Texas Contractors Board 2026: License, Verify & Apply Today is a practical Texas contractor license guide for homeowners, seniors, property managers, builders, remodelers, electricians, HVAC contractors, plumbers and permit applicants who need to understand the real Texas rule: there is no single statewide “Texas State Contractors Board” license for every general contractor, but many trades are licensed through TDLR, plumbing is handled through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, and cities such as Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth may require local contractor registration before permits are issued.
Texas Contractors Board: License Lookup, Verify, Apply, Renew & Local Permit Guide
People search for “Texas state contractors board,” “Texas contractor license lookup,” “Texas general contractor license requirements,” “TDLR license search,” and “verify a contractor in Texas.” The useful answer is not one simple board search. Texas uses a mix of state trade licensing, city contractor registration, building permits, inspection rules, insurance requirements and complaint routes.
Use this guide to choose the right official Texas route: TDLR for electricians, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, elevators, boilers, industrialized housing, mold and other regulated programs; TSBPE for plumbing; city portals for general contractor registration and building permits; and TDLR complaint tools for unlicensed activity or violations within TDLR jurisdiction.
Independent guide: ContractorsBoard.org is not TDLR, Texas.gov, TSBPE, a city permit office, a court, an insurance company or a legal service. Always verify current licensing status, trade rules, local permit requirements, insurance limits, complaint jurisdiction, forms, renewal dates and fees directly with the official agency before hiring, bidding, applying, renewing, advertising or filing a complaint.
Texas State Contractors Board quick answer: Texas does not use one statewide general contractor board for every project
Texas is different from states such as California, Nevada, Arizona or Oregon. A person searching for a “Texas Contractors Board” usually needs one of three things: a state trade-license lookup, a city contractor registration or a building permit office. For many general construction or remodeling jobs, the State of Texas does not issue one universal statewide general contractor license. Local building departments may still require registration, permits, inspections and insurance before work begins.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, commonly called TDLR, is the main state agency many users need for building and mechanical trades such as electricians, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, elevators and related equipment, boilers, industrialized housing and buildings, mold assessors and remediators, architectural barriers, water well drillers and pump installers, and other regulated programs.
Official Texas contractor sources used for this 2026 guide
This page is organized around official Texas resources: TDLR license search and online licensing services, TDLR Apply for a New License, TDLR Electricians, TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, TDLR Complaints and Enforcement, TDLR contact information, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners public resources, and local city contractor registration pages.
TDLR license database
Use for TDLR-regulated licenses, businesses, individuals, inspections, project searches and some regulated building/mechanical programs.
TSBPE plumbing search
Use for Texas plumbing license and Responsible Master Plumber questions, especially when a company offers plumbing services to the public.
City permit offices
Use for local general contractor registration, building permits, trade permits, contractor portal setup and inspection scheduling.
Texas contractor license lookup: verify the right record before hiring, signing or paying
A safe Texas contractor license search starts by identifying the work type. If the work is electrical, HVAC, elevator, boiler, mold, industrialized housing or another TDLR-regulated field, use TDLR. If the work is plumbing, use TSBPE. If the work is general building, roofing, remodeling, fencing, foundation, demolition or pool construction, check local city registration and building permit rules as well as business insurance and written contract details.
TDLR license search
Search Texas TDLR active licenses by program, license type, individual or business where available.
Plumbing board route
Use TSBPE resources to verify plumbing license status and Responsible Master Plumber information.
City registration
Check the permit office where the job is located because Texas cities may require local registration.
Document match
Compare the license name, business name, city registration, insurance certificate, permit and payment name.
Texas contractor board lookup, license, city registration and complaint helper tools
These tools help you choose the correct Texas route. They do not replace TDLR, TSBPE, city permitting staff, court advice, insurance review, written contracts, inspection requirements or current official forms.
Tool 1: Texas contractor route finder
Your Texas route will appear here
Select the work type. The result will point you to the most useful official lookup, application or complaint path.
Tool 2: Texas contractor hiring risk checker
Risk result will appear here
Use this after you search TDLR, TSBPE or your local permit office.
Tool 3: Texas city permit route helper
Local route will appear here
Select the project location. Texas local rules can matter even when there is no statewide general contractor board license.
Tool 4: Texas license application readiness checker
Application readiness will appear here
Use this before submitting a Texas license, registration or permit application.
Tool 5: Texas complaint route finder
Complaint route will appear here
Choose the closest issue. The correct route depends on whether the license is TDLR, plumbing board, city permit, or a private contract dispute.
Texas contractor license search by work type: TDLR, plumbing board, city permit or no statewide license
Texas contractor licensing is easiest when you separate the job into work categories. A home addition may involve a local building permit, a general contractor registration, an electrical contractor license, a plumbing license, an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license, inspections and separate insurance documents. One search box rarely answers all of that.
| Work type | Most useful Texas route | What the user should verify |
|---|---|---|
| General construction, remodeling, roofing, fencing, foundation, demolition, pool work | Local city or county contractor registration, permit and inspection office. | City registration, permit responsibility, insurance, written contract, payment name and inspection schedule. |
| Electrical contractor or electrical sign contractor | TDLR Electricians program and TDLR license database. | Electrical Contractor license, Master Electrician of Record, insurance and local electrical permit rules. |
| Air conditioning, refrigeration, heating or HVAC work | TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program. | ACR contractor license, class, endorsement, insurance and technician supervision. |
| Plumbing services | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. | Responsible Master Plumber, company status and certificate of insurance where required. |
| Elevators, boilers, industrialized housing, mold, architectural barriers, water wells | TDLR industry-specific program pages and license/project search tools. | Correct license type, inspection status, project record, registration and complaint history if available. |
| Septic, irrigation, fire sprinkler, engineering, architecture or environmental work | May involve a different Texas board, local authority or environmental agency. | Do not assume TDLR covers every professional or technical license. |
Texas contractor license application: electrical contractor, HVAC contractor and online TDLR licensing
The correct Texas contractor application depends on the trade. TDLR provides an Apply for a New License hub and Online Licensing Services portal. Electrical contractor and air conditioning/refrigeration contractor licenses have different qualifying-person, insurance, fee, exam and renewal details, so do not use another contractor’s checklist without checking the official program page.
| Application route | Key 2026 details to verify | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Electrical Contractor | TDLR says an Electrical Contractor applicant must employ a licensed Master Electrician, who may also be the business owner. TDLR lists a $110 application fee and required business liability insurance limits. | Submitting a business application without a proper Master Electrician of Record or matching insurance documentation. |
| Texas Electrical Contractor renewal | TDLR lists annual renewal, $110 renewal fee, Master Electrician of Record rules and required insurance. | Letting the Master Electrician of Record leave without notifying TDLR and designating a replacement within required timing. |
| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor | TDLR says contractors who install, repair or maintain air conditioning, refrigeration or heating systems must hold a TDLR license, with ACR companies employing an ACR contractor in each permanent location. TDLR lists a $115 application fee and one-year license period. | Applying under the wrong class or endorsement, or not preparing certificate of insurance after exam approval. |
| ACR technician registration | TDLR says a person assisting a licensed ACR contractor must register as a technician, work under supervision, and may not advertise ACR services independently. | A technician advertising or contracting with the public as if they hold the contractor license. |
| Plumbing company route | TSBPE states that a company offering or contracting plumbing services to the public must secure the services of at least one Responsible Master Plumber and have current certificate of insurance on file. | Checking only a company name and not verifying the Responsible Master Plumber relationship. |
Fee caution: Application, renewal, exam, duplicate license, change and late fees can change. Verify current fees directly on the official TDLR or TSBPE page before submitting payment.
Texas electrical contractor license lookup, application, insurance and Master Electrician of Record
TDLR says anyone who performs, or offers to perform, non-exempt electrical work in Texas must be licensed and must perform that work through a licensed electrical contractor. For an Electrical Contractor license, the business must employ a licensed Master Electrician, and that Master Electrician may also be the business owner.
Master Electrician of Record
TDLR requires an Electrical Contractor to employ a licensed Master Electrician or for the business owner to hold and assign that license where allowed.
Insurance minimums
TDLR lists business liability insurance minimums of $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate and $300,000 products/completed operations aggregate.
Annual license
TDLR states electrical contractor licenses are valid for one year from issuance and must be renewed annually.
Texas HVAC contractor license search: air conditioning and refrigeration contractor route
Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor work is a TDLR route. TDLR states that contractors who install, repair or maintain systems related to air conditioning, refrigeration or heating must have a TDLR license, and ACR companies must employ an ACR contractor in each permanent location.
License class and endorsement
The license class and endorsement determine what work can be performed, what exam is needed and what insurance coverage must be maintained.
Application and exam
TDLR lists a $115 contractor application fee, one-year license period and exam eligibility after application materials and fees are submitted.
Technician limit
Registered technicians work under supervision and may not advertise air conditioning and refrigeration services independently.
Texas plumbing contractor lookup: Responsible Master Plumber and TSBPE search
Texas plumbing is not handled the same way as a general contractor city registration. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is the key official route. For consumers, the practical check is the company name, the Responsible Master Plumber, license status and current insurance information where required.
Homeowner tip: When a plumbing company gives you a bid, ask for the Responsible Master Plumber name and license information, then verify it directly with the plumbing board before work starts.
Texas general contractor license requirements: city registration often matters more than a statewide board
For many Texas general contractors, the most important requirement is local. Cities and counties decide who can pull a building permit, how a general contractor registers in the portal, what insurance is needed, how trade contractors attach state licenses, and how inspections are scheduled. Always check the city or county where the physical project is located.
| Texas location | What the official local route says | Helpful official link |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | Austin states that a General Contractor must have an AB+C Portal account and register before being assigned to a Building Permit; Austin also notes that state license is not required for a general contractor. | Austin contractor registration |
| San Antonio | San Antonio says city and state licensed contractors must be registered with Development Services before permits are issued. | San Antonio contractor registration |
| Dallas | DallasNow is the city route for accounts, contractor license linking, permitting and inspection scheduling. | DallasNow |
| Fort Worth | Fort Worth has contractor registration types, including Building Contractor registration and trade contractor registrations tied to state licenses. | Fort Worth contractor registration |
| Houston | Houston materials explain there is no general contractor license, but some permits must be obtained job-by-job and permit rules still matter. | Houston Permitting Center |
| Unincorporated county area | Rules can differ from city rules; county development, floodplain, septic, driveway and utility permits may still apply. | Check the county development or permitting office where the property is located. |
Local rule warning: A contractor may be properly licensed by TDLR for a trade but still unable to pull a city permit until local registration, insurance, portal and inspection requirements are satisfied.
Before hiring a Texas contractor: license lookup, permit check, insurance, contract and payment safety
Texas homeowners should not rely only on a truck sign, yard sign, referral, online review, social media page or “licensed and insured” phrase in an advertisement. Ask for the license or registration number that matches the work, verify it with the correct official source, confirm permit responsibility and keep all written records.
Verify before signing
- Identify whether the job is general construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing or another regulated trade.
- Search TDLR for electrical, HVAC and TDLR-regulated licenses.
- Search TSBPE for plumbing license and Responsible Master Plumber questions.
- Ask your city or county permit office whether contractor registration is required.
- Match the license name to the bid, contract, invoice, insurance certificate and payment name.
- Get scope, materials, start date, payment schedule, change orders and permit responsibility in writing.
Texas contractor red flags
- The contractor says “Texas does not license general contractors” to avoid trade licensing or permits.
- Electrical, HVAC or plumbing work is offered without the correct state route.
- The person asks you to pull the permit without explaining homeowner liability.
- Cash-only payment, very large deposit or full payment before inspection.
- The business name on insurance does not match the bid or license record.
- Door-to-door storm repair pressure after hail, wind, flood or hurricane damage.
Senior-friendly tip: Take a photo of the bid, license number, truck sign, business card, insurance certificate and payment request. Ask a family member or trusted neighbor to help compare the official search result before you pay.
Texas contractor complaints: TDLR complaint, plumbing board issue, city inspection or private contract dispute?
Texas complaint routing depends on who regulates the issue. TDLR accepts complaints about unlicensed activity or violations of laws and rules within TDLR jurisdiction. Plumbing issues may route through TSBPE. Permit, inspection and code issues may route through the city or county. Pure payment, warranty, bad workmanship or unfinished-job disputes may require written demand, insurance claim, small claims court, civil court, mediation or attorney guidance.
| Problem | Likely route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed electrical, HVAC, elevator, boiler, mold or other TDLR-regulated work | TDLR complaint system. | Name, license number if known, address, photos, contract, invoice, payment proof and messages. |
| Plumbing company or Responsible Master Plumber issue | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners resources. | Company name, plumber name, license information, job address, dates and photos. |
| Permit was not pulled or inspection failed | City or county building department. | Permit number, address, inspection notes, plan set, contractor name and photos. |
| Unfinished job or poor general construction work | Private contract, insurance, local code, civil court or legal advice depending on facts. | Signed contract, scope, change orders, payment records, photos, timeline and repair estimate. |
| Suspicious phone call claiming to be TDLR | Do not pay or give personal data; contact TDLR directly using official contact information. | Caller number, voicemail, text, payment request and screenshots. |
Complaint caution: A licensing complaint is not the same as a guaranteed refund. If you need money back or repairs completed, preserve evidence and consider court, insurance or legal options in addition to agency reporting.
How to read a Texas contractor search result before trusting the contractor
A Texas contractor search result is useful only if the record matches the actual person and business on your project. A good check compares license type, license status, expiration date, business name, responsible license holder, insurance details when shown, city registration, permit assignment and inspection record.
| Record field | Why it matters | Plain-English action |
|---|---|---|
| License type | A contractor may be licensed for one trade but not the work you are hiring them to perform. | Compare the license type to the actual scope: electrical, HVAC, plumbing, elevator, boiler or general building. |
| Business name | Mismatched names can make complaints, permits, payments and insurance claims harder. | Ask for corrected documents before signing or paying. |
| Responsible person | Electrical, HVAC and plumbing routes can depend on a master, contractor or responsible person attached to the business. | Verify the responsible person and do not rely on a license held by an unrelated person. |
| Insurance | Some Texas routes require specific liability insurance limits or certificates. | Ask for the certificate and confirm the business name, limits, expiration date and certificate holder. |
| City permit assignment | The contractor who pulls or activates the permit may be responsible for inspections and corrections. | Check the permit portal before work starts and after each inspection. |
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation contact, phone number, address and map
TDLR lists its main office at 920 Colorado St., Austin, Texas 78701, mailing address P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711, telephone (512) 463-6599, in-state toll-free (800) 803-9202 and Relay Texas-TDD (800) 735-2989. TDLR phone hours are listed as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Main office
920 Colorado St., Austin, Texas 78701. Check lobby access before visiting.
Phone
(512) 463-6599 or in-state toll-free (800) 803-9202. Verify program-specific contact instructions.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711.
Helpful TDLR records video for Texas license search users
Texas users who need to search TDLR records, verify a license or understand agency record navigation may find the TDLR Records Center walkthrough useful. Use the video as a navigation aid, then rely on the official TDLR license database for current license status.
Official Texas contractor license lookup, application, renewal and complaint links
Use official Texas pages for final action. This guide explains the route, but TDLR, TSBPE and local permit offices control current license records, application requirements, fees, insurance documents, registration forms, complaint jurisdiction and inspection rules.
TDLR Search / Verify
Official starting point to search TDLR licenses, individuals, businesses, projects and industry-specific records.
TDLR Online Licensing Services
Official portal for license search, apply, renew, address change and online licensing account services.
TDLR Apply for a New License
Official hub for choosing license type, requirements, instructions, fees and online application routes.
TDLR Electricians
Official program page for electrician and electrical contractor licenses, exams, renewals, forms and continuing education.
TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Official program page for ACR contractor license, technician registration, exams, forms, renewals and insurance rules.
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Official plumbing board route for plumbing licenses, Responsible Master Plumber information and consumer resources.
Texas Contractors Board 2026 FAQs: license, lookup, apply, renew and complaints
Does Texas have a State Contractors Board?
Texas does not use one single statewide contractors board for every general contractor job. Many general construction requirements are local, while specific trades such as electrical and air conditioning/refrigeration are regulated through TDLR, and plumbing is handled through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Does Texas require a statewide general contractor license?
For many general contractor roles, Texas does not issue one universal statewide general contractor license. However, cities and counties may require contractor registration, permits, inspections and insurance, and state trade licenses may still be required for electrical, HVAC, plumbing or other regulated work.
How do I verify a Texas contractor license?
Start by identifying the work type. Use TDLR Search / Verify for TDLR-regulated licenses, use TSBPE resources for plumbing, and check the city or county permit office for local general contractor registration and permit status.
What Texas contractor licenses are handled by TDLR?
TDLR handles many regulated programs, including electricians, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, elevators and related equipment, boilers, industrialized housing and buildings, mold, architectural barriers, water well drillers and pump installers, and other licensing areas.
How do I apply for a Texas Electrical Contractor license?
Use the official TDLR Electrical Contractor application route. TDLR says the business must employ a licensed Master Electrician or have the business owner serve in that qualifying role where allowed, and must maintain required business liability insurance.
How do I apply for a Texas HVAC or ACR contractor license?
Use the TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor application page. TDLR lists class and endorsement rules, exam eligibility after submitting materials and fees, insurance requirements and a one-year license period.
Who regulates Texas plumbing contractors?
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is the official plumbing route. A company offering plumbing services to the public must secure the services of at least one Responsible Master Plumber and have current certificate of insurance on file with the board where required.
Do Texas cities require contractor registration?
Many Texas cities require registration or portal setup before a contractor can pull or activate permits. Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth all have local contractor registration or permit portal routes, and other cities may have their own rules.
How do I file a complaint against a Texas contractor?
If the contractor is in a TDLR-regulated trade or there is unlicensed activity within TDLR jurisdiction, use TDLR Complaints and Enforcement. Plumbing issues may route to TSBPE. Permit and inspection issues may route to the local building department. Contract payment disputes may require civil options.
What is the TDLR phone number and address?
TDLR lists its main office at 920 Colorado St., Austin, Texas 78701, mailing address P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711, phone (512) 463-6599 and in-state toll-free (800) 803-9202.
Final recommendation for Texas contractor lookup users
Do not stop at the phrase “Texas does not have a statewide general contractor license.” That can be true for many general contractor jobs, but it does not remove state trade-license rules, city registration, permits, inspections, insurance or written-contract risk. First identify the work type, then verify TDLR, TSBPE or the local permit office. Before hiring, match the license record to the bid, contract, insurance certificate, permit and payment name.