Pennsylvania Handyman Cap & Advertising Rule
The Key Rule in Pennsylvania:
Once you exceed $5,000 in annual home improvement revenue, you must register with the PA Attorney General ($50 fee, no exam!).
Once you exceed $5,000 in annual home improvement revenue, you must register with the PA Attorney General ($50 fee, no exam!).
Cheapest Legal Registration Path: PA Attorney General HIC Registration (No Exam)
Estimated Year-1 Cost: $50 App Fee + $0 State Bond (No Bond ($50k Liability Insurance Required))
Note on Project Quotes: All 50-state handyman cap rules, permit calculators, and checklists are free nationwide. Direct contractor project estimates are available in Cowlitz & Clark County, WA only; out-of-area visitors can compare national pros via Angi, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor on our main hub.
Frequently Asked Questions (Pennsylvania)
1. How much can an unlicensed handyman legally charge in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania (PA HICPA (73 P.S. § 517.1)), the unlicensed handyman threshold is: $5,000/yr Gross Volume before HICPA Registration. Once you exceed $5,000 in annual home improvement revenue, you must register with the PA Attorney General ($50 fee, no exam!).
2. What is the cheapest way to become a legal bonded handyman/contractor in Pennsylvania?
The fastest path is PA Attorney General HIC Registration (No Exam), with an application fee of ~$50 and a surety bond cost of ~$0/year (No Bond ($50k Liability Insurance Required)).