Texas Contractor License Verification
Verify contractor licenses through TDLR and the city registries for Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth — all searched simultaneously. Covers statewide licensed trades and city-level general contractor registrations in one query.
TDLR
Texas licensing authority
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Avg verification time
11
States searched simultaneously
5
TX sources searched
No general contractor license — but trades are tightly regulated
Texas is one of the few large states without a statewide general contractor license. However, that doesn't mean contractors operate without oversight. Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, mold contractors, and other specialty trades are strictly regulated at the state level.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is the primary licensing authority, covering electricians, HVAC contractors, mold assessment and remediation professionals, boiler operators, and more.
For general contractor work, licensing is handled at the city level. Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth each maintain their own contractor registration systems. CredentialClear searches all four city registries alongside TDLR in a single query. Houston has no GC licensing requirement — contractors there only pull permits per job.
TDLR enforcement records — automatically checked.
The TDLR publishes enforcement actions against licensed contractors — including license revocations, civil penalties, and cease and desist orders. These records are public but buried across agency portals most people never check.
Every CredentialClear search in Texas automatically cross-references the contractor name against TDLR enforcement records. Matches are flagged immediately — before you make a hiring decision.
What gets cross-referenced
TDLR Enforcement Actions
License revocations, civil penalties, and disciplinary orders issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
City GC Registry Status
Active/inactive registration status from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth city contractor databases
More than TDLR and city portals give you separately.
TDLR confirms whether a license exists. CredentialClear tells you everything you need to verify a contractor's credentials before you hire.
TDLR + 4 City Registries
Searches TDLR statewide trades and the city contractor registries for Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth simultaneously.
Violation Cross-Reference
Automatically checked against TDLR enforcement actions, license revocations, and disciplinary records.
Google Reviews
See ratings and review counts alongside license status — without leaving the platform.
License Monitoring
Flag Texas contractors for ongoing tracking. Get notified if their license status changes or expires.
Texas contractor license verification — answered.
How do I verify a contractor license in Texas?
Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license. Specialty trades — electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and mold remediators — require licensing through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). CredentialClear searches TDLR records and the city-level contractor registries for Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth simultaneously.
Does Texas require a general contractor license?
No — Texas does not have a statewide general contractor license requirement. GC licensing is handled at the city level. Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth each maintain their own contractor registration systems. CredentialClear searches all four city registries alongside TDLR in a single query. Houston has no GC licensing requirement.
What does the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulate?
The TDLR licenses and regulates a broad range of trades in Texas, including electricians, HVAC contractors, mold assessment and remediation contractors, boiler operators, and accessibility specialists. The TDLR maintains a public license lookup and publishes enforcement actions against licensees.
Who licenses plumbers in Texas?
Texas plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), a separate agency from TDLR. Plumbing contractors must hold a valid TSBPE license, and plumbing work must be performed or directly supervised by a licensed plumber.
Which Texas cities have contractor registration requirements?
Dallas requires annual city contractor registration with proof of general liability insurance and a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit. Austin requires contractor registration through its Development Services Department before pulling permits. San Antonio requires registration through the Development Services Department (DSD) covering residential, home improvement, and trade contractors. Fort Worth requires registration through Development Services for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors. CredentialClear searches all four city registries in addition to TDLR.
How do I check for contractor violations in Texas?
The TDLR publishes enforcement actions, license revocations, and civil penalties against licensed contractors. CredentialClear automatically cross-references contractor names against TDLR enforcement records — flagging any matches before you make a hiring decision.