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Contractor License in Texas

Trade-specific

Texas has no statewide general contractor license. General contracting and remodeling are regulated at the municipal level, so requirements (city registration, permits, insurance) vary by city. Specific trades are licensed at the state level.

Quick facts

ExperienceVaries by trade. For example, becoming a TDLR Master Electrician requires documented hours of on-the-job experience (typically progressing from apprentice to journeyman to master). No experience requirement exists for general contracting because there is no state GC license.
ExamNo state general contractor exam. State-regulated trades (electrical, HVAC/ACR, plumbing, irrigation) each require their own licensing exams through the relevant board.
InsuranceNot set at the state level for general contractors. Individual cities frequently require general liability insurance to register or pull permits; state-licensed trades may have their own insurance/bond rules.
FeesNo statewide GC fee. City registration fees and state trade-license fees vary by jurisdiction and trade.
RenewalNot applicable for a state GC license. Trade licenses renew on their own cycles (commonly annually or biennially depending on the trade).
ReciprocityNot applicable at the state GC level. Some state trade licenses (e.g. electrical) may have limited reciprocity through TDLR.
Main agencyTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Official sitehttps://www.tdlr.texas.gov/
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Texas board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Texas

  1. Confirm the type of work: general contracting/remodeling is not state-licensed, but electrical, HVAC/ACR, plumbing, and irrigation are.
  2. For general contracting, check the specific city where you will work (e.g. Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth) for contractor registration and permit requirements.
  3. Register with the city and provide any locally required insurance before pulling permits.
  4. For a regulated trade, apply through the relevant state agency (TDLR for electrical/HVAC, TSBPE for plumbing, TCEQ for irrigation).
  5. Meet the trade's experience/hours requirement and pass the applicable state trade exam.
  6. Maintain the trade license per its renewal cycle and keep any city registrations current.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a state general contractor license in Texas?

No. Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license. General contracting is regulated by individual cities, so requirements depend on where you work.

Which trades are licensed at the state level?

Electrical and air conditioning/refrigeration (TDLR), plumbing (TSBPE), and irrigation (TCEQ) all require state licenses with their own exams.

Can I do remodeling work without any license?

In unincorporated areas you often can, but most cities require contractor registration and permits. You still cannot perform licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) without the proper state license.

What changed for plumbing in 2026?

As of January 1, 2026, employing or subcontracting an unlicensed individual to perform plumbing carries an administrative penalty (commonly cited at $4,000 per violation).

Is there a new roofing registration?

Legislation (HB 3344) introduced a TDLR reroofing contractor registration taking effect in mid-2026, requiring verification of business standing and insurance to use the 'Licensed Reroofing Contractor' title.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Texas licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.