At a glance
The most important thing to know about Texas is what it does not regulate.| Signal | Value |
|---|---|
| General contractor license | Not required at the state level |
| Home builder license | Not required at the state level |
| Specialty trade license | Required for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, elevator, water well, LP gas, manufactured housing |
| Highway prequalification | TxDOT prequalification based on financial statements |
| Public works bond | $25,000 performance bond for contracts over $25,000 |
| Reciprocity model | Trade-specific across 3 categories — not statewide |
Frequently asked questions
Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
Does Texas require a general contractor license?
Does Texas require a general contractor license?
No. Texas does not license general contractors or home builders at the state level. General building and home construction do not require a state license. Check with your local municipality or county for any local registration or permit requirements. See Construction work regulated.
What specialty trades require a state license in Texas?
What specialty trades require a state license in Texas?
HVAC and refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire extinguisher, elevator/escalator, water well drilling/pump installation, LP gas/propane, and manufactured housing all require state credentials from separate agencies. See Construction work regulated.
Which agency issues each specialty license?
Which agency issues each specialty license?
TDLR handles HVAC, electrical, elevator, and water well. TSBPE handles plumbing. TDI Fire Marshal handles fire alarm, sprinkler, and extinguisher. Railroad Commission handles LP gas. TDHCA handles manufactured housing. TxDOT handles highway prequalification. See Who regulates construction.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
How much does it cost to get licensed?
Fees vary by trade. Master Electrician: $78 exam + $45 application. Journeyman Electrician: $78 exam + $30 application. A/C Class A: $74 exam + $115 application. Journeyman Plumber: $40 exam + $40 initial. Manufactured housing retailer: $550 license + $50,000 bond. See Requirements.
What are the insurance and bonding requirements?
What are the insurance and bonding requirements?
A/C contractors need $300,000 / $600,000 liability (Class A) or $100,000 / $200,000 (Class B). Electrical contractors need $300,000 / $600,000 liability. Plumbing Responsible Master Plumber requires $300,000 commercial liability. Fire alarm companies pay $100,000 / $300,000. Public works contracts over $25,000 require a performance bond. Manufactured housing bonds range from $25,000 to $100,000. See Requirements.
Can I use my out-of-state license in Texas?
Can I use my out-of-state license in Texas?
Reciprocity is very limited. A/C and refrigeration has agreements with Georgia and South Carolina. Master electrician has agreements with Louisiana and North Carolina. Journeyman electrician has agreements with 10 states. No general contractor reciprocity exists because Texas has no GC license. See Reciprocal agreements.
What about highway construction?
What about highway construction?
TxDOT prequalification is based on annual CPA-prepared financial statements. Bid limits are based on working capital. Contractors must use E-Verify. Processing takes approximately two weeks. There is no fee for prequalification itself. See Requirements.
Does Texas require a license for roofing work?
Does Texas require a license for roofing work?
No. Roofing is not a state-licensed specialty trade in Texas. Check with local municipalities for any local registration or permit requirements.
Does Texas require a license for residential work?
Does Texas require a license for residential work?
No state license is required for residential home building or remodeling in Texas. Local municipalities and counties may impose their own registration or permit requirements. See Construction work regulated.
What about public works contracts?
What about public works contracts?
Public works contracts over $25,000 require a performance bond. This is a statutory requirement regardless of whether the work involves a licensed specialty trade. See Construction work regulated.
Start with your goal
Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.Is licensure triggered?
Start with the type of work — Texas triggers licensing by trade, not by dollar amount.
Find the right regulator
Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Texas agency.
Application and renewal details
Exams, fees, bonds, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each specialty trade.
Reciprocity direction
Find out which states have reciprocity agreements with Texas specialty boards.
Special considerations
Different roles need different things from a Texas page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
- General building and home construction do not require a state contractor license.
- Check with your local municipality or county for any local registration requirements.
- HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, elevator, water well, LP gas, and manufactured housing trades require state licenses from separate agencies.
- Highway construction requires TxDOT prequalification with annual financial statements.
- A $25,000 performance bond is required for public works contracts over $25,000.
- Insurance requirements vary by trade — check the specific agency.
Readiness checklist
Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Texas as “ready” for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.Determine if a specialty license is required
General building and home construction do not require a state license. Specialty trades — HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, elevator, water well, LP gas, manufactured housing — do.
Check local and public works rules
Local municipalities may require registration. Public works contracts over
$25,000 require a performance bond. Highway work requires TxDOT prequalification.Route to the correct agency
Texas splits specialty licensing across 6 agencies. Use the regulator directory below to find the right one.
If you can confirm whether state licensing applies, which agency handles it, and what the requirement set is, you have the minimum package needed for a Texas readiness check.
Navigation
Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.- New state evaluation if you are screening Texas for the first time.
- Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare Texas with nearby jurisdictions.
- Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns for cross-state context.
Construction work regulated
Texas regulates specialty trades regardless of contract value. The trigger is the type of work, not the dollar amount.| Work lane | What triggers regulation |
|---|---|
| General construction | No state license required — check local |
| Home building / remodeling | No state license required — check local |
| HVAC and refrigeration | State license required (TDLR) |
| Electrical | State license required (TDLR) |
| Plumbing | State license required (TSBPE) |
| Fire alarm, sprinkler, extinguisher | State license required (TDI Fire Marshal) |
| Elevator / escalator | State registration required (TDLR) |
| Water well drilling / pump installation | State license required (TDLR) |
| LP gas / propane / CNG / LNG | State license required (Railroad Commission) |
| Manufactured housing | State license required (TDHCA) |
| Highway construction | TxDOT prequalification required |
| Public works contracts over $25,000 | Performance bond required |
Although general contractors are not licensed at the state level, local municipalities and counties may impose their own registration or permit requirements. Always check local rules.
Common determination scenarios
If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.General contractor or home builder
General contractor or home builder
Texas does not require a state license for general contractors or home builders. Check with your local municipality or county for registration requirements, building permits, and inspection rules.
HVAC or electrical contractor
HVAC or electrical contractor
You need a state license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Exams are given by PSI, with a 70% minimum passing score. Insurance is required.
Plumbing contractor
Plumbing contractor
Route to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Texas uses a tiered plumbing credential system from Apprentice through Master, each with specific hour requirements.
Highway construction
Highway construction
Submit financial statements to TxDOT for annual prequalification. Bid limits are based on working capital. Contractors must use E-Verify. No separate fee for prequalification.
Reciprocity request from another state
Reciprocity request from another state
Texas reciprocity is limited to three trade categories: A/C and refrigeration, master electrician, and journeyman electrician. Check the reciprocal agreements section below for covered states.
Who regulates construction
Texas splits specialty trade licensing across 6 agencies. There is no general contractor board. Use this directory to find the agency for your trade.Highway prequalification — Texas Department of Transportation
Highway prequalification — Texas Department of Transportation
6230 East Stassney Lane, Austin, TX 78744Phone: (512) 416-2584 | Fax: (512) 416-2414Email: cst_prequalification@txdot.govWebsite: txdot.gov
HVAC, electrical, elevator, water well — Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
HVAC, electrical, elevator, water well — Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711Phone: (512) 463-6599 | Toll-free: (800) 803-9202Website: tdlr.texas.gov
Plumbing — State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
Plumbing — State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
Fire alarm, sprinkler, extinguisher — Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal
Fire alarm, sprinkler, extinguisher — Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal
P.O. Box 149221, Austin, TX 78714-9221Phone: (512) 676-6800 | Fax: (512) 490-1056Website: tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmli.html
LP gas, propane, CNG, LNG — Railroad Commission of Texas
LP gas, propane, CNG, LNG — Railroad Commission of Texas
P.O. Box 12967, Austin, TX 78711-2967Phone: (800) 642-5327 | Fax: (512) 463-7292Website: rrc.texas.gov
Manufactured housing — Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Manufactured housing — Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
P.O. Box 12489, Austin, TX 78711Phone: (800) 500-7074 or (512) 475-2200 | Fax: (512) 475-1109Website: tdhca.texas.gov/mhd
Requirements
Each Texas specialty trade has its own exams, fees, insurance, and renewal rules. Expand the trade that applies to your situation.Highway Prequalification
Highway Prequalification
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Financial statements | Annual CPA-prepared statements required. Bid limits based on working capital. |
| E-Verify | Contractors must use the E-Verify program to verify employee information. |
| Processing time | Approximately two weeks. |
| Validity | One year from the date of financial statements or receipt of application. |
| Fee | None for prequalification itself. |
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years under a licensed A/C contractor in past 6 years, or technician certification for 12 months plus 36 months practical experience in past 48 months. |
| Exam | PSI exam, 70% minimum. Prequalification required. |
| Insurance | Class A: $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate. Class B: $100,000 per occurrence / $200,000 aggregate. Products/completed operations coverage also required. |
| Renewal cycle | Annual, continuing education required. |
| License Type | Exam Fee | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Air Class A | $74 | $115 | $65 |
| Environmental Air Class B | $60 | $115 | $65 |
| Commercial Refrigeration Class A | $74 | $115 | $65 |
| Commercial Refrigeration Class B | $60 | $115 | $65 |
| ACR Technician | No exam | $20 | $20 |
Electricians
Electricians
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | Varies by license type. |
| Exam | PSI exam, 70% minimum. Prequalification required. |
| Insurance | $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate for businesses, plus $300,000 products/completed operations. |
| Renewal cycle | Annual, most require continuing education. |
| License Type | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor | $110 | $110 |
| Electrical Sign Contractor | $110 | $110 |
| Residential Appliance Install Contractor | $110 | $110 |
| License Type | Exam Fee | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Electrician | $78 | $45 | $45 |
| Master Sign Electrician | $64 | $45 | $45 |
| Journeyman Electrician | $78 | $30 | $30 |
| Journeyman Industrial Electrician | $64 | $30 | $30 |
| Journeyman Lineman | $61 | $30 | $30 |
| Journeyman Sign Electrician | $64 | $30 | $30 |
| Residential Wireman | $64 | $20 | $20 |
| Maintenance Electrician | $64 | $20 | $20 |
| Apprentice Electrician | No exam | $20 | $20 |
Plumbing
Plumbing
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Written and practical exam, 70% minimum on each portion. |
| Experience | Ranges from 2,000 hours (Residential Utilities Installer) to 8,000 hours (Journeyman). Hours documented via Employer’s Certification Form (ECF). |
| Training | TSBPE-approved classroom program required (24-48 hours depending on level). |
| Insurance | Responsible Master Plumber designation requires $300,000 commercial liability. |
| Renewal cycle | Annual for licenses; triennial for endorsements. CPE required. |
| License Type | Initial Fee | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible Master Plumber designation | $300 | N/A |
| Master Plumber | $75 | $175 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $40 | $40 |
| Tradesman Plumber — Limited | $35 | $36 |
| Plumbing Inspector | $55 | $55 |
| Plumber’s Apprentice Registration | $15 | N/A |
| Registration Type | Initial Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential Utilities Installer | $18 |
| Drain Cleaner | $18 |
| Drain Cleaner — Restricted | $18 |
| Endorsement | Master | Journeyman | Inspector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Gas Piping Installation | $55 / $80 exam | $14 / $27 exam | $27.50 / $40 exam |
| Water Supply Protection Specialist | $55 / $80 exam | $14 / $27 exam | $27.50 / $40 exam |
| Multipurpose Residential Fire Sprinkler | $55 / $80 exam | $14 / $27 exam | $27.50 / $40 exam |
Fire Alarm
Fire Alarm
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | 1-3 exams depending on classification, 70% minimum. Closed-book. NICET or PSI. |
| Insurance | $100,000 single limit / $300,000 aggregate, including products/completed operations. |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial. |
| License Type | Initial Fee | Biennial Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| All categories (except RAL) | $120 | $200 |
| Residential Alarm Technician (RAL) | $50 | $100 |
| Certificate Type | Initial Fee | Biennial Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Company Registration | $500 | $1,000 |
| Single Station only | $250 | $500 |
| Branch Office (each) | $150 | $300 |
Fire Extinguisher
Fire Extinguisher
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Varies by type — NICET Level III for Type PL; technical and statute/rules tests for other types. 70% minimum. |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial. |
| License Type | Initial Fee | Biennial Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Type PL Planning | $70 | $100 |
| Type A, B, K, R | $70 | $100 |
| Apprentice Permit | $30 | N/A |
| Type | Initial Fee | Biennial Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Main Office | $450 | $600 |
| Branch Office | $100 | $200 |
| Type C Registration | $250 | $300 |
Fire Sprinkler System
Fire Sprinkler System
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | General RME requires NICET Level III plus agency exam at 70%, or registration as a Texas professional engineer. |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial. |
| License Type | Initial Fee | Biennial Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| RME-General | $200 | $350 |
| RME-Dwelling | $150 | $200 |
| RME-Underground | $150 | $200 |
| RME-General Inspector | $50 | $100 |
| Type | Application Fee | Initial Fee | Biennial Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCR-General | $50 | $950 | $1,800 |
| SCR-Dwelling | $50 | $350 | $600 |
| SCR-Underground | $50 | $350 | $600 |
LP Gas
LP Gas
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Required. Exams given five days a week in Austin and on scheduled dates at other sites. |
| Insurance | $25,000 per occurrence / $50,000 aggregate general liability, plus workers’ comp or accident/health. |
| Waiver | License and exam waived for holders of a current A/C contractor license or master plumber license (registration with Railroad Commission still required). |
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial license (Category D) | $100 |
| Annual renewal | $70 |
Elevator Contractors
Elevator Contractors
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration | Required for anyone installing, repairing, altering, or maintaining elevators, escalators, or related equipment. |
| Plans | Must submit plans for review and approval for all new and altered equipment before acceptance inspection. |
| Renewal cycle | Annual. |
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application / renewal | $115 per year |
Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers
Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years under a licensed driller or installer. Must document qualifying drillings or installations. |
| Exam | PSI exam, 70% minimum. |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial. |
| License Type | Exam Fee | Application Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Water Well Driller | $52 | $430 | $430 |
| General Pump Installer | $52 | $430 | $430 |
| Combination Driller/Installer | $104 | $650 | $650 |
| Endorsements (various) | $43—$52 | $25 | N/A |
| Apprentice (Driller or Installer) | N/A | N/A | $65 |
Manufactured Housing
Manufactured Housing
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | 8-hour Core Licensing Education Class (LEC) required; retailers and installers need an additional 4-hour course. |
| Exam | State Business and Trade exam, 70% minimum. |
| Bond | Required — amount varies by license type. |
| Continuing education | 8 hours of CE required for renewal. |
| Recovery fund | Maximum $35,000 per claim. |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial. |
| License Type | Bond | License / Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | $100,000 | $850 |
| Retailer | $50,000 | $550 |
| Broker | $50,000 | $350 |
| Installer | $25,000 | $350 |
| Salesperson | N/A | $200 |
| Retailer/Installer | $50,000 | $900 |
| Retailer/Broker | $50,000 | $900 |
| Retailer/Broker/Installer | $50,000 | $1,250 |
| Course | Fee |
|---|---|
| Core LEC | $150 |
| Retailer LEC | $50 |
| Installer LEC | $50 |
Out-of-state manufacturers without a Texas warranty service facility must post an additional $100,000 bond.
Reciprocal agreements
Texas reciprocity is limited to three specialty trade categories. There is no statewide reciprocity because there is no general contractor license.Reciprocity in Texas applies only to A/C, master electrician, and journeyman electrician credentials. No general contractor reciprocity exists because Texas does not license general contractors.
| Trade | Reciprocal states | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| A/C and refrigeration | Georgia, South Carolina | 2 states |
| Master electrician | Louisiana, North Carolina | 2 states |
| Journeyman electrician | Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming | 10 states |
Types of licenses
Texas offers specialty trade credentials across six agencies. Use these tabs to find the license category that matches your trade.TDLR — HVAC, Electrical, Elevator, Water Well
TDLR — HVAC, Electrical, Elevator, Water Well
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration:
- BE — Cooling, heating, ventilation for human comfort (25 tons and under)
- BR — Refrigeration for equipment, product, or process cooling (25 tons and under)
- AE — Cooling, heating, ventilation for human comfort (all sizes)
- AR — Refrigeration for equipment, product, or process cooling (all sizes)
- ACR Technician
- Electrical Contractor (business); Electrical Sign Contractor (business)
- Residential Appliance Installation Contractor (business)
- Master Electrician; Master Sign Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician; Journeyman Industrial Electrician; Journeyman Lineman; Journeyman Sign Electrician
- Residential Wireman; Maintenance Electrician; Residential Appliance Installer
- Apprentice Electrician; Electrical Sign Apprentice
- Elevator Contractor (registration)
- General Water Well Driller; Pump Installer; Combination Driller/Installer
- Endorsements: Water Well, Monitor Well, Closed-Loop Geothermal, Injection Well, Dewatering Well, Single-Phase Pump, Three-Phase Pump, Line-Shaft Turbine Pump, Windmill/Hand Pump/Pump Jack
TSBPE — Plumbing
TSBPE — Plumbing
Registrations:
- Plumber’s Apprentice
- Drain Cleaner — Restricted; Drain Cleaner
- Residential Utilities Installer
- Tradesman Plumber — Limited
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
- Plumbing Inspector
- Responsible Master Plumber (designation)
- Medical Gas Piping Installation
- Water Supply Protection Specialist
- Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist
TDI — Fire Protection
TDI — Fire Protection
Fire Alarm:
- Fire Alarm Technician; Residential Fire Alarm Technician
- Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent; Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent — Single Station
- Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent; Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician
- PL Planning; Type A Fixed System; Type B Portable Extinguisher; Type K Cooking Systems
- Apprentice Permit; Type C Hydrostatic Testing Registration
- General; Underground; Dwelling; General Inspector
Other Agencies
Other Agencies
Manufactured Housing (TDHCA):
- Manufacturer; Broker; Retailer; Installer; Salesperson
- General Installer and Repairman
- Builders and Remodelers (local registration only — no state license)
See also
South region guide
Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.
Contractors guide
Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
Regulators guide
Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
Louisiana
Master electrician reciprocity with Texas.
Oklahoma
Journeyman electrician reciprocity with Texas.
Arkansas
Journeyman electrician reciprocity with Texas.