How to get a contractor license in Texas

Step by step

Experience: 4 years. For an ACR (HVAC) contractor license: 48 months supervised by a licensed ACR contractor in the last 72 months. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))

• Or hold a technician certification for 12 months plus 36 months of experience in the last 48 months. A degree, engineering background or military training can substitute. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))
• Electricians: journeyman 8,000 hours plus an exam; master 12,000 hours plus 2 years as a journeyman plus an exam. (source: TDLR: Electricians at a glance (opens in a new tab))

1. Check if your trade is licensed HVAC and electrical are licensed by TDLR, plumbing by TSBPE. General contracting has no 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))
2. Get your experience For ACR: 48 months under a licensed ACR contractor in the last 72 months. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply Apply to TDLR. The ACR application fee is $115. You must be 18 or older. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))
4. Pass the exam Pass the exam within 1 year of applying. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))
5. File insurance After the exam, file a certificate of insurance at the amount for your class. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))

The exam

An exam is required. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab), source: TDLR: Electricians at a glance (opens in a new tab))

• ACR contractors must pass the exam within 1 year of applying. (source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))

Costs and fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Bonds and insurance

• General liability: ACR Class A: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products and completed operations. Class B: $100,000 / $200,000 / $100,000.

(source: TDLR: Apply for an ACR contractor license (opens in a new tab))

• Electrical contractors: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products and completed operations. (source: TDLR: Electrical contractor license (opens in a new tab))