Texas contractor license lookup
Texas has no state license for general contractors, home builders or roofers. Trades are licensed separately: electricians and air-conditioning contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), plumbers by the State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Cities and counties handle builder registration and permits.
Where to search
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Licenses: Electricians and electrical contractors, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, and other occupations.
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
Licenses: Master, journeyman and other plumbing licenses.
Use “Find a license/registration” at the top of the board’s website.
When you need a licensed contractor in Texas
- Electrical, air-conditioning and plumbing work needs a state-licensed tradesperson.
- General contracting, remodeling and roofing have no state license. Your city or county may require registration and permits.
How to check a Texas contractor
- For a general contractor, ask your city’s building department whether the contractor is registered there and has pulled permits for past jobs.
- Check electricians and air-conditioning contractors in TDLR’s license search.
- Check plumbers with the State Board of Plumbing Examiners. For a plumbing company, check its responsible master plumber’s license.
- Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it with the insurer.
- Make sure the permits for your job are pulled in the contractor’s name.
Watch out for
- A contractor who says they are “state licensed” for general building or roofing work is a red flag: Texas has no such license.
- Texas used to register home builders through its Residential Construction Commission, but the commission was abolished in 2009.
Questions
Does Texas require a general contractor license?
No. Texas has no state license for general contractors or home builders. Some cities require contractors to register and pull permits, so ask your local building department.
How do I check an electrician or HVAC contractor in Texas?
Search TDLR’s license search by name or license number. TDLR licenses electricians and electrical contractors, and air conditioning and refrigeration contractors.
How do I check a plumber in Texas?
Use “Find a license/registration” on the State Board of Plumbing Examiners’ website. For a plumbing company, check the license of its responsible master plumber.
Do roofers need a license in Texas?
Not from the state. Check whether your city requires registration and a permit, and ask for proof of insurance.
Other states
Checked on November 3, 2026 against these sources:
- TDLR license search
- TSBPE consumer information
- Texas Occupations Code ch. 1305 (electricians)
- Texas Occupations Code ch. 1302 (air conditioning and refrigeration contractors)
Rules change. Always confirm a license on the official board’s website before you hire.