Texas contractor license lookup
Texas does not license general contractors at the state level. Here's what Texas DOES license (electricians, A/C, etc.) and how to verify a TDLR trade license — plus what to check locally for a general contractor.
Texas does not license general contractors at the state level — there is no statewide registry to check.
Unlike California or Florida, Texas issues no state license for general or residential building contractors. Those requirements are set locally by each city or county. The state only licenses specific construction TRADES.
What to check locally for a general contractor
- Search your city or county building/development department for a contractor registration requirement (most Texas cities require GCs to register and show insurance before pulling a permit).
- Confirm the contractor carries general liability insurance and, where required, a permit/registration bond.
- Ask for the permit history on past jobs and check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau and your local building department.
Trades Texas DOES license at the state level
Verify a TDLR trade license
FAQ
- Texas contractor license lookup?
- Texas does not license general contractors at the state level. Here's what Texas DOES license (electricians, A/C, etc.) and how to verify a TDLR trade license — plus what to check locally for a general contractor.
- Does Texas require a license to be a general contractor?
- Not at the state level. Texas has no statewide general/residential building-contractor license. Cities and counties set their own registration and insurance requirements for pulling permits — check with your local building department.
- Which contractors ARE licensed by the state in Texas?
- Construction trades: electricians and A/C & refrigeration (HVAC), elevator, boiler, and water-well are licensed by TDLR; plumbers are licensed by the separate Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
- How do I verify a Texas trade license?
- Enter the TDLR license number above. We query Texas's official open license data and show the trade, status (from the expiration date), and expiration, linking to the TDLR source.
Disclaimer. This tool reports a state licensing board's public record for a specific license NUMBER (California CSLB, Florida DBPR, or Texas TDLR). It is provided for general information only. It is NOT a background check, NOT a "consumer report," and is NOT governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use it for employment, tenant, or credit decisions. We show candidate record matches as published by the board — we do not assert any verdict, allegation, or conclusion about any individual or business. Records can change at any time; always confirm directly at the official board website before making a hiring decision. · Full terms