Texas regulates most skilled trades at the state level while leaving some contractor registrations to cities and counties. Electricians and HVAC professionals are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and plumbers by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Roofing and general contractor registrations are commonly handled by local jurisdictions such as Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas.
This guide distills official requirements for every major trade—Electrician, Plumbing, HVAC, General Contractor, Roofing, and key Specialty trades—using 2025 state and city sources. You will find license pathways, exam and fee details, insurance and renewal requirements, and where local rules apply. Always confirm with the official board or your local building department before you apply.
If you plan to test, we also link to exam prep resources tailored to Texas. These PDF study materials are comprehensive and designed around Texas codes and board-tested topics, with immediate download and unlimited use.
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Overview of Texas Contractor Licensing
Texas uses a combination of state and local oversight. TDLR licenses electricians and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC) contractors, while TSBPE licenses plumbers. Several specialty trades—such as fire sprinkler, elevator, and water well—are licensed by the State Fire Marshal/Department of Insurance or TDLR. Cities and counties handle registrations for general contractors and many roofing contractors.
State-regulated licenses have defined experience, exam, insurance, and continuing education requirements. Local registrations tend to emphasize proof of insurance and permit eligibility, with no trade exam. Because local rules can change quickly, verify requirements with the specific city or county where you will pull permits.
For current guidance, consult the authorities and city departments cited in this guide. The state’s main portal is TDLR, and plumbing is administered by TSBPE. Local building departments in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas maintain contractor registration requirements for general and roofing work.
Electrician Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates electrical work with 8 license types:
Apprentice Electrician
Requirements
- Experience: None required for initial registration; hours must be accumulated to advance.
- Supervision: Work under a licensed Master or Journeyman; employers report hours.
- Education: None to register; CE applies when advancing to higher licenses.
- Age: 16+
- Exam: Not required for apprentice registration.
Fees
- Application: $20
- Initial License: $20
- Renewal: $20 (Annual); Late penalty: $10
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Not required at apprentice level.
- Renewal/CE: Annual renewal; no CE required for apprentices.
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Residential Wireman Electrician
Requirements
- Experience: 4,000 hours as an apprentice; employer verification required.
- Education: None specified initially; CE required for renewal.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
Exam Details
- Name: Residential Wireman Exam
- Format: Closed book, multiple choice; 80 questions; 4 hours; passing 70%
- References: 2017 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Wiring methods, electrical theory, residential codes, safety
- Retake: Reapply after failing; no mandatory wait
Fees
- Application: $25 | Exam: $78
- Initial License: $30 | Renewal: $30 (Annual); Late penalty: $15
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance not required at this license level.
- CE: 4 hours/year covering NEC updates, safety, Texas law.
Exam Prep: Texas Residential Wireman Electrician Practice Test
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Journeyman Electrician
Requirements
- Experience: 8,000 hours as an apprentice; employer documentation required.
- Education: None specified initially; CE required for renewal.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
Exam Details
- Name: Journeyman Electrician Examination
- Format: Closed book, multiple choice; 100 questions; 5 hours; passing 70%
- References: 2017 NEC provided at exam site
- Topics: General electrical knowledge, NEC application, design/calcs, installation, safety
- Retake: May reapply after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $40 | Exam: $78
- Initial License: $30 | Renewal: $30 (Annual); Late penalty: $15
Insurance & Renewal
- No insurance required for individual Journeyman.
- CE: 4 hours/year on NEC changes, law/rules, safety procedures.
Exam Prep: Texas Journeyman Electrician Practice Test
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Master Electrician
Requirements
- Experience: 12,000 hours OJT; must hold Journeyman for at least 2 years.
- Education: CE required for renewal.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
Exam Details
- Name: Master Electrician exam
- Format: Closed book, multiple choice; 100 questions; 5 hours; passing 70%
- References: 2017 NEC provided at site
- Topics: Electrical plan analysis, supervision, advanced code, safety oversight
- Retake: May reapply after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $45 | Exam: $78
- Initial License: $45 | Renewal: $45 (Annual); Late penalty: $22.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance not required for the individual Master license.
- CE: 4 hours/year (NEC updates, statutes/rules, safety).
Exam Prep: Texas Master Electrician Practice Test
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Electrical Contractor
Requirements
- Responsible party: A licensed Master Electrician must be attached to the contractor registration.
- Education: None beyond Master CE.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Not required for the contractor registration.
Fees
- Application/Initial License: $110 | Renewal: $110 (Annual); Late penalty: $55
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Required: $300,000 liability + $100,000 property + $500,000 aggregate.
- CE: Applies to the Master Electrician only.
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Journeyman Sign Electrician
Requirements
- Experience: 4,000 hours under a Master Sign Electrician or Master Electrician; employer affidavit required.
- Education: CE required for renewal.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
Exam Details
- Format: Closed book, multiple choice; 50 questions; 2.5 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: 2017 NEC
- Topics: Sign circuit installation, sign-specific code, safety
- Retake: 30 days after fail
Fees
- Application: $35 | Exam: $78
- Initial License: $30 | Renewal: $30 (Annual); Late penalty: $15
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Not required at this individual level.
- CE: 4 hours annually.
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Master Sign Electrician
Requirements
- Experience: 12,000 hours; typically progression from Journeyman Sign Electrician; employer documentation required.
- Education: CE required for renewal.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
Exam Details
- Format: Closed book, multiple choice; 80 questions; 4 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: 2017 NEC
- Topics: Sign code, plan review, supervision, safety
- Retake: 30 days after fail
Fees
- Application: $45 | Exam: $78
- Initial License: $45 | Renewal: $45 (Annual); Late penalty: $22.50
Insurance & Renewal
- No individual insurance requirement.
- CE: 4 hours annually.
Exam Prep: Texas Master Sign Electrician Practice Test
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Residential Appliance Installer
Requirements
- Experience: None required for initial license.
- Education: CE required for renewal.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice; 50 questions; 2.5 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: 2017 NEC
- Topics: Appliance installation, safety, applicable code
- Retake: 30 days after fail
Fees
- Application: $30 | Exam: $78
- Initial License: $30 | Renewal: $30 (Annual); Late penalty: $15
Insurance & Renewal
- No insurance requirement for this license.
- CE: 4 hours annually.
Exam Prep: Texas Residential Appliance Installer Practice Test
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Plumbing Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates plumbing work with 6 license types:
Apprentice Plumber
Requirements
- Experience: None to register; hours accrue under supervision for advancement.
- Supervision: Work under a licensed plumber; hours reported to TSBPE.
- Education: None for registration.
- Age: 16+
- Exam: Not required for apprentice registration.
Fees
- Application/Initial: $30 | Renewal: $30 (Annual); Late penalty: $15
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Not required for apprentices.
- CE: Not required at the apprentice level.
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Tradesman Plumber-Limited
Requirements
- Experience: 4,000 hours as an apprentice; sponsor/employer verification.
- Education: 24-hour approved training course.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TSBPE.
Exam Details
- Format: Written, closed book; 75 questions; 3 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) provided at exam site
- Topics: Plumbing fundamentals, fixtures, water supply, drains, safety
- Retake: 30 days after fail
Fees
- Application: $36 | Exam: $55
- Initial License: $35 | Renewal: $35 (Annual); Late penalty: $17.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance not required at this individual level.
- CE: 6 hours/year (code updates, safety).
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Journeyman Plumber
Requirements
- Experience: 8,000 hours; employer certification and prior registration history required.
- Education: 48-hour approved training course.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TSBPE.
Exam Details
- Format: Written, closed book; 110 questions; 5 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: UPC provided at exam site
- Topics: General plumbing, vents, gas, water supply, backflow, code
- Retake: 30 days after fail
Fees
- Application: $36 | Exam: $55
- Initial License: $40 | Renewal: $40 (Annual); Late penalty: $20
Insurance & Renewal
- No individual insurance requirement.
- CE: 6 hours/year (law, code updates).
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Master Plumber
Requirements
- Experience: At least 8,000 hours as a Journeyman and 4 years in the trade.
- Education: 48-hour approved advanced course.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (written and practical); provider: TSBPE.
Exam Details
- Written: 125 questions; practical section included; 6 hours total; passing 75%
- Reference: UPC provided at exam site
- Topics: Advanced code, plan review, supervision, business law, medical gas
- Retake: 30 days after fail
Fees
- Application: $175 | Exam: $175
- Initial License: $75 | Renewal: $75 (Annual); Late penalty: $37.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Not required for the individual Master license.
- CE: 6 hours/year (law, code, safety).
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Responsible Master Plumber
Requirements
- Credential: Hold a Texas Master Plumber license.
- Business: Meet insurance and business requirements; 24-hour business course.
- Exam: Not required for this registration.
Fees
- Application: $65 | Initial License: $75 | Renewal: $75 (Annual); Late penalty: $37.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Required: $300,000 liability; $600,000 aggregate.
- CE: 6 hours/year (law, code, business).
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Medical Gas Piping Installer
Requirements
- Prerequisite: Hold Journeyman or above in plumbing.
- Education: 24-hour medical gas course and board-approved training.
- Exam: Required; provider: TSBPE.
- Age: 18+
Exam Details
- Format: Written, closed book; 60 questions; 2 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: NFPA 99 (2015)
- Topics: Code requirements, installation, testing, safety
- Retake: 30 days
Fees
- Application: $36 | Exam: $55
- Initial License: $35 | Renewal: $35 (Annual); Late penalty: $17.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: Not required at this credential level.
- CE: Required; medical gas code topics.
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HVAC Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates HVAC contractors with 3 license types:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License – Class A
Requirements
- Experience: 48 months practical experience (TDLR may allow up to 24 months substitution with accepted education).
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
- Insurance: Required (see below).
Exam Details
- Name: Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam
- Format: Computer-based, closed book; 120 questions; 4 hours; passing 70%
- References: 2015 UMC and 2015 IMC
- Topics: System design, refrigeration cycle, electrical, code, safety
- Retake: Reapply after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $115 | Exam: $115 | Initial License: $115 | Renewal: $115 (Annual); Late penalty: $57.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate liability, $300,000 property damage.
- CE: 8 hours/year (law/rules, mechanical code changes, safety).
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Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License – Class B
Requirements
- Experience: 48 months in the last 72 months; affidavits/references required. Up to 24 months education substitution may apply.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
- Insurance: Required (see below).
Exam Details
- Name: Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Class B Exam
- Format: Computer-based, closed book; 100 questions; 4 hours; passing 70%
- References: 2015 UMC/IMC
- Topics: Residential/light commercial systems, code, safety, air distribution
- Retake: 30-day wait after fail
Fees
- Application: $115 | Exam: $115 | Initial/Renewal: $115 (Annual); Late penalty: $57.50
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: $100,000 per occurrence, $200,000 aggregate liability, $100,000 property damage.
- CE: 8 hours/year (mechanical code, ethics, industry updates).
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Certified Technician (Registered ACR Technician)
Requirements
- Experience: None to register; must work under a licensed ACR Contractor.
- Education: None required for registration; EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerant handling.
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Not required for TDLR technician registration.
Fees
- Application/Initial: $20 | Renewal: $20 (Annual); Late penalty: $10
Insurance & Renewal
- No insurance requirement for the technician registration.
- No CE required.
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📍 Texas Uses Some Local Licensing
Some contractor licensing in Texas is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a state board. This means requirements may vary significantly depending on where you plan to work.
What this means for you:
- Each city or county sets its own contractor registration requirements
- Major cities typically require registration, proof of insurance, and permit eligibility (often no trade exam for general/roofing)
- Smaller jurisdictions may have simpler processes or different insurance thresholds
- Trade licenses (electrician, plumber, HVAC) shown in other sections are state-regulated
Finding your requirements: Search for “[Your City/County] contractor registration” or “[Your City/County] building department” to find local requirements.
General Contractor Licenses in Texas
Texas contractor licensing includes:
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Austin: General contractors register with the Development Services Department; proof of liability insurance required; $150 annual fee; no exam or experience mandated. Registration link
- City of San Antonio: Registration via Development Services; minimum $300,000 liability insurance; $130 fee; no exam required. Registration link
- City of Dallas: General contractors must register to obtain permits; show liability insurance; $120 application fee; no exam or experience required. Registration link
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.
Austin General Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- No exam or experience required.
- Proof of liability insurance is mandatory.
- Registration via Austin Development Services.
These requirements are specific to Austin. Other jurisdictions in Texas may have different requirements.
Fees
- Application/Initial: $150 | Renewal: $150 (Annual); Late penalty: $75
Insurance
- $500,000 liability for commercial; $300,000 for residential.
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San Antonio General Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- No exam requirement; registration with Development Services.
- Liability insurance minimum generally $300,000 (varies by classification).
These requirements are specific to San Antonio. Other jurisdictions in Texas may have different requirements.
Fees
- Application/Initial: $130 | Renewal: $130 (Annual); Late penalty: $65
Insurance
- $300,000 liability minimum (confirm classification-specific levels with the city).
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Dallas General Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Registration required to obtain permits; no exam or experience required.
- Provide proof of liability insurance.
These requirements are specific to Dallas. Other jurisdictions in Texas may have different requirements.
Fees
- Application/Initial: $120 | Renewal: $120 (Annual); Late penalty: $60
Insurance
- Generally $300,000 liability (varies by project type).
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Roofing Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates roofing contractors with 2 license types:
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Austin: Roofing contractors register through the Development Services Department; proof of liability insurance required; $120 annual fee; no exam specified. Registration link
- City of San Antonio: Roofing registration via Development Services; $300,000 liability insurance minimum; $110 fee; no exam requirement. Registration link
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.
San Antonio Roofing Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- No exam required; city registration process.
- Proof of liability insurance is required.
These requirements are specific to San Antonio. Other jurisdictions in Texas may have different requirements.
Fees & Insurance
- Application/Initial: $110 | Renewal: $110 (Annual); Late penalty: $55
- Insurance: $300,000 liability minimum.
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Austin Roofing Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Registration through Austin Development Services; no exam required.
- Provide proof of liability insurance.
These requirements are specific to Austin. Other jurisdictions in Texas may have different requirements.
Fees & Insurance
- Application/Initial: $120 | Renewal: $120 (Annual); Late penalty: $60
- Insurance: $300,000 liability minimum.
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Specialty Trade Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates specialty trades with 3 license types:
Fire Sprinkler Contractor License
Requirements
- Experience: 2 years for RME-General; 4 years for RME-Underground Fire Main; employer affidavits required.
- Education: NICET Level II/III may apply depending on class.
- Exam: Required; provider: State Fire Marshal (Texas Department of Insurance).
- Age: 18+
Exam Details
- Format: Written, multiple choice; typically 100+ questions; ~3 hours; passing 70%
- References: NFPA 13, 14, 20, 25
- Topics: System design, code compliance, safety
- Retake: 30-day wait
Fees
- Application: $300 | Exam: $50
- Initial License: $900 | Renewal: $900 (Annual); Late penalty: $450
Insurance & Renewal
- Insurance: $1,000,000 liability required.
- CE: 6 hours/year (fire code, sprinkler systems).
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Water Well Driller License
Requirements
- Experience: 2 years under a licensed well driller; employer documentation required.
- Education: Completion of approved training.
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
- Insurance: $100,000 liability required.
Exam Details
- Format: Written; 100 questions; 3 hours; passing 70%
- Reference: Texas water well code
- Topics: Groundwater law, drilling techniques, safety
- Retake: 30-day wait
Fees
- Application: $150 | Exam: $50
- Initial License: $215 | Renewal: $215 (Annual); Late penalty: $107.50
CE & Renewal
- CE: 4 hours/year (well code, safety).
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Elevator Contractor License
Requirements
- Experience: 3 years; employer documentation required.
- Exam: Required; provider: TDLR.
- Insurance: $1,000,000 liability required.
Exam Details
- Format: Written; 100 questions; 3 hours; passing 70%
- References: Elevator codebooks
- Topics: Construction, repair, safety, inspections
- Retake: 30 days
Fees
- Application: $250 | Exam: $100
- Initial License: $600 | Renewal: $600 (Annual); Late penalty: $300
CE & Renewal
- CE: 8 hours/year (elevator code).
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Application Process
- Register business with Texas Secretary of State (for corporations/LLCs)
- Determine license type and classification required
- Gain required practical experience (document hours through employer)
- Complete required education/training courses (if applicable)
- Apply online or submit paper application to relevant authority (TDLR, TSBPE, city)
- Submit employer verification and other required documents
- Pay all applicable fees
- Schedule and pass mandatory exam (for most state-regulated trades)
- Provide proof of liability insurance and bond (where required)
- Renew annually and complete continuing education as required
Timeline: 2-6 weeks at state level after all documentation submitted; city registration typically 3-10 business days.
Apply Online: TDLR, TSBPE, and many cities accept online applications. Start at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/apply/.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Proof of experience hours (employment verification/affidavits)
- Proof of education/training (when required)
- Government-issued ID (age verification)
- Proof of insurance/bond (if required)
- Exam score report (if required)
- Business registration/EIN (if registering as a company)
Reciprocity
Texas has reciprocity with: Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wyoming.
Requirements: Hold a valid license in the reciprocal state, submit verification forms, and meet Texas continuing education requirements.
Limitations: A trade exam may still be required. Reciprocity does not apply to local city registrations (e.g., general contractor or roofing); it is typically limited to state-regulated trades (electrician, HVAC, plumbing) and may vary by classification and current law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Texas?
Generally 2-6 weeks for state-regulated trades after submitting a complete application; city registrations are often processed in 3-10 business days.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Texas?
Texas has reciprocity with Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Wyoming. You must hold a valid license in the reciprocal state, submit verification, and meet Texas CE requirements. A trade exam may still be required, and local city registrations are not covered by reciprocity.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake windows vary by license (often 30 days). Confirm the current retake policy with the exam provider (TDLR, TSBPE, or State Fire Marshal) for your trade.
Do I need insurance?
Insurance is required for contractor-level credentials in several trades and for many city registrations. Minimums vary: e.g., Electrical Contractors ($300k liability + $100k property + $500k aggregate), ACR Class A ($300k/$600k aggregate/$300k property), Responsible Master Plumber ($300k liability/$600k aggregate), and city GC/roofing registrations per local thresholds.
How do I renew my license?
Most licenses renew annually. CE varies by license (e.g., Electricians 4 hours; Plumbers 6 hours; ACR Contractors 8 hours). Apprentices typically have no CE requirement.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Contractor licensing requirements in Texas vary by jurisdiction. The information shown is for specific cities/counties where official data is available. Always verify requirements with your local building department, as local regulations take precedence. Search for “[Your City/County] contractor license” to find requirements specific to your area.
Where can I find practice tests for Texas exams?
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Official Sources & References
Official Sources:
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
https://tsbpe.texas.gov/licensing/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Licensing
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrlicreq.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - Austin City Development – Contractor Registration
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/contractor-registration
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - San Antonio Development Services – Contractor Registration
https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD/Contractor
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - TDLR Water Well Driller Program
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwd.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - TDLR Elevator Contractor Licensing
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/elevator/ele.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-28 - Texas Department of Insurance – State Fire Marshal Fire Sprinkler Licensing
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlifiresprink.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-28
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2025. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Source: For current information, contact Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Local Jurisdictions (for certain trades):
- Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/
- Phone: 512-463-6599
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: Some licensing in Texas is handled at the city or county level. Always verify requirements with your local building department.