Quick answer: Texas has no single “contractor’s license.” Licensing is trade-by-trade: plumbing, electrical, and HVAC/AC are licensed at the state level, while general contractors, roofers, painters, carpenters, landscapers, and handymen need no state license — though most Texas cities require you to register and pull permits before you work.
Here’s exactly which trades need a license in Texas, who issues it, and where to apply.
Which trades need a license in Texas?
| Trade | State license required? | Licensing body |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Yes | TX State Board of Plumbing Examiners |
| Electrician | Yes | TX Dept. of Licensing & Regulation |
| HVAC / AC technician | Yes | TX Dept. of Licensing & Regulation |
| General contractor | No (state) | City registration / permits |
| Roofer | No | — |
| Painter | No | — |
| Carpenter | No | — |
| Landscaper | No | — |
| Handyman | No | — |
| Cleaner | No | — |
“No” means no statewide license — many cities still require registration and permits (see below).
Plumbing license (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)
Plumbers in Texas are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Everyone starts as a registered apprentice, then tests up through the license levels:
- Registered Apprentice — works under a licensed plumber while logging hours.
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited — residential work within defined limits.
- Journeyman Plumber — full plumbing work under a Master.
- Master Plumber — can run a plumbing business and pull permits.
- Plumbing Inspector — inspects plumbing installations.
Each license requires passing an exam, and holders complete six hours of continuing education a year. See what plumbers charge in Texas.
Electrical license (TDLR)
Electricians are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). All non-exempt electrical work must be performed through a licensed Electrical Contractor. Individual license levels include:
- Apprentice Electrician
- Residential Wireman
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Contractor — the business license required to operate.
HVAC / air conditioning license (TDLR)
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (ACR) work is licensed by TDLR. To install, repair, or maintain AC and refrigeration systems you need a TDLR license, and every ACR company must employ a licensed ACR Contractor at each location. Levels include:
- ACR Technician Registration
- Certified Technician
- ACR Contractor — Class A or B, by system size.
Trades with no state license in Texas
Texas does not issue a statewide license for general contracting or remodeling, roofing, painting, carpentry, landscaping, or handyman work. You can legally take on this work without a state license — but that doesn’t mean there are no rules. See local requirements next.
Local city requirements
Most major Texas cities — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth — require contractors to register with the city and pull permits for construction work, even in trades with no state license. Registration, insurance, and permit rules vary by city, so always check with the building department where the job is.
How to get licensed in Texas
- Find your board. Plumbing goes through TSBPE; electrical and HVAC go through TDLR.
- Meet the experience requirement. Most trades require documented hours as a registered apprentice before you can test.
- Pass the exam for your license level.
- Apply and pay the fee through the board.
- Keep it current — renew and complete any required continuing education.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be a handyman in Texas?
No. Texas has no statewide handyman or general contractor license. You can legally do general repair and remodeling work — but if a job includes plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, that portion must be done by a state-licensed tradesperson, and your city may require registration and permits.
Does Texas have a general contractor license?
No statewide one. General contractors don’t need a state license, but most Texas cities require you to register and pull permits before doing construction work.
How do you get a plumbing license in Texas?
Register as an apprentice with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, log the required hours under a licensed plumber, then pass the Tradesman or Journeyman exam. Master Plumbers can run a business and pull permits.
Do you need a license to do electrical work in Texas?
Yes. Non-exempt electrical work must be performed through a TDLR-licensed Electrical Contractor, and individuals hold apprentice, residential wireman, journeyman, or master licenses.
Sources: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, 2025. Licensing rules change — always confirm current requirements with the relevant state board and your local city before you work.