Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Montgomery, AL

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

Verified 2026-09-03 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property in Alabama. Alabama sales tax is a privilege tax on retail sales; most services are not taxable, so service-only businesses may not need to register. Local city and county sales taxes are also due on top of the state rate and vary by jurisdiction - use ADOR's local tax rate lookup for your address. Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT); state and local returns are filed together through ONE SPOT.

    Official government source

    No registration fee is published by ADOR; registration is made through the My Alabama Taxes portalNot published by ADOR; confirm current processing time with the Department of Revenue

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

    Contractors undertaking work where the cost including labor and materials is $100,000 or more must be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (Ala. Code Title 34, Ch. 8). Swimming pool construction has a lower $5,000 threshold. Most cities also require a separate local business/contractor license.

    Official government source

    $300 (Prime Contractor application); $150 (Subcontractor application)Applications must be on file 30 days prior to a Board meeting; the Board meets quarterly

City of Montgomery / Montgomery County

2 stops
  1. City of Montgomery Finance Department, License and Revenue Division - Business License

    Montgomery requires a city business license (occupational license) for all businesses operating in the city, issued by the Finance Department's License and Revenue Division. Fees are set by schedule and vary by business type and, for many classifications, gross receipts. The license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    Not published on the city's site (which blocks automated access); confirm the fee for your business classification with the License and Revenue DivisionNot published; confirm with the License and Revenue Division

  2. City of Montgomery Building / Trade Permits (for regulated work)

    Certain handyman tasks - electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical or structural modifications - require permits pulled from the City of Montgomery Inspections Department, not Montgomery County. Handymen must not perform work reserved to licensed trades or to state-licensed contractors without the appropriate license.

    Official government source

    Not published on the city's site (which blocks automated access); permit fees vary by trade and scope - confirm with the Inspections DepartmentNot published; confirm with the City of Montgomery Inspections Department

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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