How to Verify a Contractor License in Texas

Understanding Contractor Licensing in Texas

Texas has a unique licensing structure that surprises many homeowners. Unlike states such as California or Florida, Texas does not require a state-level general contractor license. This means anyone can call themselves a general contractor and take on residential or commercial construction projects without passing a state exam or meeting state-level bonding requirements.

However, this does not mean Texas is a licensing free-for-all. Several specialty trades are licensed at the state level through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. These tradespeople must pass examinations, meet experience requirements, and maintain their licenses. Additionally, many Texas cities and counties have their own contractor registration or licensing requirements.

This mixed system makes verification even more important in Texas. Just because someone isn't required to have a state license doesn't mean you shouldn't verify the credentials they do have — and for regulated trades, you absolutely must confirm they hold a valid license.

Which Texas Trades Require State Licenses

In Texas, the following trades require state-level licensing through the TDLR. Electricians must hold a valid license at the appropriate level — master electrician, journeyman electrician, or electrical apprentice. Plumbers must be licensed as a master plumber, journeyman plumber, tradesman plumber, or plumber's apprentice through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (now under TDLR). HVAC technicians need an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license from TDLR.

Other state-licensed professions include property tax consultants, water well drillers, and irrigators. For general construction, roofing, painting, and similar trades, licensing is handled at the city or county level — so the requirements depend on where the work is being performed.

How to Verify Using LicensedCheck

LicensedCheck aggregates Texas licensing data from TDLR into a fast, searchable database. Visit the Texas professionals page and search by name or license number to instantly view any licensee's current status, license type, and disciplinary history.

This is especially useful in Texas because you would otherwise need to search multiple different systems — TDLR for electricians and HVAC, the plumbing board for plumbers, and individual city databases for general contractors. LicensedCheck consolidates these into one search.

How to Verify Directly Through TDLR

For state-licensed trades, you can verify directly through the TDLR License Search at tdlr.texas.gov. Select the license type, enter the person's name or license number, and review the results. The TDLR system shows license status, expiration date, and any enforcement actions.

For plumbing licenses specifically, use the TDLR's plumbing license search tool. For city-level contractor registrations, you'll need to check with your specific city's building or permitting department — for example, the City of Houston requires general contractors to register, while other cities may have different requirements.

Protecting Yourself When Hiring in Texas

Because Texas doesn't require a state-level general contractor license, you need to take extra steps to protect yourself. Always ask for proof of insurance — at minimum, general liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers' compensation coverage. Request references from recent projects and actually follow up on them. Check with the Better Business Bureau and online review sites.

For any regulated trade work, never accept the excuse that a license "isn't needed" or "is being renewed." An electrician, plumber, or HVAC tech must hold a current, valid license to legally perform work in Texas. If they can't provide a license number that you can verify, hire someone else.

Get everything in writing with a detailed contract that includes the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Texas law provides some consumer protections through the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, but preventing problems is always better than pursuing legal remedies after the fact.