Texas
Guides
Plain-English guides to Texas HVAC and electrical licensing — how to verify a contractor, what the license types and numbers mean, and how to protect yourself before you sign.
Do you need a license to do electrical work in Texas?
In Texas, electrical work for the public requires a TDLR license — an electrical contractor backed by a master electrician. Here's who needs to be licensed, the narrow exceptions, and how to check.
How to report an unlicensed contractor in Texas
If an HVAC or electrical contractor is working without a TDLR license in Texas, you can report them to the state. Here's how to confirm they're unlicensed, how to file a complaint with TDLR, and what happens next.
How to find a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor in Austin
Texas licenses contractors statewide through TDLR, not by city — there's no separate "Austin license." Here's how to find and verify a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor serving Austin and the surrounding counties.
How to find a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor in Dallas
Texas licenses contractors statewide through TDLR, not by city — so there's no separate "Dallas license." Here's how to find and verify a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor serving Dallas, by license rather than by zip code.
How to find a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor in Fort Worth
Texas licenses contractors statewide through TDLR, not by city — there's no separate "Fort Worth license." Here's how to find and verify a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor serving Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
How to find a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor in San Antonio
Texas licenses contractors statewide through TDLR, not by city — there's no separate "San Antonio license." Here's how to find and verify a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor serving San Antonio and the surrounding counties.
Finding a licensed master electrician in Houston
Houston (Harris County) has thousands of licensed electricians, but only a master electrician can design, supervise, and stand behind electrical work. Here's how to find one and verify their license in minutes.
How to look up a Texas contractor's license
Looking up a Texas HVAC or electrical contractor's license takes about 30 seconds. Here's how to do it by name or license number, what to check in the result, and what the status actually means.
How to verify a Texas electrician's license
Anyone you hire for electrical work in Texas should be licensed through TDLR. Here's how to check a Texas electrician — master, journeyman, or electrical contractor — by name or license number in seconds, free.
How to verify a Texas HVAC contractor's license
Texas requires an ACR license (TACLA or TACLB) to do air conditioning work. Here's how to verify your HVAC contractor is licensed and active with TDLR before you hire — in about 30 seconds.
Master vs journeyman electrician in Texas: what's the difference?
A Texas master electrician can design work, supervise others, and back an electrical contractor business. A journeyman is fully qualified but works under a master. Here's what that means for who you hire.
Texas electrician license types explained: master, journeyman, and electrical contractor
Texas regulates electricians through TDLR. An electrical contractor is the licensed business you hire; master and journeyman electricians do and supervise the work. Here's what each license actually lets someone do.
What does an "active" TDLR license mean?
An active TDLR license means the contractor is currently authorized to do the regulated work. Here's what active, expired, and revoked each mean — and how to check a Texas contractor's status in seconds.
How often does a Texas HVAC license expire?
Texas HVAC licenses renew every year. That means a contractor who was licensed when you got the quote could lapse mid-project. Here's how renewal works and how to check that a license is active right now.
Red flags when hiring an unlicensed contractor in Texas
An unlicensed HVAC or electrical contractor can void your homeowners insurance, skip permits, and leave you with no recourse. Here are the warning signs to catch before you sign — and how to check in 30 seconds.
Texas HVAC license types explained: TACLA, TACLB, and technicians
Texas regulates HVAC work through TDLR. A TACLA is an unlimited-tonnage contractor license, a TACLB is capped at 25 tons, and technicians work under them. Here's what each license actually lets a contractor do.
What does a Texas electrician license number mean?
A Texas electrician license number is the unique ID the state assigns each licensee. The number itself isn't a code — but it's the key to what matters: the license type, its scope, and whether it's active. Here's how to read one.