Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

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. Texas — No State Handyman License Required

   Texas does not require a state license for handyman or general repair work. Electrical work requires a TDLR electrical license, plumbing requires a TSBPE license, and HVAC requires a TDLR HVAC license. Non-trade handyman work (carpentry, painting, tile, drywall, etc.) does not require a state license.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit

   Required if you sell materials as part of your handyman services. Labor for residential repair is generally not taxable; materials are. Register free through the Texas Comptroller.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. City of Houston — No Handyman/General Contractor Registration

   Houston does not license or register general contractors or handymen. Building permits are pulled per project through the Houston Permitting Center. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) must be performed by state-licensed contractors who have registered their state licenses with the city's inspection sections; a handyman may not perform that work without the state license. Houston has no zoning code, but construction work still requires permits.

   Official government source

   None (no registration exists); per-project permit fees apply·1–2 weeks

   None (no registration exists); per-project permit fees apply

   1–2 weeks

2. Harris County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating under a business name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Harris County Clerk. Valid for 10 years.

   Official government source

   $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarized·Same day to 1 week

   $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarized

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• Houston Permitting Center
• Harris County Clerk — Personal Records (Assumed Names)
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

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