Trade Contractor Resources for Texas (Licensing, Permits, Tools)

Trade contractor resources · Texas

Trade business resources for Texas.

Licensing board, permit offices, and trade-by-trade requirements for Texas contractors. All links go to the official sources, not paid intermediaries.

State licensing board

Official authority

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov
(512) 463-6599

Texas does not have a statewide general contractor license, but many individual trades require state-level licensing through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or other dedicated state agencies. Contractors must also register their business entity with the Secretary of State and comply with local permitting requirements in the city or county where work is performed.

Texas regulates specific trades at the state level rather than issuing a broad general contractor license. Electricians are licensed through TDLR with tiers including Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Electrical Contractor. Plumbers are licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) with tiers including Apprentice, Tradesman, Journeyman, and Master Plumber, as well as a separate Responsible Master Plumber designation for business operations. HVAC contractors are licensed through TDLR with classifications including Technician and Contractor license types. Roofing contractors must register with TDLR under the Roofing Contractor Registration program, which applies to any person or company that sells or performs roofing services for compensation. General contractors have no state license but may face city-level registration or bonding requirements depending on jurisdiction.

License requirements by trade

Electrician
Electricians in Texas must be licensed through TDLR; license tiers include Apprentice Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, and Electrical Contractor, each with specific experience and exam requirements. A business performing electrical work must hold an Electrical Contractor license, which requires a licensed Master Electrician as the responsible party.
Plumber
Plumbers are licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) at tiers including Apprentice, Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber; a business entity performing plumbing work must designate a Responsible Master Plumber. The TSBPE website is https://www.tsbpe.texas.gov and their phone is (512) 936-5200.
HVAC
HVAC work in Texas is regulated by TDLR, which requires individuals to hold an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license or a Technician registration depending on their role. A licensed contractor must oversee HVAC installations and must pass a state exam and meet experience requirements before performing work independently.
General Contractor
Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, so GCs are not required to hold a state-level trade license to bid or perform commercial or residential construction. However, local jurisdictions such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin may require contractor registration, bonding, or proof of insurance before pulling permits.
Roofing
Roofing contractors in Texas must register with TDLR under the Roofing Contractor Registration program; this applies to any individual or company that sells or performs roofing services for compensation and requires proof of liability insurance. There is no tiered exam requirement for roofing, but registration must be renewed annually and insurance minimums must be maintained.

Top Texas city permit offices

Permit office

Houston

https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org
(832) 394-8880
Permit office

Dallas

https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/Pages/default.aspx
(214) 948-4480
Permit office

Austin

https://www.austintexas.gov/department/development-services
(512) 978-4000
Permit office

San Antonio

https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD
(210) 207-1111
Permit office

Fort Worth

https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services
(817) 392-2222

Business registration

Secretary of State

Business entity registration

https://www.sos.state.tx.us
Tax registration

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

https://comptroller.texas.gov

Tools for Texas trade businesses

Compliance tracking, NEC 220 load calcs, profit calculators, and the 90-day operating system. One-time purchase. Real Excel and Sheets files. Used in truck cabs from Houston to Eureka.

Browse the 7 tools →
The information on this page links to official state and city authorities. Requirements change. Verify with the issuing authority before filing. LaunchLocal tools are research and calculation utilities, not legal or professional advice.