Want to become a handyman in Alaska? You’ll need a license first. In Alaska, you can’t just grab your tools and start fixing things for money. Even small jobs require a license. The good news is that once you get your license, you can work on projects worth up to $10,000.
What Can a Licensed Handyman Do in Alaska?
There are strict limitations on what a handyman can do without a license in the Last Frontier. You need a General Contractor – Handyman license to do almost any home repairs for pay. With a license, however, you can tackle a surprisingly wide array of home projects as long as the total cost of labor and materials per project doesn’t go above $10,000.
These licensed handymen can tackle different home improvement or repair jobs like:
- Minor repairs and installations
- Basic maintenance work
- Basic carpentry work
- Everyday manual labor tasks
- Replacing fixtures or parts
- Small-scale renovations
- Painting and decorating
However, a licensed handyman in Alaska cannot legally perform specialized trades like electrical work, plumbing services, or HVAC system services without obtaining additional credentials.
What Kind of Work Can an Unlicensed Handyman Do in Alaska?
In a word: nothing. Alaska is strict about protecting consumers and maintaining high standards in the building trade, whether you’re hanging a single picture frame or renovating a whole bathroom.
Unlicensed individuals are generally restricted to:
- Unpaid volunteer work
- Work on their own property
- Assisting licensed contractors in a non-professional capacity
A handyman can draw a $1,000 fine for working without a license. If it happens again, the fine increases to $1,500. A contractor can accrue a violation each day he works without proper registration.
How to Get a Handyman License in Alaska
Let’s look at what you must do to get your handyman license and start working legally in Alaska.
In this section:
- Handyman License Eligibility Requirements
- Handyman License Application Costs
- Handyman License Application Process
Handyman License Eligibility Requirements
If you’re planning to register as a handyman in Alaska, keep in mind that you should meet the following conditions:
- Age: You need to be at least 18 years old.
- Business registration: You must register the business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. This includes:
- Registering a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name
- Register with the Corporations section and obtain an Alaska entity number for corporations or LLCs.
- Insurance: You must provide proof of current general liability insurance with the following minimum coverage:
- $20,000 for damage to property
- $50,000 for injury, including death, to any one person
- $100,000 for injury, including death, to more than one person
- Bonding: A $5,000 surety bond is required for registration as a handyman
- Notarization: The application must be signed and notarized
Handyman License Application Costs
Here are the main costs to become a licensed handyman in Alaska:
- Application fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
- Registration fee: $250
- General liability insurance: It typically ranges from $300 to $1,500 per year.
- Surety bond: $100 to $500+ per year
- Business registration fees:
- Sole proprietorship: $25
- General partnership: $150
- Limited Liability Company: $250
- Corporation: $250
Handyman License Application Process
To apply for a General Contractor – Handyman license in Alaska:
Step 1: Complete the application form (#08-4816)
Complete all sections of the Construction Contractors Registration Application form (pages 1 to 4), including:
- Business name and contact information
- Alaska entity number (for corporations/LLCs)
- List all owners, partners, corporate officers, or managing members
- Notarized signatures where required
Step 2: Pay the required fees
Pay the required application and registration fees ($350 total):
- Application fee (non-refundable): $100
- Registration fee: $250
Step 3: Provide proof of general liability insurance
Submit form #08-4816a or a certificate from your insurance provider showing:
- $20,000 for property damage
- $50,000 for injury/death to one person
- $100,000 for injury/death to multiple persons
Step 4: Submit workers’ compensation insurance (If applicable)
Provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage. It’s required if:
- You have employees
- You’re registered as a corporation or LLC
Step 5: Submit a $5,000 surety bond
Submit one of the following:
- Surety bond using form #08-4816b
- Cashier’s check
- Time certificate of deposit assigned to “State of Alaska in trust for (contractor name)
Step 6: Submit your application
Mail all documents to the Construction Contractors Program office. This is the only accepted submission method.
- Mailing address: PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811
Step 7: Application review
Wait for your application to be reviewed and approved. The CCP office reviews applications in the order they were received.
Local Handyman License Requirements
Alaska keeps things simple for handypersons. The state’s General Contractor – Handyman license lets you work on jobs under $10,000 throughout Alaska, and that’s all you need. This works everywhere, from Anchorage to Fairbanks to Juneau to Homer.
None of the cities create extra hoops to jump through – they just stick to the state’s rules. The only other paperwork you might need is a regular business license for your area. That’s what makes Alaska unique – you can work all over the state knowing your handyman license is all you need.
Get Started Today
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock created using Canva Pro
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