Texas contractor license basics: HVAC, plumbing and electrical
What it takes to get licensed for HVAC, plumbing and electrical work in Texas, summarized from the state’s own licensing boards with a link to every source.
Check before you file. We summarized these rules from each state’s official licensing board in October 2026 and link every source. Requirements, fees and forms change, and cities and counties often add their own license or registration. This is general information, not legal advice.
Statewide contractor licensing
Texas licenses HVAC and electrical work through TDLR and plumbing through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. For general building and remodeling work, check registration and permit rules with your city or county.
Texas HVAC license
Who licenses it: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program
| Licenses |
|
|---|---|
| Experience | 48 months of supervised experience in the past 72 months under a licensed ACR contractor, or 12 months as a certified technician plus 36 months in the past 48. |
| Exams | State licensing exam after TDLR approves your eligibility; finish everything within one year of applying. |
| Insurance, bond and finances | Commercial general liability. Class A: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products and completed operations. Class B: $100,000, $200,000 and $100,000. |
| Also note | You must be 18 or older. TDLR lists the contractor license fee as $115 (checked October 2026). |
Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program, checked October 2026.
Texas plumbing license
Who licenses it: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
| Licenses |
|
|---|---|
| Experience | The Master Plumber exam requires 2 years as a licensed journeyman, or 1 year plus a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship. |
| Exams | Every license requires an exam, and renewal requires 6 hours of continuing education each year. |
| Insurance, bond and finances | A Responsible Master Plumber must carry at least $300,000 in commercial liability insurance. |
| Also note | Plumbing is still licensed by the TSBPE, a separate agency from TDLR. The TSBPE lists the RMP designation fee as $225 (checked October 2026). |
Source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), checked October 2026.
Texas electrical license
Who licenses it: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians program
| Licenses |
|
|---|---|
| Experience | The contractor must employ a licensed Master Electrician (who can be the owner). A Master Electrician needs 2 years as a licensed journeyman plus 12,000 hours of on-the-job training. |
| Exams | The Master Electrician exam, taken after TDLR approves the application. |
| Insurance, bond and finances | Business liability of $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate and $300,000 products and completed operations, plus workers' comp, self-insurance or a filed notice of no coverage. |
Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians program, checked October 2026.
Register the business
You file Form 205, Certificate of Formation for a Limited Liability Company, online through SOSPortal. Form 205 lists a $300 filing fee (checked October 2026).
Source: Texas Secretary of State, checked October 2026.
You’ll also want a free EIN from the IRS (apply online) and a business bank account.
Once you’re licensed
Run the business on free software: scheduling, estimates, invoicing, built-in accounting and an AI call assistant, $0 a month with unlimited users. Pick your trade and state at signup and you’ll start with a state-priced starter price book.
“I’ve got a person for you.” Get paid for it.
Your techs see what else a house needs. On the MyHomeService360 network, when your AC tech refers a plumber on the network and the plumbing job sells and gets paid, your company earns a share of the network fee. The business that receives the referral pays nothing for the lead itself, only a network fee after the job is booked and paid. How the referral network works.
Questions people ask
Do I need a state license for HVAC work in Texas?
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program licenses HVAC contractors in Texas. Check the official page linked on this page for current rules.
Who licenses electricians in Texas?
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians program. See the linked official page for license classes and requirements.
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