Texas general contractor license

No statewide general contractor license in Texas

The State of Texas does not issue a general contractor license. There is no state general contractor license to apply for or to look up. (source: Office of the Texas Governor: Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide (opens in a new tab))

• Check with your city or county. For example, Austin has its own contractor registration. (source: City of Austin contractor registration (opens in a new tab))
• Trades like HVAC, electrical and plumbing still need a state license. (source: Office of the Texas Governor: Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide (opens in a new tab), source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab), source: TDLR: Electricians at a glance (opens in a new tab))

Check with your city or county

Local rules vary. Before you start work, or before you hire someone, ask the city or county building or licensing office where the job is:

• whether a local contractor license or registration is needed;
• which permits the job needs and who must pull them;
• what insurance or bond the local office requires.

Some related work may still need a state license, for example electrical or plumbing work. See the state guide below.

State rules that may still apply

General contractors do not need a state license in Texas, but cities or counties may have their own rules. HVAC, electrical and plumbing work are state-licensed. (source: Office of the Texas Governor: Texas Business Licenses and Permits Guide (opens in a new tab))

Texas contractor license guide · How to check a contractor