Who can fix it in New Jersey? Handyman and contractor license rules

Sources

1. N.J.S.A. 56:8-138(a), Contractors' Business Registration Act (as amended by P.L. 2023, c. 237) — New Jersey LegislatureNo contractor business shall offer to perform, or engage, or attempt to engage in the business of making or selling home improvements unless registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2004, c.16 (C.56:8-136 et seq.).
2. N.J.S.A. 56:8-138(b) (annual registration) — New Jersey LegislatureEvery contractor business shall annually register with the director.
3. Home Improvement Contractor Business - Frequently Asked Questions (side jobs) — New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsYes. The Act applies to any HICB engaging in the business of making or selling home improvements — regardless of whether the home improvements are done on a full-time or part-time basis.
4. Home Improvement Contractor Business - Frequently Asked Questions (own or family home) — New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsNo. The registration requirements do not apply to any person performing a home improvement on a residential or non-commercial property he or she owns or that is owned by a member of his or her family.
5. Home Improvement Contractor Business - Frequently Asked Questions (what counts as a home improvement) — New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsHome improvements include, but are not limited to, the remodeling, painting, repairing, renovating of, and making of additions to residential property.
6. Home Improvement Contractor Business - Frequently Asked Questions (contracts and registration numbers) — New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsHICBs are required to comply with existing regulations, including the requirements that HICBs use written contracts for home improvement jobs that cost more than $500 and that they prominently display their registration number within their places of business, in all advertisements, on business cards, on their commercial vehicles and on all business documents.
7. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15(b)2i, Uniform Construction Code (licensed trades; homeowner exception) — New Jersey Department of Community AffairsPlumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, and master hearth specialist work shall not be undertaken except by persons licensed to perform such work pursuant to law, except in the case of a single-family homeowner on his or her own dwelling.
8. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15(b)9, Uniform Construction Code (registered contractors on permits) — New Jersey Department of Community AffairsIf work involves a home improvement performed by a contractor, such contractor shall be registered pursuant to N.J.S.A. 56:8-136 et seq. The registration number of the contractor shall appear on the permit application.
9. N.J.S.A. 45:5A-18(a) (electrical: minor repair exemption), as amended by P.L. 2021, c. 479 — New Jersey LegislatureMinor repair work such as the replacement of lamps and fuses.
10. N.J.S.A. 45:5A-18(n) (electrical: work on your own residence), as amended by P.L. 2021, c. 479 — New Jersey LegislatureWork performed by a person on a dwelling that is occupied solely as a residence for himself or for a member or members of his immediate family.
11. N.J.S.A. 45:16A-9 (HVACR: single-family homeowner), P.L. 2007, c. 211 — New Jersey LegislatureThe provisions of this act shall not apply to a single family home owner who personally occupies his own dwelling and who solely performs HVACR work on his own dwelling, upon receipt of all required permits, except that any HVACR work involving chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's) shall be performed only by a licensed Master HVACR contractor.
12. N.J.S.A. 56:8-151(a) (written contracts), as amended by P.L. 2023, c. 237 — New Jersey LegislatureEvery home improvement contract for a purchase price in excess of $500, and all changes in the terms and conditions of the contract, shall be in writing.
13. N.J.S.A. 56:8-151(b) (right to cancel; written notice), as amended by P.L. 2023, c. 237 — New Jersey Legislaturea home improvement contract may be cancelled by a consumer for any reason at any time before midnight of the third business day after the consumer receives a copy of it. In order to cancel a contract, the consumer shall notify the contractor business of the cancellation, in writing, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery, to the address specified in the contract.
14. N.J.S.A. 56:8-151(b) (refund after cancelling), as amended by P.L. 2023, c. 237 — New Jersey LegislatureAll moneys paid pursuant to the cancelled contract shall be fully refunded within 30 days of receipt of the notice of cancellation.
15. N.J.S.A. 56:8-142(a) (insurance), as amended by P.L. 2023, c. 237 — New Jersey Legislatureproof of a certificate of commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence and workers’ compensation insurance unless exempted by law.
16. N.J.S.A. 45:5AAA-5(b), Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractor Licensing Act (P.L. 2023, c. 237) — New Jersey LegislatureThe provisions of sections 9 through 13 of P.L.2023, c.237 (C.45:5AAA-9 through 45:5AAA-13) shall remain inoperative until the first day of the sixth month next following the promulgation by the board of the rules and regulations.
17. N.J. Senate Bill 2148 (2026), "General Contractor Licensing Act" (introduced) — New Jersey Legislature"General Contractor Licensing Act;" provides for licensure of general contractors.
18. N.J. Senate Bill 2148 (2026) - bill history — New Jersey Legislature"ActionDate":"6/15/2026","HistoryAction":"Transferred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee"
19. Rule Proposals list (newest entry as of 2026-10-20) — New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsProposal Date: August 17, 2026 Comments Deadline: October 16, 2026 Division Unit: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
20. Home Improvement Contractor Business - Frequently Asked Questions (who is exempt) — New Jersey Division of Consumer AffairsA person that is licensed or regulated by a professional board with the Division, or another State agency, that is acting within the scope of practice for their profession;

Checked October 20, 2026. We used AI-assisted research, then separate review passes that tried to prove each claim wrong against the law and agency pages above. This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; confirm with the state board or your local building department before you hire or start work. See a mistake? Email [email protected].