Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

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. Tennessee Home Improvement Contractor License (projects $3,000-$24,999 in Davidson County)

   The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors issues the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to $24,999. It is not a statewide requirement: it applies only in Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, and Shelby counties. Nashville is in Davidson County, so a handyman working there needs it. Projects under $3,000 require no state license, and projects of $25,000 or more require the full Contractor license. The HIC application requires a $10,000 surety bond (or a cash or property bond or an irrevocable letter of credit), general liability insurance, and workers' compensation.

   Official government source

   $250 for the initial application, reinstatement, or change of ownership; $200 to renew; $10 duplicate license; late renewal $10 per month for up to 3 months. Examination fees are separate and are set by the Board's testing vendor, not by the Board.·The Board publishes no application processing time. Renewal opens within 90 days of expiration and the Board asks for submission at least 30 days before it. Exam scheduling drives initial timing: Prov took over exam administration from PSI on July 1, 2026, with PSI honoring already-scheduled appointments through September.

   $250 for the initial application, reinstatement, or change of ownership; $200 to renew; $10 duplicate license; late renewal $10 per month for up to 3 months. Examination fees are separate and are set by the Board's testing vendor, not by the Board.

   The Board publishes no application processing time. Renewal opens within 90 days of expiration and the Board asks for submission at least 30 days before it. Exam scheduling drives initial timing: Prov took over exam administration from PSI on July 1, 2026, with PSI honoring already-scheduled appointments through September.

1. Nashville Metro Business License

   All businesses operating in Nashville-Davidson County, including home-based handyman businesses, must obtain a business license from the Davidson County Clerk's Business Services office. The license fee is flat and is not based on gross receipts. Tennessee gross receipts over $3,000 but under $100,000 call for a minimal activity license; at $100,000 or more you need a standard business license and must separately register for and remit Tennessee's gross-receipts business tax through TNTAP.

   Official government source

   $15/year flat outside Nashville city limits (General Service District) or $30/year flat within Nashville city limits (Urban Service District)·Issued by the Davidson County Clerk when you apply and pay (online, in person, or by mail); standard (non-minimal-activity) licensees must first register for business tax with the TN Department of Revenue, which takes up to 10 business days.

   $15/year flat outside Nashville city limits (General Service District) or $30/year flat within Nashville city limits (Urban Service District)

   Issued by the Davidson County Clerk when you apply and pay (online, in person, or by mail); standard (non-minimal-activity) licensees must first register for business tax with the TN Department of Revenue, which takes up to 10 business days.

Official Sources

• Tennessee Commerce — Home Improvement Licensing Requirements
• Tennessee Commerce — Home Improvement Board
• Nashville Metro — Business License

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