Texas Contractor License Requirements
2026 Guide — Everything you need to know about contractor licensing in Texas.
92,293
Contractors in TX
91,703
Verified Licenses
9 yrs
Avg. Experience
10
Cities Covered
Texas Licensing Board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
License Types in Texas
Electrical Contractor
State license required through TDLR
HVAC Contractor
State license required through TDLR
Plumbing Contractor
State license required through TSBPE
General Contractor
No state license; some cities require registration
Bond Requirements
No state-level surety bond is required for general contractors.
No state bond for general contractors; specialty trades may require bonds
Insurance Requirements
General Liability Insurance
Not required at the state level. Not mandated at state level for general contractors; specialty trades require insurance
Workers' Compensation
Not required at the state level.
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Specialty work without license: Class C misdemeanor to Class A depending on severity; fines up to $4,000
How to Verify a License in Texas
1. Use Our Free Verification Tool
Search our database of 92,293 contractors in Texas by name, license number, or business name.
Verify a contractor now2. Check the Official State Board
Visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for real-time license verification and disciplinary actions.
Visit Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)Additional Information
Texas is one of the few states that does not require a general contractor license at any level. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are licensed by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas require a contractor license?
Texas does not require a general contractor license at the state level. However, specialty trades like electrical and plumbing typically require state licenses, and many local jurisdictions have their own licensing requirements.
What are the bond requirements for contractors in Texas?
No state bond for general contractors; specialty trades may require bonds
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Texas?
Specialty work without license: Class C misdemeanor to Class A depending on severity; fines up to $4,000
Is insurance required for contractors in Texas?
Texas does not mandate general liability insurance at the state level for general contractors. Not mandated at state level for general contractors; specialty trades require insurance However, insurance is strongly recommended and may be required by local jurisdictions or project contracts.
How do I verify a contractor's license in Texas?
You can verify a contractor's license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/. You can also use our free license verification tool at vemra.ai/licensing/verify to search our database of 92,293 contractor profiles in Texas.
How many licensed contractors are there in Texas?
Our database includes 92,293 contractor profiles in Texas, with 91,703 verified license numbers on file. The average contractor in Texas has 9 years of experience.