Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Updated 2026-02-15 3 stops $500–$1,200 est. 3–6 weeks
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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 Oregon

1 stop

  1. Oregon CCB License (Required for ALL paid construction work)

    Oregon requires a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license for ALL paid construction, alteration, repair, or improvement work — regardless of project size. There is no dollar-amount exemption in Oregon (unlike many other states). The most common license type for handymen is the Residential Limited Contractor (RLC). The CCB application fee as of July 1, 2025 is $400 for a 2-year license. You must also carry a surety bond and general liability insurance. Failure to have a CCB license is a Class A misdemeanor.

    Official government source

    $400 (2-year license fee) + surety bond + liability insurance3–6 weeks

City of Portland / Multnomah County

1 stop

  1. Portland Business License

    All businesses operating in Portland, including home-based handyman businesses, must obtain a Portland Business License through the Revenue Bureau. Handymen working in Portland must obtain this license before conducting business.

    Official government source

    $100–$200/year (varies by gross receipts)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,200 · 3–6 weeks

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Official Sources

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