How to Check if a Contractor Is Licensed in Texas

How to Check if a Contractor Is Licensed in Texas

Texas requires most specialty contractors to hold a state license. Verifying your contractor takes 2 minutes and can save you from thousands in losses.

Texas Licensing by Trade

TradeLicensing BodyHow to Check

|---|---|---|

HVACTDLRtdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch ElectricianTDLRtdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch PlumberTexas State Board of Plumbing Examinerstsbpe.texas.gov General ContractorNo state license requiredCheck local city/county RoofingNo state license requiredCheck insurance + local BBB

Note: Texas does NOT have a state general contractor license — but roofers, general contractors, and remodelers must still carry insurance and in some cities (including Austin) register with the city.

Searching TDLR (Most Common)

Go to tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch

Enter the contractor's name or license number

Verify: license type, status (Active), and expiration date

For HVAC contractors, look for TACLA (HVAC technician) or TACLB (HVAC company) license types.

What to Ask Beyond the License

Request a Certificate of Insurance — not just their word that they're insured

Call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active

Ask for their Workers' Comp certificate if they have employees

Austin City-Specific Registration

Austin requires some contractors (including electricians and plumbers working in Austin) to have a separate City of Austin registration on top of state licensing. Ask your contractor if they're registered with the City of Austin Development Services Department.

All contractors in the ContractorLeads101 network are pre-verified for active Texas licenses before they receive leads.