License Required

How to Get a Mobile Home Installer License in Oregon

Oregon requires a mobile home installer license to offer professional services. State fees are $440, which is above the $358 national average.

Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3

Quick Facts

License Required
Yes
Licensing Fees
$440(above the $358 national average)
Exams Required
2
Minimum Age
18 years old

What This Means for Your Home Mobile Home Installer Business

Oregon makes it possible to run a home mobile home installer business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. Oregon is one of 37 states that require licensing.

The cost is on the higher side. At $440, Oregon charges more than the $358 national average. The real investment is time, not money.

Once licensed, Oregon offers advantages: no sales tax on services, reducing complexity. Plus, LLC formation is just $100. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.

Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the Oregon licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal mobile home installer license and is something many first-time home-based mobile home installers overlook.

How to Start Your Home Mobile Home Installer Business

Follow these steps to legally launch your business in Oregon. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.

1

Complete Mobile Home Installer Training

Enroll in a Oregon-approved mobile home installer school.

Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.

2

Pass the Required Exams ($440)

Once you've finished training, register for the required exam through the Oregon licensing board. You must pass all 2 exams.

3

Form Your Oregon LLC ($100 state fee)

Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.

Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your Oregon LLC online for $0 + the $100 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.

4

Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License

You need two things to legally operate from home:

  • Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
  • Shop license — from the Oregon licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
5

Get Business Insurance

General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based mobile home installers cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in Oregon, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.

6

Register for State & Federal Taxes

Oregon does not charge sales tax on personal services. So you won't need to collect sales tax from clients. However, you still need to:

  • Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
  • Register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for state income tax
  • 0
7

Book Your First Clients

You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:

  • Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based mobile home installers)
  • Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
  • Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home mobile home installers attract clients
  • Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility

Total Estimated Startup Costs

Exam fees + license$440
Oregon LLC formation$100
Home occupation permit$25 - $100
Business insurance (first year)$180 - $480
Total (excluding training/school)$745 - $1120

* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.

Oregon Business Setup Costs & Details

Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in Oregon — beyond the mobile home installer license itself.

LLC Formation Cost
$100
File with Oregon SOS
Sales Tax on Services
NoMobile Home Installer services are exempt
Sales Tax on Products
Varies+ county/city tax if you sell retail products
Minimum Wage
$14.7/hr
As a business owner, you set your own rates
Home Occupation Permit
Required in most Oregon counties
Check with your county zoning office

Compare Mobile Home Installer Requirements in Nearby States

See how Oregon's requirements compare to neighboring states.

StateLicense?FeesTraining
Oregon(you)Yes$440376 days
CaliforniaYes$5791460 days
IdahoYes$2201 days
NevadaYes$515730 days
WashingtonYes$404184 days

Key takeaway: All of Oregon's neighbors require a mobile home installer license. If cost is your main concern, Idaho has the lowest fees at $220.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a mobile home installer license in Oregon?
The total cost in state fees is $440, which includes exam registration and license issuance fees. This does not include the cost of mobile home installer school tuition, which varies by program. At $440, Oregon is above the $358 national average.
What exams do I need to pass for a Oregon mobile home installer license?
You must pass 2 exams: the required examination(s) through the Oregon licensing board. You must apply for exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — check with the Board for current deadlines and fees.
Can I run a mobile home installer business from my home in Oregon?
Yes, you can operate a mobile home installer business from home in Oregon, but you must: (1) hold a valid mobile home installer license, (2) obtain a shop/salon license from the Oregon licensing board — your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards, and (3) get a home occupation permit from your local county. The shop/workspace license is a step many first-time home-based mobile home installers overlook.
Do I need to collect sales tax as a mobile home installer in Oregon?
No — not on services. Oregon does not charge sales tax on personal care services like mobile home installer work. However, if you also sell retail products to clients (shampoo, styling products, etc.), you will need to collect Oregon's 0% state sales tax plus any applicable county and city taxes on those product sales.
How much does an LLC cost in Oregon?
The state filing fee is $100. You can file online through the Oregon Secretary of State or use services like ZenBusiness ($0 + state fee). An LLC protects your personal assets from business liabilities — critical when working with clients in your home.

More Mobile Home Installer Resources for Oregon

Sources & Disclaimer

Data Sources

  • License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
  • LLC and tax data: Oregon Secretary of State and Oregon Department of Revenue.

Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Oregon licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.