Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Birmingham, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$800 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Alabama

2 stops

  1. Alabama Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Alabama. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%. Local city and county sales taxes are additional and can be significant (total rates range from 5–10%). Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT).

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days (online via MAT)

  2. Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors — General Contractor License

    Contractors performing work over $50,000 in Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Smaller residential jobs may use a simplified home builder process. Most cities require local registration for all contractors.

    Official government source

    $300–$600 (initial)4–8 weeks

City of Birmingham / Jefferson County

2 stops

  1. City of Birmingham License and Revenue Division — Business License

    Birmingham requires an Occupational License for all businesses operating within city limits. License fees are based on gross revenues. The License and Revenue Division processes applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Jefferson County Building Permit (for regulated work)

    Certain handyman tasks — including electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, or structural modifications — require permits pulled from the Jefferson County or City of Birmingham building department. Handymen should not perform licensed contractor work without the appropriate state license.

    Official government source

    $50–$500 per project depending on scope1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 2–6 weeks to obtain all registrations

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Official Sources

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