Licensing Guides
State Contracting License: How to Become a General Contractor in Texas
General, TX
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Texas?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Texas?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Texas
What Are the Requirements of a Texas Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Texas?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Texas?
Texas Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Texas Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Texas?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Texas?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives, and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these men and women to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Texas employs 45,770 managers and 115,770 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Texas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers is nearly double the national number at 15%; for managers, it’s also 15%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Texas?
Texas doesn’t require general or building contractor license requirements at the state level. Many Texas cities require contracting businesses to follow local requirements. Since individual cities set their own requirements, this means rules regarding trade certifications, general liability insurance, and surety bonds differ depending on the city.
For instance, in San Antonio, residential building contractors or home improvement contractors must register with the city for certain types of work, but commercial general contractors do not need to register.
To perform construction work in Texas, you’ll need to check the specific licensing requirements of local municipalities for the type of work you plan to do.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Texas?
Texas does not provide general or building contractor state licenses. Contractors may need to register with the city where they perform work, depending on the type of license and local regulations.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates these professions in the construction field:
Air conditioning and refrigeration contractors and HVAC technicians
Electrical contractors, apprentices, journeymen, maintenance, and master electricians
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) licenses and regulates tradesman plumber-limited, journeyman plumbers, master plumbers, and plumbing inspectors.
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Texas
In Texas, licensing requirements vary depending on the local licensing authority. The following covers the types of general contractor licenses in two of the largest Texas cities.
In San Antonio, contractor license classifications include:
Residential Building Contractor: For new residential construction, alterations or remodeling of existing homes involving structural work, additions to residential structures, and foundation repairs or detached accessory buildings greater than 400 square feet.
Home Improvement Contractor: For non-structural remodeling alterations, conversions, modernizations, and detached accessory buildings 400 square feet and smaller.
In Dallas, a general contractor license covers the following work:
Commercial general contractor
Residential general contractor
Demolition contractor
Fence contractor
Foundation contractor
Pool contractor
Roofing contractor
Getting a general contractor license
The bottom line is that each locality determines whether you need a license. In San Antonio, you need licenses to perform residential initial construction, repair, or additions to properties. The city does not have license or registration requirements for commercial general contractors, but requires a plan review process for commercial projects. In Dallas, you need a license for commercial and residential work.
San Antonio
In San Antonio, the department of Development Services oversees contractor registration and licensing. Here’s how you go about getting licensed in San Antonio.
Residential Building Contractor License
To receive a Residential Building Contractor license in San Antonio, follow this application process:
POSSESS PHOTO ID: The applicant must have a government-issued photo identification.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: The applicant must complete an FBI national background check within 30 days of application submission. The city lists additional information about background check requirements in this PDF.
OBTAIN CERTIFICATION: The applicant or an agent affiliated with the contractor must obtain a Residential International Code Council (ICC) Certification or other certifications approved by the building official, or the company must have a minimum of five years of continued registration with the city without violations, suspensions, or revocation. The city lists additional information about the certification requirements in this PDF.
MEET INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must show proof of a certificate of liability insurance coverage, listing the City of San Antonio as the certificate holder, for a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence combined for property damage and bodily injury; with $1 million as the minimum total amount the policy will pay for property damage and bodily injury; and a minimum of $500,000 for products and completed operations.
APPLY FOR CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Print the PDF of the Residential Building Contractor License application form. The city requires first-time applicants to register in person at the Development and Business Services Department, 1901 S. Alamo, San Antonio, TX, 78204.
PAY LICENSE FEE: A two-year license costs $170.
Home Improvement Contractor License
To receive a Home Improvement Contractor license in San Antonio, follow this licensing process:
POSSESS PHOTO ID: The applicant must have a government-issued photo identification.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: The applicant must complete an FBI national background check within 30 days of application submission. The city lists additional information about background check requirements in this PDF.
MEET INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must show proof of a certificate of liability insurance coverage listing the City of San Antonio as the certificate holder, for a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence combined for property damage and bodily injury; with $600,000 as the minimum total amount the policy will pay for property damage and bodily injury; and a minimum of $300,000 for products and completed operations.
APPLY FOR CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Print the PDF of the Home Improvement Contractor License application form. The city requires first-time applicants to register in person at the Development and Business Services Department, 1901 S. Alamo, San Antonio, TX, 78204.
PAY LICENSE FEE: A two-year license costs $150.
Dallas
In Dallas, the Planning and Development department oversees contractor registration. Here’s how you go about getting licensed in Dallas.
SHOW PROOF OF BUSINESS LOCATION: Businesses in Dallas city limits must show proof of an established place of business through a certificate of occupancy. Contractors with home-based businesses may declare their residence as the place of business and agree to follow city rules regulating home-based businesses.
ASSIGN MEMBERS TO CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION: Contractors assign themselves and members a PIN number, allowing them to apply for permits, pay for permits, cancel permits, reassign permits, request inspections, and pay fees on behalf of the contractor.
COMPLETE CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AFFIDAVIT: If contractors don’t register in person, they must sign the application for contractor registration before a notary and present the affidavit with the application.
APPLY FOR CONTRACTOR LICENSE: To apply for a general contractor license, print the PDF application and apply in person at the Oak Cliff Municipal Center in Dallas.
PAY REGISTRATION FEE: Pay the $120 contractor registration fee.
Getting a residential or specialty license
Some cities in Texas license specialty contractors, or use a general contractor license to cover specialty contractor or subcontractor work.
In San Antonio, the city requires demolition contractors to get a special license. In Dallas, a general contractor license covers work performed by fence, foundation, pool, residential, and roofing contractors.
Some Texas cities require other professions in the construction trade to register with the city. For instance, Dallas requires mechanical, plumbing, and electrical contractors to register in person with the city and show proof of their state mechanical, plumbing, or electrician license.
Those seeking a residential or specialty license will need to check with each municipality where they plan to work to make sure they meet licensing requirements.
For more information, you can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumbing license, or electrical license in Texas.
What Are the Requirements of a Texas Contractor License?
Local requirements for licensure as a contractor in Texas are intended to demonstrate that an individual serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. Contractor licensing is regulated at the local level. You’ll need to check the exact requirements and the order they need to be completed, as it varies depending on the locality.
Possess a government-issued photo identification.
Obtain necessary trade certifications.
Show proof of liability insurance requirements, such as a contractor license bond.
Apply for a contractor license.
Pay the license or application fee.
Meet state workers’ compensation insurance requirements, if your company contracts with government entities.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Texas?
The time it takes to get a contractor license in Texas depends on the license requirements and the city’s application processing time. In San Antonio, the city requires those seeking a Residential Building Contractor License to first obtain a Residential ICC Certification, or have a minimum of five years of continued registration with the city without violations, suspensions, or revocation.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Texas?
The cost to obtain a contractor license for your contractor business depends on the fees in the city where you’re applying.
In San Antonio, a Residential Building Contractor License costs $170. You’ll also need to obtain ICC credentialing, which will involve an additional cost. In Dallas, general contractor registration costs $120.
Texas Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While there aren’t specific educational requirements to get a contractor license in Texas, there are training programs throughout the state to help you prepare for a career in construction.
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the Lone Star State that offer these types of programs.
The following schools offer a Construction Management, Construction Science, or Construction Science and Management Bachelor of Science degree.
There are also many colleges in the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) that offer certificates and degrees in the areas of construction and the trades.
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want on-the-job training, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Find registered apprenticeships in the construction field through the Texas Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Program.
Other resources for finding Texas apprenticeships in the skilled trades include:
Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program.
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Does Texas Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Since Texas does not issue general contractor licenses, it does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. This means you’ll need to apply for the appropriate local licenses before you begin work as a contractor in the state.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Texas?
Contractor license renewal depends on city requirements. In San Antonio, licenses must be renewed two years from the date of issuance. Residential Building Contractor license renewal costs $170 and Home Improvement Contractor license renewal costs $150. The city provides a customer portal for online services.
In Dallas, a General Contractor License requires annual renewal and costs $120. Contractors may find their registration status on the city’s contractor services portal, according to the city’s contractor FAQ brochure. Contractors renew their registration in person at the permit center or a district office. Contractors may also renew insurance by email, according to the city’s planning and development department.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Texas?
The penalties for contracting without a license depend on city laws. Some cities do not require a license for contracting work, while others require licenses for certain types of work. In Dallas, those who do not comply face suspension or revocation of their contractor registration.
Contractors operating without a state license, such as an electrician or mechanical license, face criminal penalties and fines.
National Certifications
National, state, and local certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. Since the state of Texas does not license general contractors, membership to professional organizations proves the legitimacy of your business to customers and your commitment to professional standards.
There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
Whether you need continuing education for license renewal depends on local license regulations. San Antonio and Dallas do not have continuing education requirements for residential building contractor, home improvement contractor, or general contractor licenses.
Still, contractors will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in construction, roofing, energy and environmental designs, efficiency standards, and more. For example, distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts. Another option to stay in the know is through continuing education courses with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
