What Are The Texas General Contractor License Requirements? 

If you’ve decided to work as a general contractor in Texas, you’ve chosen a lucrative path. With requirements and regulations varying from state to state, it’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the Texas general contractor license requirements. 

Do you have to have a general contractor's license in Texas?

Wondering whether or not Texas requires a general contractors license? Not all contractors in Texas need to hold a license. Whether or not you need a license depends on your trade and the area in which you’re working. So then, does Texas require a general contractor license?  If you’re a handyman, general contractor, or builder, the state does not require folks in these lines of work to carry a license issued by the State. But you might have some additional paperwork to sort through depending on where you’re working. Contractors that specialize in other trades such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians need to hold a Texas contractor license.

Texas general contractor requirements - a step by step guide

Meeting Texas general contractor license requirements is extremely easy. Because the state doesn’t require a license, there are no age, experience, or educational requirements.

• Register your business: To operate a business in Texas, you need to register it with the Texas Secretary of State and secure all necessary tax ID numbers, a certificate of insurance, and contractor bonds for all projects.
• Check with the local government: There are no statewide Texas general contractor license requirements. However, this type of license can be  issued on a local level. Find out whether you need to be licensed to perform general, specialty, or home improvement contractor work, contact your local licensing authority.

By understanding the different types of licenses required for specific trades, professionals can better navigate the complex regulatory landscape and avoid potential legal issues. Furthermore, we want to emphasize that learning about licensing requirements for trades like electricians and plumbers does not necessarily require a general contractor (GC) license. This information is crucial because it highlights the unique requirements and regulations for each trade and helps individuals understand which licenses they need to operate legally and safely.

How to get an electrician license in Texas

To become an electrician in Texas, you need to go through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and obtain one of the 11 licenses available, depending on the type of electrical work you want to do. This article focuses on the Master Electrician's license.

To apply for the Master Electrician's license, you need to fulfill certain requirements, such as having 12,000 hours of on-the-job training, which you can acquire as an apprentice or journeyman working under a Master Electrician, and holding a journeyman's license for at least two years.

Once you meet the requirements, you must fill out the Master Electrician License Application Form and mail it to the TDLR with a $45 check. After the TDLR approves your application, you will be contacted to take the test.

How to get a plumber’s license in Texas

The licensing process for plumbing contractors in Texas has specific requirements, and there are four types of licenses available through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).

• Tradesman Plumber-Limited
• Journeyman
• Master
• Plumbing Inspector

To work independently as a plumbing contractor, you must obtain a Responsible Master Plumber's (RMP) license. To apply for an RMP license, you must first have a Master Plumber license in Texas. You must then complete a 24-hour training course with the TSBPE and provide evidence of $300,000 in commercial liability insurance.

After submitting your completed application, a Certificate of Insurance, and a $345 licensing fee, the TBSPE will review your application and either approve or reject your license request. If your license is approved, you will be required to renew it annually at a cost of $420.

How to get an HVAC license in Texas

To become a licensed HVAC contractor in Texas, applicants must meet specific requirements. They must have 48 months of practical experience in the field under a licensed HVAC contractor's supervision in the past 72 months, or 36 months of practical experience under supervision in the past 48 months and have obtained technician certification within the last 12 months.

There are two classes of HVAC contractor licenses: Class A and Class B. Class A licensees can work on units of any size, while Class B licensees can work on cooling systems of up to 25 tons and heating systems of up to 1.5 million BTUs/hour. To obtain a license, applicants must pass an exam, acquire insurance, and complete the license application form.

Applicants must first submit their application and meet the remaining requirements, and once their application is reviewed, they will be contacted to take the exam. The filing fee for the license is $115.

Insurance requirements differ depending on the license class. For Class A, the insurance must be $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate for property damage or bodily harm, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations. For Class B, the insurance must be $100,000 per occurrence, $200,000 aggregate for property damage or bodily harm, and $100,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

Penalties for unlicensed contractors in Texas

If you are an electrician, plumber, or HVAC contractor, performing work without a license where one is required can result in a Class C misdemeanor charge, which may carry jail time. Additionally, the TDLR and TSBPE can impose administrative fees on violators.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know the Texas general contractor’s license requirements, it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.