Does a handyman need a license in Oregon?

Short answer: if someone advertises handyman or contractor services in Oregon, they need a CCB license. There's a small-job exemption, but it's narrow.

The small-job exemption

Oregon law exempts work that is "casual, minor or inconsequential." The CCB's rule says the work only counts if all of these are true:

• The total price for all the work on one structure or project is under $1,000.
• It doesn't need a permit.
• It doesn't affect the health or safety of the people who own or live in the home.
• It isn't done as a subcontractor to a licensed contractor.

The catch: advertising

The exemption doesn't apply to anyone who advertises or puts out a sign, card or anything else suggesting to the public that they're a contractor (ORS 701.010(4)). So a handyman with a truck sign, a business card, a website or an ad needs a license — even for small jobs.

The CCB's rule says lead-based paint work (renovation, abatement, inspection or risk assessment) on homes built before 1978 or child-occupied facilities is never "casual, minor or inconsequential" — so the small-job exemption doesn't cover it.

Every handyman listed on this site holds an active CCB license on the date shown on their listing.