Texas Contractor License Lookup Guide

Pick a trade and get one clear board: does Texas license it, which agency to check, the official lookup link, what the City of Houston asks for, and what to ask a contractor before you sign. Nothing is looked up here and nothing is stored. The links open the official sites.

Drawing the checklist board…

Click a badge on the board to switch trade. A valid license is the minimum, so also check insurance, the contract and the permit.

Pick your trade

The name and number are only for the board and the printout. They stay in your browser and in the share link. Nothing is looked up.

Your trade

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Official lookup links
Houston requirements
What to ask for
    Red flags

      All twelve trades

      How to use this guide
      1. Pick your trade. The board shows whether Texas licenses it and who to check with.
      2. Open the official lookup link and search the person or company name or the license number from the estimate. Check that the license is current and look for any discipline.
      3. Ask for the items on the "What to ask for" list. Insist on a certificate of insurance sent to you by the insurer, and a written contract.
      4. Use Print checklist to take the list with you. Every drop-down opens when you print.
      Ask every contractor these questions
      • A certificate of insurance that comes directly from their insurance company, not a photo they hand you.
      • A written contract with the scope, price, start and finish dates, how changes are priced and how you pay.
      • Who pulls the permit and whether it is in the contractor's name where one is required.
      • Two recent customers you can call, and an address you can drive past.
      • A small deposit and payments tied to stages of work, with a lien waiver each time you pay. Texas Property Code Chapter 53 covers liens and residential construction contracts.
      Why check the license

      A state license means the person passed an exam, is on a public record, and can be disciplined by the agency. It does not guarantee good work or fair prices. Where Texas has no license (general contractors, roofers, pool builders and foundation repair as far as I found), the checks that matter most are insurance, a written contract, the permit and references. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you rely on anything here.

      General information, not legal advice. This page does not look up, rate or recommend any person or company. Some state sites block automated requests but open normally in a browser.

      Sources

      Estimates only — not engineering, legal or code advice. Check requirements with your local building department and a licensed professional before you build.

      Common questions

      Does Texas license general contractors?

      No. Texas has no statewide license for general contractors or home builders, and the City of Houston says general contractors are not required to be licensed. That makes it more important to check the business registration, insurance, written contract and permits. Electricians, plumbers and A/C contractors on the job do need state licenses.

      Does Texas license roofers?

      No. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not license roofing contractors. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a voluntary license, but it is an industry group, not the government. Houston requires a residential roofing permit for a re-roof. Texas law also bars a roofer from offering to waive or pay your insurance deductible (Insurance Code Chapter 707).

      Who licenses electricians, A/C contractors and plumbers in Texas?

      Electricians and air conditioning contractors are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). In the City of Houston, master electricians, A/C contractors and master plumbers must also be registered with the City to pull permits.

      Who licenses sprinkler installers in Texas?

      The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) licenses landscape irrigators, irrigation technicians and irrigation inspectors. Check the license on the TCEQ license search and confirm it shows as current.

      How do I check if an engineer, architect or home inspector is licensed?

      Engineers are on the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors roster. Architects are on the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners registration search. Home inspectors are on the Texas Real Estate Commission license holder search. Each search shows status and discipline. Each card in this tool links to the right one.

      Is this a list of approved contractors?

      No. This tool does not rate, recommend or look up any person or company. It shows where the official records are and what to ask. A valid license is a minimum, not a guarantee of good work, so also check insurance, references and the written contract.

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