Before you can take the Utah Contractor license exam you will need to complete a 25-hour pre-license course covering Utah Construction LAW.
The course covers the following topics:
- Construction Accounting Skills
- Business Management
- Labor LAW
- Safety
It is important to remember this is a LAW and business management-focused class, that will not teach you any construction trade or technical skills.
Where can I take the pre-license course?
The course is offered in the following locations by AGC (Associated General Contractors) and the UHBA (Utah Home Builders Association):
- Course Fee: $310.00
- Textbook Fee (Optional) $70.00 for NSCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Utah 3rd Edition.
- Cancellation fee is: $25.00
- “No-Show” fee is $50.00
- Three Days 8:30am – 5pm
Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC)
Phone: 801-894-9111
2207 South 1070 West Salt
Lake City, UT. 84119
Associated General Contractors (AGC) of South Utah Office
Phone: 435-628-1346
230 North 1680 East
Suite B-1
St. George, Utah 84790
Salt Lake Office of the Home Builders Association
Phone: 801-352-8266
Email: utahhba@outlook.com
9069 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
http://www.utahhomebuildersassociation.com/
Southern Utah Office of the Home Builders Association
Phone: 801-352-8266
Email: utahhba@outlook.com
9069 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
http://www.utahhomebuildersassociation.com/
Cache Valley Office of the Home Builders Association
Phone: 801-352-8266
Email: utahhba@outlook.com
9069 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
http://www.utahhomebuildersassociation.com/
How Do I Take the Utah Contractor License Exam?
Once you have completed your 25 Hour Pre-License Course. You are then required to pass the Utah LAW and Business Examination.
- 60 Questions
- Minimum passing score 70%
- 2 Hours to complete
- Test is open book and taken on a computer
The Utah Construction LAW exam will include questions on the following topics:
- Business Organizations
- Licensing
- Estimating and Bidding
- Contract Management
- Project Management
- Labor Laws
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Tax Laws
- Safety
- Subject Area
- Lien Laws
Licensing Costs
The Utah state contractor license costs are:
$210.00 – Fee for 1st classification
$175.00 – Fee for each additional classification
$70.00 — Business registration fee (non-refundable) paid to the State of Utah Department of Commerce
All fees are non-refundable and should be paid in check to the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Applications and Fees can be hand-delivered to:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby160 E 300 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111
or by mail
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Exam Locations
- The test is administered by a third party testing solutions company called PSI. You can apply here
- Remember to bring two forms of ID and show up to the exam (30 minutes early).
- Examination fee is $75.00
The testing sites are:
- North Salt Lake City
25 North 400 West, Suite 7
North Salt Lake City, UT 84054
- North Orem (Provo)
581 West 1600 North, Suite C
North Orem, UT 84057
- Hurricane (St. George)
473 N. Old Highway 91, Suite 6
Hurricane, UT 84737
- Grand Junction
743 Horizon Court, #203
Grand Junction, CO 81506
- Sunset (Ogden)
2465 N Main Street #11C
Sunset, UT 84015
Once your test is completed, you can send your license packet by mail to:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741Salt Lake City,
Utah 84114-6741
Or by delivery:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
160 East 300 South1st Floor, Main Lobby
Salt Lake City, Utah 84
Utah Contractor License Application Guide
The Utah Contractor License Application has multiple steps. The following is a brief explanation of each section and what kind of information you will need to provide.
Applicant Information – Basic information including your name, entity information, mailing address, and phone number for your business.
Affidavit and Release – This section certifies that you are qualified to perform electrical work. You will need to state that you are not a threat to the public and that everything you write in the application is correct. You will also need to include your master electrician license number.
Business Organization – Here you will identify which type of business entity you have chosen to operate your construction company through. (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
Qualifying Questionnaire – Section covers a series of Yes or No questions about financial history and criminal background.
Financial Responsibility – This section includes submitting any information about judgments, liens, outstanding child support, and your Credit Report Authorization.
Qualifier Information and Classification – Qualifier for the business must provide:
- Legal name, mailing address, email, and phone number, as well as their
- Position (either owner of at least 20 % ownership stake, or W-2 Employee in Management Position)
- SSN, U.S. Driver License, and Date of Birth
Applicant information – Basic application information
Ownership and Employee Listing – If there are additional owners or employees, here you will provide their information
General Liability Insurance – In Utah, all contractors must hold general liability insurance, here you will provide information about your construction insurance policy.
Fees & Instructions – Fees must be paid to the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
How to start a Handyman Business in Utah
A Utah state contractor's license can only be issued to legal business entities.
However, you can register your handyman business here.
To get a contractor license and register a full construction business, you will have to form a legal entity through the: Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want.
Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!
Utah State Business License Registration
Once you have a set up your business entity, you must then register for a business license before you can begin doing business in the state of Utah.
The process is pretty simple, you can register here.
Within this process you will register with the following state agencies:
- Utah State Tax Commission
- Utah Department of Environmental Quality
- Utah Department of Commerce
- Utah Department of Commerce
- Utah Labor Commission
To search a current construction business operating in Utah, you can use the Utah Contractor License Lookup and Verification
Workers Compensation
Utah requires all employers to hold worker's compensation insurance.
If you are applying for a contractor license in Utah and have workers or employees, you will disclose this on your application.
You will need to include:
- Name of your provider
- Policy Number
- Expiration on your renewal form
Check out the Utah Insurance Department website, For a deeper look at Utah's Insurance and Workers Compensation requirements.
Utah Contractor License Reciprocity
Contractor License reciprocity is an agreement between the Contractor licensing boards of two different states.
Depending on your trade and your years of experience you may qualify to have the trade examination waived.
To see if your classification is eligible for reciprocity in Utah, check out this list.
This article will cover everything you need to know about California contractor license reciprocity!
Construction Apprenticeships in Utah
Whether you are looking to become a journeyman plumber in Utah or begin a career as a contractor, you will want to begin by mastering the trade.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation in your career as a plumber is by looking into an apprenticeship program.
These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in trades like landscaping, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and Carpentry.
If you are one day looking to get the Utah General Contractor license requirements, you will need to demonstrate a skill set beyond just construction.
If you are new to the world of construction and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Each state has different requirements and standards for certifications. To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
Construction Blueprint Reading Skills
For those looking to do pursue a career in construction or get the Utah General Contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental.
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for those looking to get a contractor license.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
Utah OSHA Safety Regulations
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is a huge part of managing a construction site. General Contractors should know everything about safely supervising a project.
If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Utah OSHA Safety Training.
Get Started!
Getting the Utah Contractor license can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for a company!
There are many Handyman businesses that make the transition to taking on larger-scale construction projects. Be sure to review the Utah handyman laws continuously.
The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end.
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.