If you live in Texas and want to earn your money by working in a trade, it is important to understand what licensing the state requires for specific trades. In this article, we are going to find out what trades require a license in Texas and everything else you need to know!
Electricians, plumbers, plumbing inspectors, HVAC installers, and repair workers are all required to be licensed in Texas. Some cities and counties require a general contractor’s license, as well as those who work in air conditioning, refrigeration, elevator safety, tow truck drivers and large vehicle operators, and many more.
If you want to learn about each and every one of the trades that require a license in Texas, keep reading! We are going to go through the entire list so that you understand whether or not you need a license for your trade of choice while living in Texas.
What Trades Require a License in Texas?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has an extremely long list of trades that require a license in the state.
It is important to note that many of these regulations and licensing requirements vary from county to country, so depending on where you live, you should double-check the specific regulations of exactly where you live.
Here is the TDLR list of which trades require a license in Texas:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Boiler Inspectors
- Driver Education
- Electricians
- Elevator / Escalator Safety
- Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers
- Industrialized Housing and Buildings
- Mold Assessors and Remediators
- Property Tax Consultants
- Property Tax Professionals
- Sanitarians
- Tow Trucks, Operators, and Vehicle Storage Facilities
- Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers
- Plumbers
- HVAC Installation
- General Contractors (In Some Counties)
The list doesn’t stop there for some counties; however, that is the most cohesive list that Texas supplies.
If you have any questions as to whether or not your trade requires a license, it is important to contact the Texas Department of Licensing Registration in your area.
Which Trades Don’t Require a License in Texas?
While this list may seem all-encompassing, there are a few trades in Texas that do not require a license.
Here is a cohesive list of the trades that don’t require a license in Texas:
- Handyman
- Builders
- Improvement Specialists
- General Contractors (In Some Counties)
While this is a general list for the state of Texas, remember that you will have to double-check with your county to ensure you don’t need a license for one of these trades.
As well, even though you may not need a license to work in one of these trades, if you are starting your own handyman, improvement, or contracting business, you will still need to apply for a business license, which we will learn about in the following section.
How to Apply for a License in Texas
After understanding which trades require a license by the state of Texas, you will certainly need to know how to actually apply for a license if it is required!
Luckily, Texas makes it incredibly easy to apply for a license, and you can do the entire process online!
It is important to note that if you plan to work for yourself or start your own business, you will also need a business license in Texas. The application process for a business license can also be done online; however, you will need more information than simply applying for a license.
Do You Need to Recertify After Getting a License in Texas?
The rules and regulations set by the state of Texas and its various counties differ from license to license.
Depending on the original license you applied for, you may never need to recertify; however, you may need to recertify every year!
It is vital that you read the fine print about your specific trade because if you do not follow the regulations to the T, you could be fined for working without a license.
Although it may seem confusing, the bottom line is that in order to ensure you are properly licensed, you should always reach out to your county’s Department of Licensing & Regulation for the exact rules of your location.
Final Thoughts
So, what trades require a license in Texas? Well, hopefully, you now know the answer to this one!
In the state of Texas, you are required to have a license to install and fix boilers, inspect plumbing, install HVAC systems, work on electrical systems, and in some counties, general contractors will also require a specific license.
Handymen, builders, and home improvement specialists do not usually require a license.
Just remember, Texas is a big state, and throughout the various counties, the rules and regulations can vary greatly, including re-certifications. You should always contact your local Department of Licensing and Registration to ensure you do not get fined for working without a license!
