Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration

   Any contractor who performs home improvement work worth $5,000 or more per year in Pennsylvania must register with the PA Office of Attorney General as a Home Improvement Contractor. This is a statewide requirement that applies to handymen doing regular home improvement work. Fee: $100 per two-year period.

   Official government source

   $100 (every 2 years)·2–4 weeks

   $100 (every 2 years)

   2–4 weeks

1. Philadelphia Commercial Activity License

   All businesses operating in Philadelphia, including handymen, must obtain a Commercial Activity License (CAL) from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). The license is free, does not expire, and does not need to be renewed. You must first have a Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) account with the Department of Revenue; applying online through eCLIPSE issues the license automatically.

   Official government source

   $0 (no fee)·Same day (issued automatically online via eCLIPSE)

   $0 (no fee)

   Same day (issued automatically online via eCLIPSE)

2. PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration (to pull Philadelphia permits)

   Philadelphia does not require a separate city contractor license for handymen doing home improvement work on one- or two-family dwellings (electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression work are excepted and require licensed trade contractors). To obtain construction permits for such work, register as a PA Home Improvement Contractor with the PA Office of Attorney General and submit proof of registration to L&I, plus insurance: general liability of $500,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $300,000, and workers' compensation if you have employees; there is no additional city fee. Construction work outside that scope requires the city Contractor license from L&I ($126/year).

   Official government source

   $0 city fee (state HIC registration fee applies — confirm current fee with the PA Attorney General)·Varies; permit applications reviewed by L&I once registration proof is on file

   $0 city fee (state HIC registration fee applies — confirm current fee with the PA Attorney General)

   Varies; permit applications reviewed by L&I once registration proof is on file

Official Sources

• City of Philadelphia — Commercial Activity License
• City of Philadelphia — Home Improvement Contractor Permits
• PA Office of Attorney General — HIC Registration

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