Utah Handyman Help
What Utah law lets an unlicensed handyman do, the $7,000 and $3,000 limits, which trades always need a license, what changes on January 1, 2027, and how to check a license. Information only.
Key facts
- Until December 31, 2026, Utah Code 58-55-305 lets a person without a contractor license do repair, remodeling or improvement work on a building when the contracted value is under $7,000, counting labor, materials and all changes. (source: Utah State Legislature)
- Above $3,000 (and under $7,000), the person must file a registration of exemption with DOPL showing liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 total, plus workers compensation or a coverage waiver. (source: Utah Office of Administrative Rules)
- Even on a small job, plumbing and electrical systems, gas appliances, HVAC, fire sprinklers, alarms and radon systems need licensed people. (source: Utah State Legislature)
- On January 1, 2027 the exemption moves to Utah Code 58-55-110. The new wording leaves out any work on a component of an electrical or plumbing system, such as a faucet, toilet, outlet or switch. (source: Utah State Legislature)
- Check any Utah license or registration for free in the state License Lookup and Verification system. (source: State of Utah)
Common questions
- What can a handyman do without a license in Utah?: Utah's small project exemption: under $7,000 total, labor and materials, with limits on trades. From Utah Code 58-55-305.
- Handyman jobs that still need a licensed contractor in Utah: Whatever the job size, Utah requires licensed people for plumbing and electrical systems, gas appliances, HVAC, fire sprinklers, alarms and radon systems.
- Work that never needs a Utah contractor license: DOPL's rule lists activities it says do not need a contractor license at any price, such as window coverings, locksmithing and tree trimming.
- Doing the work yourself on your own Utah property: Utah exempts owners and lessees working on their own property, with limits on building new homes. From Utah Code 58-55-305.
- Minor plumbing during an appliance or fixture repair: Utah exempts minor plumbing work incidental to repairing a fixture or appliance, but not first time installation or changes to water, waste or vent piping.
Rules and dates
- Handyman jobs over $3,000 in Utah: the insurance registration: Between $3,000 and $7,000, an unlicensed person must file a registration of exemption with DOPL showing liability insurance and workers compensation or a waiver.
- Utah handyman rule changes on January 1, 2027: Utah Code 58-55-305 becomes 58-55-110 on January 1, 2027. What the new wording says about components and the over $3,000 registration.
Hiring
- How to check a Utah contractor license or handyman registration: Use Utah's free License Lookup and Verification to confirm a contractor or registered handyman before you hire.
- Before you hire a handyman in Utah: A short checklist from Utah law and DOPL guidance: the dollar limits, the trades that need a license, a written contract and proof of payment.
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