Texas contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

No state general contractor or remodeler license

General contracting, remodeling, roofing, painting, flooring, siding and handyman work is not licensed by the State of Texas.

• Good to know: Check city rules before pulling permits. Electrical, HVAC and plumbing work must be done under the proper state trade license.

Electrical Contractor license (TDLR)

Businesses that design, install, repair or alter electrical wiring or systems.

• Good to know: Must employ a licensed Master Electrician. Requires liability insurance of $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate and $300,000 products/completed operations, plus workers' compensation proof or an opt-out statement. $110 application fee. Renewed every year.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license (TDLR)

Anyone who installs, repairs or services air conditioning, refrigeration or heating systems.

• Good to know: Companies must employ a licensed ACR contractor at each permanent location.

Plumbing licenses (TSBPE)

Plumbing work, including plumbing on a customer's home.

• Good to know: Master, Journeyman and other plumbing licenses. A Responsible Master Plumber must carry $300,000 of commercial liability insurance and can serve only one company at a time.

What you need to qualify

• Also required: There are no state-level requirements for general or home improvement contractors. Trade licenses (electrical, HVAC, plumbing) have their own exam, insurance and fee rules.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

TDLR licenses electricians and electrical contractors, and air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) contractors. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licenses plumbers.

City and county rules

Some Texas cities register general or home improvement contractors. Dallas has a contractor registration application covering general contractors (residential, commercial, roofing, fence, foundation, demolition and pool) with an annual registration or renewal fee of $120.00 (form dated 10-16-2017). San Antonio runs a Contractor Connect registration program for residential building and home improvement contractors that requires general liability insurance, a signed code of ethics and an FBI background check. Check with the building department in each city where you work.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• Whether Dallas's $120.00 annual contractor registration fee is still current (form dated 2017).
• Whether San Antonio requires Contractor Connect registration in order to pull permits, and its fee.
• Houston and Austin contractor registration rules.
• State statutes affecting residential remodeling contracts (for example Texas Property Code disclosure rules).

Sources

1. Texas Sunset Advisory Commission: Texas Residential Construction Commission
2. City of Kyle: Helpful Information about Hiring a Contractor
3. TDLR: Apply for a New Electrical Contractor License
4. TDLR: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Homepage
5. TSBPE: Responsible Master Plumber
6. City of Dallas Building Inspection FAQs
7. City of Dallas Application for Contractor Registration (10-16-2017)
8. City of San Antonio Information Bulletin 236: Contractor Connect (revised 11/10/2025)