Texas Contractor License Lookup

About Texas contractor licensing

Texas does not have a statewide general contractor license for ordinary residential building and remodeling. Instead, homeowners need a split-screen approach: use the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for state-regulated trades, then verify city-specific contractor requirements because Dallas, Houston, Austin, and other jurisdictions can differ sharply from one another.

How licensing works in Texas

Texas is highly decentralized for general contractors. There is no universal state GC card to check for a kitchen remodel or room addition, but important trades such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work are regulated at the state level through TDLR or related boards. Cities may also require registration or local approval for contractors, and those local rules vary dramatically. Homeowners should verify the trade licenses first, then confirm local general-contractor and permit requirements for the property's city or county.

What to verify in Texas

Use TDLR's verify page to check any licensed trade professional involved in the project, such as an electrician, plumber, or HVAC contractor. Then contact the local building department where your home is located to ask what, if any, registration or approval the general contractor must hold there. Confirm the legal business name on the contract matches the official records and that the license status is active. Do not assume a contractor approved in Dallas can automatically work under the same local setup in Houston or Austin.

State-specific tips

• › In Texas, always ask two questions: What state trade licenses apply and what does my city require for the GC?
• › If the home is in Dallas, Houston, or Austin, verify that city specifically because local contractor rules differ a lot.
• › For HVAC replacements and electrical service upgrades, use TDLR or the relevant state board even if a general contractor is managing the job.
• › When a contractor says Texas does not license contractors, treat that as incomplete rather than false; trade and city rules still matter.
• › If the project is in an unincorporated area, ask the county or permit authority what local approval path applies.