Handyman license requirements in New Hampshire
Short answer: New Hampshire has no state handyman or general contractor license. Electricians, plumbers and gas fitters need state licenses, and contracts over $5,000 must include a right-to-repair notice.
General information, not legal advice. Checked October 13, 2026 against the sources below. Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you take a job.
State rules
New Hampshire doesn't license handymen or general contractors. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) licenses electricians, plumbers and gas fitters, and that work needs a license at any job size.
Residential contracts over $5,000 must include a written notice of the contractor's right to repair under RSA 359-G: before suing, a homeowner has to give you written notice of a defect and time to inspect and offer a fix.
Local rules
Towns handle building permits, and some cities such as Manchester and Nashua have their own contractor registration. Check with the building office where you work.
Before your first job in New Hampshire
- Register your business name with the state or county, and get a sales tax permit if New Hampshire taxes your services.
- Carry general liability insurance. Customers and property managers often ask for proof, and some local licenses require it. See handyman insurance explained.
- Put the scope and price in writing before you start. A simple handyman contract or a free written quote covers it.
- Know your prices. The handyman price list has typical rates for common jobs.
Official sources
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Questions
Do you need a license to be a handyman in New Hampshire?
Not from the state. Electrical, plumbing and gas work need state licenses, and some towns register contractors.
More guides
- Handyman insurance: what coverage you need, explained simplyLiability, tools, auto and workers' comp, in plain English.
- Handyman contract template (free, with what to include)Scope, price, payments, change orders, warranty and cancellation.
- Do you need a license to be a handyman? Rules by stateDollar limits, trade work and local rules, state by state.
- How to start a handyman business: a checklistLicensing, insurance, pricing and your first customers.