Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

Updated 2026-02-15 4 stops $200–$700 est. 2–5 weeks for HIC registration and business certificate
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Massachusetts

2 stops

  1. Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration

    Any contractor or subcontractor who performs home improvement work on 1–4 family owner-occupied residential properties in Massachusetts must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). This applies to handymen doing regular home improvement work. Registration is required statewide — there is no dollar-amount exemption. Initial fee: $150. The registration must be renewed every 2 years for $100.

    Official government source

    $150 (initial) + $100-$500 Guaranty Fund contribution2–4 weeks

  2. Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) — if pulling permits

    To pull building permits for structural work on 1–2 family homes in Massachusetts, a Construction Supervisor License is required. Handymen performing non-structural repairs do not need this. If you plan to supervise structural work (framing, roofing, etc.), you need a CSL. Requires passing an exam and having relevant experience.

    Official government source

    $150 (exam) + $150 (license fee)4–8 weeks

City of Boston / Suffolk County

1 stop

  1. Boston Business Certificate

    Sole proprietors and partnerships doing business in Boston under a trade name (DBA) must file a Business Certificate with the Boston City Clerk. This is required if you use any name other than your own legal name. Valid for 4 years.

    Official government source

    $65Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2–5 weeks for HIC registration and business certificate

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides