Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Updated 2026-02-15 4 stops $400–$2,500 est. 3–6 months (dominated by CSLB licensing timeline)
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

2 stops

  1. California CSLB Contractor License (Required for projects over $1,000)

    As of January 1, 2025, AB 2622 raised the exemption threshold so that handymen can perform work up to $1,000 (combined labor and materials) per project without a Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license. For any job over $1,000, a CSLB license is legally required. The most common license for handymen is Class B (General Building Contractor). Application fee: $450; license fee: $200 (sole owner). You must also have 4 years of verifiable experience and carry a $25,000 contractor's bond. Starting January 1, 2025, workers' compensation insurance is required for all licensed contractors regardless of number of employees.

    Official government source

    $650–$1,000 initial (fees) + $25,000 bond (premium ~$200–$400/year) + workers' comp insurance3–6 months (application, exam, background check)

  2. California Seller's Permit (if selling materials)

    Required if you sell materials (lumber, fixtures, parts) to customers as part of your work. Apply free through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

    Official government source

    Free1–3 weeks

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

1 stop

  1. Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in Los Angeles — including home-based handyman businesses — must register with the Office of Finance and pay an annual Business Tax. For contractors and handymen, the tax is based on gross receipts. Most small contractors fall under the 'contractors' category at $4.50 per $1,000 of gross receipts (minimum ~$153/year).

    Official government source

    $153+ per year (based on gross receipts)1–2 weeks (online registration)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$2,500 · 3–6 months (dominated by CSLB licensing timeline)

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Official Sources

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