Unlike most states, Texas does not require a general contractor license. There's no state agency, exam, or bond tied to "general contracting" as a credential. Because of this, a general contractor can legally operate anywhere in Texas without state licensure.

That doesn't mean construction goes unregulated, though. Specific trades — electrical, plumbing, and HVAC/refrigeration — are licensed by their own state boards, covered below. And most Texas cities require their own local contractor registration, often with its own bond, no matter what state licensure applies.

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) licenses plumbers through a tiered system: Apprentice registration, Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber.

There are three paths to reach Master Plumber. One: two years as a Journeyman, in Texas or another state. Two: one year as a Journeyman plus a DOL-approved apprenticeship. Three: an out-of-state Master license backed by that same Journeyman experience.

Every plumbing business must also operate under a Responsible Master Plumber, who directly supervises apprentices and Tradesman Plumbers on covered work. Budget for a $25 TSBPE processing fee plus a $128.50 Pearson VUE exam fee. The Master Plumber license itself costs $75 to obtain and $75 to renew.

HVAC and refrigeration contracting requires a TDLR ACR license. There are four class tiers: Class A and Class B Environmental Air Conditioning, plus Class A and Class B Commercial Refrigeration/Process Cooling and Heating. Class A covers any size system. Class B is capped at 25 tons cooling capacity or 1.5 million BTU/hour.

To qualify, you need 48 months of practical experience within the preceding 72 months. Alternatively, 36 months of experience plus 12 months of current technician certification also works, and relevant education can substitute for part of the experience requirement. Every route still requires passing the state exam.

Insurance minimums scale by class. Class B requires $100,000 per occurrence and $200,000 total aggregate. Class A requires $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 total aggregate.

Good to know: Texas grants ACR reciprocity to applicants holding a valid Georgia or South Carolina HVAC license, bypassing the standard experience pathway.

Texas does not license roofing contractors. Anyone can legally call themselves a roofer, even without training, insurance, or registration of any kind. Because of that gap, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) runs a voluntary registration program so contractors can demonstrate credibility to customers.

To register with RCAT, you'll need to pass three exams within one year: basic business/safety, plus residential and/or commercial roofing. Each requires a score of 70% or better.

You'll also need insurance: $300,000 for residential work, or $500,000 for commercial, in general liability coverage. A $100,000 surety bond works as an alternative. Add workers' compensation insurance and 8 continuing education units each year, and you're covered.

Registration runs $550–$1,050 depending on your membership status and exam scope, with a $250 annual renewal after that.

Because Texas has no general contractor exam, NASCLA reciprocity does not apply at the state level. There's simply no general trade exam for an accredited NASCLA score to substitute for. Some Texas cities run their own local contractor licensing programs, though, and a few of those may separately recognize NASCLA credit. Check with the specific municipality where you plan to work.

With no statewide general contractor license, Texas cities fill the gap themselves — and their rules vary widely. Cities like San Antonio, Amarillo, Abilene, Beaumont, Wichita Falls, and Fort Worth license general and building contractors locally. Many also add separate categories for electrical, plumbing, roofing, mechanical, sign, demolition, swimming pool, and irrigation contractors, each with its own bond amount.

Smaller municipalities usually keep it simple, with one "Contractor License" bond covering all trades. Either way, confirm whether your specific city — and sometimes the county — requires its own registration before you bid a job in Texas.

Already hold a TDLR electrical or ACR license, a TSBPE plumbing license, or an active local contractor registration in a Texas city? Get added to our list of qualifiers available to license businesses that need a qualifying party in Texas.

Because Texas has no statewide general contractor bond, every bond above comes from a specific city or county. We track over 100 Texas municipalities, each with its own categories and amounts. Always confirm the exact bond your job site requires before bidding.

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