Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license. Unlike many other states, there is no single state board that oversees general building contractors. Instead, Texas regulates contractors through a combination of local city and county permits and statewide trade-specific licenses for electrical, HVAC/air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR), and plumbing work. Sources: Governor's Business Permit Office, Texas State Law Library.
If you plan to work as a general contractor in Texas, your licensing obligations depend on where you work — each city and county sets its own registration, permitting, insurance, and bonding requirements. However, if you perform electrical, HVAC/ACR, or plumbing work, you must obtain a statewide license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
This guide covers everything you need to know about contractor licensing in Texas: the statewide trade licenses available, requirements, application procedures, exams, fees, insurance, renewal, reciprocity, and penalties for unlicensed work.
Types of Contractor Licenses
Texas handles contractor licensing differently than most states. There is no statewide general contractor license. Instead, the state licenses specific trades through two agencies: TDLR (electrical and HVAC/ACR) and TSBPE (plumbing).
General Contractor — No Statewide License
Texas does not require a statewide general contractor license. General building contractors are regulated at the city and county level through local building permits, registrations, and codes. If you operate as a general contractor, check with the building department in each city or county where you plan to work. Requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions.
Electrical Contractor
Electrical contractor licenses are issued by TDLR. There are two types:
- Electrical Contractor — requires a licensed Master Electrician of Record
- Electrical Sign Contractor — requires a licensed Master Sign Electrician of Record
A state electrical license is valid anywhere in Texas, though cities may still require local building permits. A municipal electrician license is only valid within that municipality. Source: TDLR Electricians FAQ.
HVAC / Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) Contractor
ACR contractor licenses are issued by TDLR's ACR Program. There are two classes with multiple endorsements:
- Class A Contractor — no restrictions on the size or type of ACR work
- Class B Contractor — limited scope of work
Available endorsements include Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, and Process Cooling/Heating.
Plumbing — Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber (RMP)
Plumbing contracting in Texas is regulated by TSBPE. There is no separate "plumbing contractor license." Instead, plumbing contracting authority comes through holding a Master Plumber license with a Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation. The RMP is the individual responsible for all plumbing work performed by the business. TSBPE also issues the following individual licenses:
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited — entry-level; requires 4,000 hours of experience plus 24 hours of training
- Journeyman Plumber — requires 8,000 hours of experience plus 48 hours of training (with some exemptions)
- Master Plumber — requires holding a Journeyman license for at least 2 years
Municipalities with populations over 5,000 must also regulate plumbing permits and inspections under Tex. Occ. Code § 1301.551.
Licensing Requirements
General Contractors
Since Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, there are no statewide requirements. You must verify local registration, permitting, insurance, and bond rules with the city or county building department where you intend to work. Sources: Governor's Business Permit Office, Texas State Law Library.
Electrical Contractor Requirements
- Qualifying individual: The business must employ a licensed Master Electrician of Record (who may be the owner). Source: TDLR
- Master Electrician qualifications: Must hold a Journeyman Electrician license for at least 2 years and document 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas Master Electrician. Source: TDLR Master Electrician Application
- Insurance: $300,000 per occurrence; $600,000 aggregate; $300,000 products/completed operations
- Workers' compensation: Proof of coverage, authority to self-insure, or statement of election not to carry coverage (if not carrying, file online notice with TDI)
- Background check: Criminal history review including fingerprinting; may take 1 to 6 weeks
HVAC / ACR Contractor Requirements
- Age: At least 18 years old
- Experience: 48 months of supervised experience within the last 72 months, or 12 months as a certified technician plus 36 months of supervised experience within the last 48 months. Source: TDLR ACR Program
- Education exceptions: A degree, diploma, certification, mechanical engineering credentials, military training, or qualifying industrial employment may support an exception to the experience requirements
- Exam: Required; administered by PSI after TDLR approves eligibility
- Background check: Criminal history review; may take 1 to 6 weeks
- Timeline: All requirements must be completed within 1 year of filing the application
Plumbing Requirements
- Master Plumber eligibility: Licensed as a Journeyman in Texas or another state for at least 2 years (or 1 year with a DOL-approved apprenticeship path). Out-of-state master plumbers may also qualify if prior journeyman history meets TSBPE rules. Source: TSBPE Master Plumber
- Responsible Master Plumber (RMP): Must be a Texas Master Plumber in good standing and carry at least $300,000 in commercial liability insurance. Source: TSBPE RMP
- Fingerprints: All applicants and examinees must submit fingerprint data; felony applicants must submit a supplemental criminal-history form. Source: TSBPE
- Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours of experience plus 48 hours of training (unless exempt by apprenticeship or out-of-state status). Source: TSBPE Journeyman
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours of experience plus 24 hours of training. Source: TSBPE Tradesman
Application Process
General Contractors
No statewide application exists. Contact the local city or county building department where you plan to work to determine their specific registration and permitting process.
Electrical Contractor Application
- Confirm your qualifying individual: Ensure your business employs a licensed Master Electrician of Record.
- Submit the application: Complete the Electrical Contractor or Electrical Sign Contractor License Application through TDLR.
- Provide insurance documentation: Submit proof of liability insurance meeting TDLR minimums.
- Complete criminal history questionnaire: If applicable, submit the criminal history form.
- Pay the application fee: $110.
- Await processing: TDLR does not publish a standard processing timeline. Criminal history reviews may take 1 to 6 weeks.
ACR Contractor Application
- Submit the application: Complete the ACR Contractor License Application along with required forms (ACR002, ACR005, ACR009).
- Provide experience verification: Submit experience verification forms documenting your qualifying experience.
- Complete criminal history questionnaire: If applicable.
- Pay the application fee: $115.
- Pass the exam: After TDLR approves your eligibility, schedule and pass the PSI-administered exam.
- Submit certificate of insurance: Provide proof of liability insurance after passing the exam.
All requirements must be completed within 1 year of filing. Criminal history reviews may take 1 to 6 weeks.
Plumbing License Application
- Apply for the Master Plumber exam: Submit your application through the TSBPE online licensing system or by mail. TSBPE recommends applying online, as paper applications processed through Pearson VUE can take up to 45 days. Source: Pearson VUE
- Submit fingerprints: All applicants must submit fingerprint data.
- Pass the Master Plumber exam: Administered by Pearson VUE.
- Apply for RMP designation: Once you hold a Master Plumber license, apply for the Responsible Master Plumber designation through the TSBPE online system or by mail, along with your certificate of insurance and fee.
Required documents vary by license type but typically include the application, employer/experience certification, fingerprints, certificate of insurance (for RMP), and supplemental criminal history form (for felony history). Source: TSBPE Applications & Forms.
Examination Requirements
Electrical Contractor
The electrical contractor business license itself does not require a separate exam. However, the qualifying individual must hold a Master Electrician license, which requires passing the master electrician exam.
- Exam provider: PSI
- Passing score: 70%
- Exam fee: $78
Sources: TDLR Exam Info, PSI Electrician Bulletin (PDF)
HVAC / ACR Contractor
ACR contractor applicants must pass a classification-specific exam after TDLR approves their eligibility. Source: TDLR ACR Exam Info
- Exam provider: PSI
- Passing score: 70% for all classifications
| Exam | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class A Environmental Air Conditioning | $74 |
| Class B Environmental Air Conditioning | $60 |
| Class A Commercial Refrigeration | $74 |
| Class B Commercial Refrigeration | $60 |
Source: PSI ACR Bulletin
Master Plumber
- Exam provider: Pearson VUE
- Passing score: 70%
- Written exam fee: $128.50 (payable to Pearson VUE)
- Exam processing fee: $25 (payable to TSBPE)
Sources: TSBPE Master Plumber, Pearson VUE Handbook (PDF)
Responsible Master Plumber (RMP)
The RMP designation does not require a separate exam. It is added to an existing Master Plumber license. Source: TSBPE RMP
License Fees and Costs
Electrical License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor Application/License | $110 |
| Master Electrician Application | $45 |
| Master Electrician Exam (PSI) | $78 |
| Electrical Contractor Renewal (annual) | $110 |
| Late Renewal (within 90 days) | $165 |
| Late Renewal (91 days to 18 months) | $220 |
| Late Renewal (18-36 months, requires executive director approval) | $220 |
Sources: TDLR Electrical Contractor, TDLR Master Electrician, TDLR Renewal
ACR License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| ACR Contractor Application/License | $115 |
| Class A Exam (PSI) | $74 |
| Class B Exam (PSI) | $60 |
| ACR Contractor Renewal (annual) | $65 |
| Late Renewal (within 90 days) | 1.5x renewal fee |
| Late Renewal (91 days to 18 months) | 2x renewal fee |
| Late Renewal (18-36 months, requires executive director approval) | 2x renewal fee |
Sources: TDLR ACR Application, TDLR ACR Renewal
Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Application | Exam | Initial License | Renewal (Annual) | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Plumber | $25 (exam processing) | $128.50 | $75 | $75 | $37.50 (<90 days) |
| Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) | $225 | None | Included | $300 | $150 (<90 days); $300 (>90 days) |
| Journeyman Plumber | $40 | Pearson VUE | $40 | $40 | $20 (<90 days); $40 (>90 days) |
| Tradesman Plumber-Limited | $36 | Pearson VUE | $35 | $35 | $17.50 (<90 days); $35 (>90 days) |
Sources: TSBPE Master, TSBPE RMP, TSBPE Journeyman, TSBPE Tradesman
Insurance and Bond Requirements
Electrical Contractor Insurance
Electrical contractors must maintain the following liability insurance minimums. Source: TDLR
| Coverage Type | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Per Occurrence | $300,000 |
| General Aggregate | $600,000 |
| Products/Completed Operations | $300,000 |
Workers' compensation is also required unless the contractor files a statement of election not to carry coverage and submits online notice to TDI.
ACR Contractor Insurance
Insurance minimums vary by class. Source: TDLR ACR
| Coverage Type | Class A | Class B |
|---|---|---|
| Per Occurrence | $300,000 | $100,000 |
| General Aggregate | $600,000 | $200,000 |
| Products/Completed Operations | $300,000 | $100,000 |
Plumbing Insurance
A Responsible Master Plumber must carry at least $300,000 in commercial liability insurance. The certificate of insurance must be on file with TSBPE. Source: TSBPE RMP
Bond Requirements
No bond or separate financial/net-worth requirement was verified on the official TDLR contractor pages reviewed for electrical or ACR licenses. For general contractors, bond requirements vary by local jurisdiction. Check with your local building department.
License Renewal
All statewide trade licenses in Texas renew annually.
Electrical Contractor Renewal
- Renewal fee: $110 per year
- Continuing education for contractors: Not required. TDLR states that "Contractors and Residential Appliance Installers are not required" to complete CE. Source: TDLR Electrician CE
- CE for individual electricians: 4 hours covering NEC, NFPA 70E safety, and state law/rules through TDLR-approved providers
- Late fees: $165 (within 90 days); $220 (91 days to 18 months); $220 (18-36 months, requires executive director request). Source: TDLR Renewal
ACR Contractor Renewal
- Renewal fee: $65 per year
- Continuing education: 8 hours required, including 1 hour on Texas laws and rules. Remaining hours may cover Chapter 1302, TAC Chapter 75, mechanical codes, ethics, business practices, and technical requirements. Must be through TDLR-approved providers. Sources: ACR Renewal, ACR CE
- Late fees: 1.5x renewal fee (within 90 days); 2x (91 days to 18 months); 2x (18-36 months, requires executive director approval). Source: TDLR ACR Renewal
Plumbing License Renewal
- Renewal period: Annual. First license expiry is randomly set 6 to 18 months after passing the exam (except for Plumbing Inspectors). Source: TSBPE
- Continuing professional education: 6 hours required, with 3 of the 6 hours covering health protection, energy conservation, and water conservation (per Tex. Occ. Code § 1301.404). Providers must be board-approved. Source: TSBPE Training & Education
- Late fees: Vary by license type (see fee table above). TSBPE publishes late-fee brackets but does not list a full reinstatement cutoff on their website. Verify current reinstatement limits with TSBPE.
Reciprocity with Other States
Because Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, there is no general contractor reciprocity program. Reciprocity exists only for specific trades.
Electrical Reciprocity
Texas recognizes reciprocity for electrical licenses with the following states. Source: TDLR Out-of-State Electricians
Master Electrician reciprocity:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Iowa (Class A Master)
- Louisiana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
Journeyman Electrician reciprocity:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
Reciprocity uses an application plus good-standing/license proof instead of re-testing in Texas. Texas still requires proof of experience and prior examination/pass history.
ACR Reciprocity
Texas has ACR reciprocity agreements with Georgia and South Carolina only. Qualifying out-of-state license holders may use current qualifications, but Texas still requires an application, good-standing letter, proof of prior exam, and Texas insurance. Whether a Texas exam is still required depends on the license equivalency requested. Source: TDLR ACR Reciprocity
Plumbing Reciprocity
TSBPE does not offer broad license-by-reciprocity. Out-of-state licensees may qualify to sit for Texas exams with some training prerequisites waived, but applicants are still routed through the Texas exam and licensure process. Sources: TSBPE Master, TSBPE Journeyman, TSBPE Tradesman
NASCLA
No official Texas source was found showing that Texas accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for general or trade contractor licensure. Verify with TDLR or TSBPE.
How to Verify a Contractor's License
Because Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, there is no single lookup tool for all contractors. Use the following resources to verify trade-specific licenses.
Electrical and ACR License Verification
Use TDLR's Verify a License tool, accessible from the Electricians or ACR program pages.
| TDLR Mailing Address | PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711 |
| In-State Phone | (800) 803-9202 |
| Direct Phone | (512) 463-6599 |
| Relay Texas-TDD | (800) 735-2989 |
| Website | www.tdlr.texas.gov |
Plumbing License Verification
Use TSBPE's Public License Search to verify a plumber's RMP status, insurance on file, and complaint history. Source: TSBPE Consumer Information
| TSBPE Address | 7915 Cameron Rd., Austin, TX 78754 |
| Phone | (512) 936-5200 |
| Website | tsbpe.texas.gov |
| Contact Page | tsbpe.texas.gov/contact |
General Contractors
For general contractors, verify registration and permit status through the local city or county building department where the contractor is working.
Penalties for Working Without a License
Texas enforces licensing requirements through criminal penalties and administrative fines for each regulated trade.
Electrical Work Without a License
Under Tex. Occ. Code § 1305.302, TDLR may issue cease-and-desist orders, seek injunctions, and impose civil penalties. Under § 1305.303, unlicensed electrical work and certain related violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor.
ACR Work Without a License
Under Tex. Occ. Code § 1302.453, knowingly engaging in ACR contracting without a license, or performing maintenance work without the required credential, is a Class C misdemeanor.
Plumbing Work Without a License
Under Tex. Occ. Code § 1301.508, performing unlicensed or unregistered plumbing activity, or employing people without the required plumbing credentials, is a Class C misdemeanor.
Administrative Penalties for Plumbing Violations
Effective January 1, 2026, TSBPE penalizes employing or subcontracting an unregistered or unlicensed individual to perform plumbing at $4,000 per violation with no reduced settlement for that violation category. Source: TSBPE Announcement
Consumer Protection
TSBPE advises consumers to verify the Responsible Master Plumber, confirm insurance on file, check complaint history, and verify local inspection and permit requirements before hiring. Source: TSBPE Consumer Information. Complaints can be filed through the TSBPE Complaint Portal. For TDLR-regulated trades, verify the current complaint workflow from the relevant TDLR program page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas require a general contractor license?
No. Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license. General building contractors are regulated at the city and county level through local permits and registrations. Check with the building department in the jurisdiction where you plan to work. Sources: Governor's Business Permit Office, Texas State Law Library.
Which trades require a statewide license in Texas?
Three trades require statewide licensing: electrical (through TDLR), HVAC/air conditioning and refrigeration (through TDLR), and plumbing (through TSBPE). Each has its own application process, exam, and requirements.
How do I become an electrical contractor in Texas?
Your business must employ a licensed Master Electrician of Record, meet TDLR's liability insurance minimums ($300,000/$600,000/$300,000), and submit the Electrical Contractor License Application with a $110 fee. The Master Electrician qualification requires a Journeyman license held for at least 2 years and 12,000 hours of on-the-job training.
How long does the licensing process take?
Processing timelines vary. TDLR does not publish a standard initial processing timeline for electrical or ACR contractor licenses. Criminal history reviews may take 1 to 6 weeks. For plumbing, TSBPE recommends applying online for faster processing; paper applications through Pearson VUE can take up to 45 days. ACR applicants must complete all requirements within 1 year of filing.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, for specific trades only. Electrical reciprocity exists with several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, and others (depending on license level). ACR reciprocity is limited to Georgia and South Carolina. Plumbing does not have broad reciprocity, though out-of-state licensees may qualify for exam eligibility with some prerequisites waived.
What are the penalties for unlicensed work in Texas?
Unlicensed electrical, ACR, and plumbing work are each classified as a Class C misdemeanor under the Texas Occupations Code. Additionally, as of January 1, 2026, employing or subcontracting an unlicensed individual to perform plumbing carries an administrative penalty of $4,000 per violation.
Conclusion
Texas takes a decentralized approach to contractor licensing. While there is no statewide general contractor license, the state maintains rigorous licensing requirements for electrical, HVAC/ACR, and plumbing trades through TDLR and TSBPE. If you work in any of these regulated trades, obtaining and maintaining the proper license is essential to operating legally.
For general contracting, your obligations are determined by local jurisdictions. Contact the city or county building department where you plan to work to understand their specific requirements for registration, permits, insurance, and bonding.
Start your trade license applications at TDLR (electrical and ACR) or TSBPE (plumbing). For questions, contact TDLR at (800) 803-9202 or TSBPE at (512) 936-5200.
This article is provided for informational purposes and was last updated in April 2026. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with TDLR, TSBPE, or your local building department.