handyman work - how do i get a license to do work

you can go to your local court house an get a tax number to start your own business. but i dont think you can get a handyman license.you can run a good business without a license.if you are only going to do minor repairs.

hi salem! you need a license to become a handyman? in our country, we don't need that. so i guess you better come over here. lol seriously, here in the philippines, people just fix things, no need for a license. those who get licenses are the doctors, nurses, engineers, med techs, teachers, and sailors. ordinary people don't. hehe take care always and good day to you. God bless you !

I've been GC in the trades for 45 years and the issue isn't that you "CAN'T" do it, but licensing helps protect the customer as well as the contractors against liability. Certainly it's about Profit, often for the licensing agency, and perhaps higher fees from a contractor, but assume this for a sec. First of all there are "trades" type works you can engage in without certification, but I have to say this. When a prospective customer sees a licensed, bonded, insured statement on some painters truck or Electricians bill head, they are more likely to inquire to them first. The issue also has to do with CODES in the case of builders, Electricians, Plumbers, for examples, and again, the Liability involved in "Pirate" work. GETTING licensed isn't as easy as finding out how to, but can be worth the schooling and testing costs in the long term and in every individual job you bid and may get. Certified or not it's a matter of TRUST, especially with the customer. IF you do a job, take pictures, ask the customer if they might be willing to refer you to others, or at least offer a reference if you have another customer contact them. In the trades, so much depends on satisfaction and referrals. You can hook up with a licensing agency/tag office/TAX office for a list of licenses and the requirements. They will explain also what you might "GET AWAY WITH" without having a certification. With all due respect and not knowing your skills level at all, I suggest that even as an unlicensed trades person, you better know what you're doing, and very likely specialize. Steven Wolf 45 plus years as a contractor