Contractors in Texas | ReadyDocs Compliance

Article I · State Baseline

Licensing sets the baseline. Local offices control the job.

Cities and counties are the main permit layer. Local registration, plan review, inspections, and insurance proof can change by jurisdiction.

Texas does not have one statewide general-contractor license. The state licenses major trades such as electrical and air conditioning/refrigeration through TDLR and plumbing through TSBPE.

Start with the trade agency for electrical, ACR, plumbing, or specialty work, then confirm the city or county permit desk before bidding.

Insurance and risk

Texas workers' compensation is voluntary for most private employers, but non-subscribers have notice/reporting duties and public projects can require coverage.

Official source · Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ↗Reviewed · Jul 10, 2026

Article II · Operating File

Three checks before work starts.

Use the state authority as the baseline, then confirm the local process before filing.

LICENSE

State authority

Texas does not have one statewide general-contractor license. The state licenses major trades such as electrical and air conditioning/refrigeration through TDLR and plumbing through TSBPE.

AgencyTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation; Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

ReciprocityTrade-specific - verify TDLR/TSBPE

RenewalTrade-specific; ACR annual

PERMITS

Local filing path

Cities and counties are the main permit layer. Local registration, plan review, inspections, and insurance proof can change by jurisdiction.

Before workStart with the trade agency for electrical, ACR, plumbing, or specialty work, then confirm the city or county permit desk before bidding.

JurisdictionConfirm city or county

RISK

Insurance and bonds

Texas workers' compensation is voluntary for most private employers, but non-subscribers have notice/reporting duties and public projects can require coverage.

Workers' compVoluntary for most private employers

BondUsually local or contract-based

EducationACR 8 hrs/yr; plumbing 6 hrs/yr

Article III · Browse by County

38 compliance guides in Texas.

Choose a county to find indexed cities, permit offices, and trade-specific requirements.

Texas.

Texas at a glance

Licensing sets the baseline. Local offices control the job.

Insurance and risk

Three checks before work starts.

State authority

Local filing path

Insurance and bonds

38 compliance guides in Texas.

Primary authorities, not secondary summaries.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Texas Division of Workers' Compensation

Texas Local Government Code — Municipal Building Regulation

Working across state lines?

Open the file. Choose the county.