Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $75–$350 est. 1–3 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 Texas

2 stops

  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/AN/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

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. Houston Permitting Center — Contractor Registration

    Contractors performing construction, repair, or maintenance work in Houston must register with the Houston Permitting Center. This includes handymen who pull building permits for structural or mechanical work. Houston is unique in Texas as it has no zoning code, but all construction work still requires permits.

    Official government source

    $50–$1001–2 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

    $25Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$350 · 1–3 weeks

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Official Sources

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