How To Get Appliance Repair License? Comprehensive Guide
Posted in: Commercial,Residential
On October 31, 2022

Business licenses are mandatory permits that any business owner needs. They’ll keep your position secure and provide many benefits to which every license holder is entitled.

So, are you planning to start an appliance repair business but don’t know how to get a license? You can start by deciding on your business structure and advance toward applying for the actual license.

Are You Guaranteed A License?

Not everyone who applies for a license is guaranteed one in return. There are a few factors that can influence the outcome of your license application, including:

  • Regional laws: Trade laws and rules are often not uniform. Some states, regions, or countries may have more relaxed laws, while some have stricter ones.
  • State licensing: Most states don’t require a separate state registration to operate an appliance repair business. But if your state laws mandate you to have one, you should.
  • Local licensing: Appliance repair licenses are needed at the local and regional levels. You need to produce proof of identity, residence, and business location.
  • Technician Certification: This certificate determines if you are qualified in the basics of your business. So if you have one of these, you’re one step closer to obtaining the license.
  • Background check: The licensing center will verify if your details are accurate. Any discrepancy will result in non-acceptance. 

Requirements For Obtaining An Appliance Repair License

Get Appliance Repair License

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Depending on your state and regional laws, your licensing center may ask for all or most of the following, and once you have them, the rest is easy.

License application:

This is a basic license application that you’ll need to fill up and submit either offline or online. Remember to fill out all the necessary fields and submit all the requirements, as you can risk the chances of having a rejected application.

License Fee:

The licensing centers will ask for a license fee. The amount and validity will vary depending on the time of the year you apply for a license.

Here is a table to give you an idea about appliance repair license fee rates as per the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), New York:

Time of Application Submission License fee
(Even year) January 1 to June 30 $85, which is valid until June 30 of the same year.
(Even year) July 1 to December 31 $340, which is valid until June 30 of the next even year.
(Odd year) January 1 to June 30 $255, which is valid until June 30 of the next even year.
(Odd year) July 1 to December 31 $170, which is valid until June 30 of the next even year.

Fingerprints: 

Get Appliance Repair License

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Shareholders with more than 10% of the company’s stock may need to be fingerprinted with added processing fees. The percentage limit may differ based on your state and regional laws. 

Business Certificate:

Your business certificate should align with your business structure. These are the things to keep in mind:

  • Sole proprietors should submit an Assumed Business Name Certificate if the business is to be operated under a different name than their own.
  • Partnerships should submit a Partnership Certificate or an Assumed Name Certificate if and when asked.
  • Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must register at their respective state’s Division of Corporations.

Sales Tax Identification Number (TIN):

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The TIN is a unique 9-digit number that can ease purchasing or selling goods and services within and between states.

Electronics Store License:

This is a document that you need to hand in only if you’re planning to sell appliances and equipment, along with repair services. 

Granting Authority To Act Affirmation:

This document is only required when someone other than the applicant prepares and submits the license application.

Steps To Apply For An Appliance Repair License

Get Appliance Repair License

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Once you are all set with the requirements, you can proceed to apply for the license using online or offline services. 

Offline Method

  1. First, you’ll need to gather and review all your required documents.
  2. Next, book an appointment with a licensing center.
  3. Visit the licensing center and submit your application, documents, and license fee. 

Online Method

  1. Review your documents and keep them ready.
  2. Register on an online licensing center.
  3. Fill out and submit your license application with all the requirements.
  4. Pay the license fee. 

What To Do After You Get An Appliance Repair License?

After your license is ready, you need to set up your business plan in a way that allows your enterprise to grow. At the same time, you need to ensure there are not many grounds for deficits. Here are a few steps to get you started:

Get Appliance Repair License

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Apply For A Business Insurance

Business insurance guarantees several benefits; you can apply any or all of the options if you think they’ll be beneficial in the long run.

  • Commercial Auto Insurance covers expenses incurred in cases of accidents involving your business vehicle. 
  • Commercial Property Insurance covers damage or loss of equipment.
  • Commercial Liability Insurance covers legal costs in events of accidents at the business site.
  • Worker Compensation Insurance covers workers injured during business hours at the site.

Make A Business Portfolio

You can refine your portfolio by listing out the services you are willing to offer. This can be the list of appliances and equipment that most people will ask to repair, such as refrigerators, dryers, and ovens. 

Some licensing centers may even ask for your portfolio while registering, so it’s a good option to keep it ready ahead of time. 

Set Up A Business Bank Account

Keeping track of the cash flow within your business right from the start is the best way to manage your business goals. You’ll be more aware of the profits and losses and be able to make better decisions.

Summing Up

The scope of appliance repair sounds promising, especially with new appliances getting added to the market now and then. Both novice and seasoned technicians can find favorable career prospects in this field.

Much as you need the right workforce and qualifications to operate one, nothing can start without a proper license. The requirements can be many but not difficult to find, so start looking for yours now!