Getting your Texas license starts here...
In Texas, contractors must be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). Major categories include Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (ACR), Electrical, and specialized trades such as Boilers, Elevators, Industrialized Housing, and Water Wells.
Applicants must show verified experience, pass exams, and carry required insurance. For example, ACR contractors need $300,000/$600,000 liability coverage, while electrical contractors must register under a Master Electrician and maintain insurance. Public projects may also require surety bonds.
Texas offers limited reciprocity for HVAC and electrical contractors from states like Tennessee and South Carolina.
Contractor Licensing Inc. streamlines the process—reviewing your credentials, preparing TDLR applications, securing bonds and insurance, and tracking approvals—so you get licensed quickly and stay compliant.
Official resource: TDLR – Apply for a New License
Texas Contractor Licensing
The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) oversees many contractor-related trades. Common licenses include Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (ACR) Contractors and Electrical Contractors. Applicants must meet experience, pass exams, carry liability insurance, and in some cases provide bonds.
Contractor License Categories
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors – Class A (unlimited tonnage) and Class B (≤25 tons cooling / 1.5M BTUs heating).
- Electrical Contractors – Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor registration required to engage in contracting.
- Boiler Safety, Elevator/Escalator, Industrialized Housing & Buildings, Water Well Drillers & Pump Installers, and other regulated trades fall under TDLR’s scope.
Insurance & Bonds
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors: Liability insurance minimum: $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate / $300,000 property damage.
- Electrical Contractors: Must maintain workers’ comp or equivalent insurance; surety bonds may be required on public projects.
- Other TDLR Trades: Some specialized contractors (e.g., Water Wells) must also file bonds.
Reciprocity
Texas maintains limited reciprocity in select categories, such as HVAC and Electrical, with states including South Carolina and Tennessee, provided applicants show equivalent licensing and pass Texas law requirements.
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