How to Get a Texas Contractor License

There are multiple types of Texas contractor licenses, so the first step is figuring out which one you need. Ultimately, the license you require will depend on the type of work you want to do and your municipality.

Electrical Contractor: install, maintain or extend electrical wiring systems in, on, outside or attached to a building, residence, structure, property, or premises. There are several types of business and individual electrical licenses, among them:

• Master Electrician
• Journeyman
• Residential wireman

For a full list of electrical license types, visit the TDLR electricians licensing website.

Note: Texas holds a reciprocity agreement with the states of Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor: install, maintain and repair HVAC systems. This includes environmental air conditioning systems, process heating or cooling systems, commercial refrigeration systems, or commercial refrigeration equipment. There are two classes of licenses:

• Class A – allows a contractor to work on any sized HVAC unit.
• Class B – allows a contractor to work on cooling units 25 tons or less and on heating systems 1.5 million BTUs per hour and under.

Both of these licenses may only have one endorsement (environmental air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, or process cooling and heating). For endorsement details, visit the TDLR air conditioning and refrigeration licensing website.

Note: Reciprocity licensing agreements are in place with the state of Georgia and South Carolina. They are also considered on a case-by-case basis.

Plumbing Contractor: install, maintain and repair pipes, fittings, and other apparatuses of water supply, sanitation, and heating systems. Several licensing levels are available for plumbing, including:

• Master Plumber
• Journeyman
• Tradesman Plumber-Limited
• Plumbing Inspector

For a more details on plumbing license types, visit the TSBPE plumbing licensing website.

Note: Reciprocity is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Specialty Contractor (Municipality Level): duties include roofing, landscape, home improvement, and more. Please visit your municipality's website or your local development services department for more information on general contractor licenses, home improvement contractor licenses, residential building contractor licenses, and other specialty contractor licenses.

In the state of Texas, some contractor licenses are issued on a state level, while others are administered through local municipalities.

Electrician License: The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TLDR) is responsible for the licensing of electricians.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration License: This state license is also issued through the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TLDR). It is sometimes referred to as an HVAC license or AC and refrigeration license.

Plumbing License: The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is in charge of licensing of plumbers.

Specialty License or General Contractor License: Specialty contractor licenses such as roofing, building, landscape, etc. are issued at the municipal level and are subject to regulations, requirements, and license fees passed by individual cities. Some Texas cities may not require any licensing.

• Electrical Contractor License applications can be found here.
• HVAC Contractor License applications can be found here.
• Plumbing Contractor License applications can be found here.

Note: Specialty Contractor License applications need to be obtained directly through the municipality you will be working in. To find applications and information, please visit the city's website or call your city hall.

Please note that municipalities will have their own general contractor document and ID needs, but many of the requirements below are part of the process.

Electrical Contractor License:

• Depending on the electrical contractor license for which you are applying, you must meet a certain criteria for hours on the job, or show proof of holding another type of electrical license for a minimum of 2 years. Include your employment history in the application.
• Criminal history must be indicated when applying for an electrical license. Complete and attach a Criminal History Questionnaire for each offense, if any. If you are concerned that your criminal history could prevent you from receiving your license, apply for a Criminal History Evaluation Letter for an evaluation.
• If you have ever had an occupational license, registration, or certification suspended, revoked, or denied, you must fill in the Disciplinary Action Questionnaire for each disciplinary action.
• Licensing options may be available to military service members, military veterans, or military spouses. Complete the Military Service Member, Military Veteran or Military Spouse Supplemental Application.
• The application must be completed, typed or printed in black ink, and signed by the applicant. All attached documents must be submitted on separate pieces of single-sided, A4 paper. Pages must be paper clipped together, along with the payment at the top. Do not staple together.

Note: Requirements and documents may vary slightly, depending on the electrical contractor license you are applying for.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License:

• You must meet both education and experience requirements. In the past 72 months, you must have 48 months of practical experience in HVAC-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor. OR if you've had a technician certificate for at least a year, 36 months of experience in the past 48 months. This needs to be documented in an Experience Verification form.
• If you have ever had an occupational license, registration, or certification suspended, revoked, or denied, you must fill in the Disciplinary Action Questionnaire for each disciplinary action.
• A background check will be conducted. Fill out a Criminal History Questionnaire for each offense, if any. If you are concerned that your criminal history could affect your license, apply for a Criminal History Evaluation Letter for an evaluation.
• You must meet insurance requirements with commercial general liability insurance that covers property damage, bodily injury, and aggregates for products and completed operations. Later down the road if you decide to turn your contracting into a small business, other insurance coverage may be required, such as workers' compensation insurance.

Note: Requirements and documents may vary slightly, depending on the air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license you are applying for.

Plumbing Contractor License:

• Depending on the plumbing license for which you are applying, you are required to meet a certain amount of hours on the job. Fill out the Employer's Certification Form and attached it to your application.
• Fill out a Criminal History Questionnaire for each offense, if any. If you are concerned that your criminal history could affect your license, apply for a Criminal History Evaluation Letter for an evaluation.
• You must fill out an examination application form depending on the plumbing license you are applying for. Certain requirements may apply, such as accumulated hours of experience working, a valid diploma or GED, proof of U. S. citizenship or permanent residence.

Note: Requirements and documents may vary slightly, depending on the plumbing contractor license you are applying for.

Contractor Insurance

There are several types of insurance coverages that are recommended for contractors, but the recommended coverage will vary based on your operation.

If you’d like to learn more about all of the insurance coverages available to you, please read our contractor insurance guide.

Electrical Contractors:

Once your application is approved, you are qualified to take the examination. Several types of exams are available, depending on the electrical license you are applying for. You can find more information regarding examination and fees here.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor:

After you've submitted your application, TDLR will determine if you are eligible to take the Texas air conditioning and refrigeration exam. If so, you will receive an email (or postcard for those without email) with information on scheduling an exam appointment.

Plumbing Contractor:

A Plumbing Contractor's license requires you to fill in an application through TSBPE. There, you can also find all requirements and fees necessary prior to your examination. Several types of exams are available, depending on the plumbing license you are applying for. Application processing takes approximately 30 days, depending on application volume.

Specialty Contractor:

Examination in regards to Specialty Contractor's licenses will differ in each municipality. Please visit your municipality's website or call for more information.