How to Check a Texas Contractor's License (Free, 2 Minutes)
Texas licenses some trades at the state level and not others. Here's who licenses what, and where to look it up.
| Trade | State license? | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning & refrigeration (HVAC) | Yes, TDLR | TDLR License Search |
| Electricians | Yes, TDLR | TDLR License Search |
| Plumbers (incl. water heaters, gas lines) | Yes, TSBPE | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners |
| Irrigation / sprinklers | Yes, TCEQ | TCEQ Licensing |
| Pest control | Yes, Texas Dept. of Agriculture | TDA |
| General contractors, roofers, foundation repair, handymen | No state license | Check your city's registration, insurance, reviews and the BBB |
What to verify
- The license is active and the name matches the company or person doing the work.
- Any disciplinary history (TDLR posts enforcement orders).
- Proof of general liability insurance, and workers' comp if they have employees.
- A permit is pulled when your city requires one.
For unlicensed trades like roofing or foundation work, ask for references from jobs at least a year old and get the warranty in writing.
Sources
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Licensing
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