The State of Texas requires Electrical Contractors to hold a license. Licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Contractors are required to hold a license when performing the repair, installation or extension of electrical wiring systems and equipment. This includes labor or materials inside, outside or attached to any building or structure.
As part of the licensing process, contractors are required to meet all TDLR requirements, submit an application and pass a qualifying exam.
License Types for Electrical Contractors in Texas
The TDLR offers multiple license types to Electrical Contractors. The type of license the contractor chooses depends if they plan to work alone or operate a business.
The TDLR offers the following license types to individuals:
- Master Electrician
- Master Sign Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Journeyman Sign Electrician
- Journeyman Lineman
- Residential Wireman
- Maintenance Electrician
- Residential Appliance Installer
- Electrical Apprentice
- Electrical Sign Apprentice
The TDLR offers the following license types to businesses:
- Electrical Contractor
- Electrical Sign Contractor
- Residential Appliance Installer Contractor
*All businesses must hold one of the above license types or they must employ someone who holds one of these license types.
**Please note that the difference between a Residential Appliance Installer and a Residential Appliance Installer Contractor is based on working as an individual or as a business.
Process to Obtain an Electrical Contractor License in Texas
- Contractors must meet the TDLR requirements for age and on the job training. These requirements are specific to each license type offered.
- All businesses must hold the proper forms of insurance, including general liability and workers compensation insurance
- Contractors must complete and submit an application to the TDLR along with all the required documents and fees
- Contractors must take and pass a qualifying examination, administered by PSI Services
On-the-Job Training and Age Requirements
Use the chart below to determine the number of on-the-job training hours the contractor is required to complete, as well as any age requirements for each license type.
*Please note that on-the-job training and age requirements apply only to those applying for an individual license.
| License Type | On-the-Job Training Requirement | Age Requirement | Additional Requirements |
| Master Electrician | 12,000 hours under supervision of a Master Electrician | N/A | All Master Electrician applicants must hold a Journeyman Electrician License for at least 2 years |
| Master Sign Electrician | 12,000 hours under supervision of a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician | N/A | N/A |
| Journeyman Electrician | 8,000 hours under supervision of a Master Electrician | N/A | N/A |
| Journeyman Sign Electrician | 8,000 hours under a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician | N/A | N/A |
| Journeyman Lineman | N/A | N/A | 7,000 hours in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program OR 3 ½ years’ experience as a Journeyman Lineman for an Electrical Contractor, municipality-owned utility, electric utility or electrical cooperative |
| Residential Wireman | 4,000 hours under supervision of a Master Electrician or Residential Wireman | N/A | N/A |
| Maintenance Electrician | 8,000 hours under supervision of Master Electrician or Maintenance Electrician | N/A | N/A |
| Residential Appliance Installer | N/A | 16 years old | N/A |
| Electrical Apprentice | N/A | 16 years old | N/A |
| Electrical Sign Apprentice | N/A | 18 years old | N/A |
Preparing to Submit an Application
Click the link below to obtain a copy of the application. Please note that there are separate applications for each license type. The most current version of Adobe Reader is needed to download the application.
TDLR- Electrician Licensing Forms
*Those applying for an Electrical Apprentice or Electrical Sign Apprentice License have the option of applying online.
Be sure to read all instructions and complete the application in its entirety, printing in black ink only. If additional space or additional information must be included, attach the information on a separate 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. Fasten all pages together using a paper clip. Do not use staples.
All individual applications require contractors to include the following information:
- Basic information (name, address, date of birth etc.)
- Social Security Number
- Criminal History
- Disciplinary Action History
All business applications require contractors to include the following:
- Business Name- as it will appear on the license
- Basic Business Information (physical address, mailing address, phone number, email)
- Federal Identification Number- for more information, contact the IRS:
IRS Website - Information about the Master Electrician assigned to the contractor
- Proof of General Liability Insurance
- Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance
All businesses are required to hold general liability insurance in the following amounts:
- Combined policy covering bodily injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $300,000
OR
- $600,000 aggregate policy for bodily injury and property damage and $300,000 policy for products and completed operations
*Individual applicants are not required to obtain insurance
Submitting an Application
Be sure to include the licensing fee along with the application. The TDLR accepts payment in the form of check or money order. Refer to the chart below to determine the license fee amount for each license type:
| License Type | License Fee Amount |
| Master Electrician, Master Sign Electrician, | $45 |
| Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Sign Electrician, Journeyman Lineman, Residential Appliance Installer | $30 |
| Residential Wireman, Maintenance Electrician, Electrical Apprentice, Electrical Sign Apprentice | $20 |
| Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor, Residential Appliance Installer Contractor | $110 |
*Use a paper clip to attach the licensing fee to the top of the application
Submit the completed application along with all the required documents and the licensing fee to the following address:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 1257
Austin, TX 78711-2157
Any questions about the licensing process or filling out the application should be directed to the TDLR at:
(800)-803-9202
(512)-463-6599
OR
Visit: TDLR- Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
Once the TDLR has verified that the contractor meets all the requirements and the application is approved, they will issue an approval notice with instructions for registering for the exam.
The Examination
All applicants have 1 year from the time their application is approved to take and pass the qualifying exam. The TDLR holds a contract with PSI Services to administer the exam.
*The TDLR does not accept the ICC examination.
The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin contains all the information needed to register for and prepare for the exam, including the exam registration form, a list of suggested references and study materials, content outline of the test, sample test questions.
To download a copy of the Candidate Information Bulletin, please visit:
Candidate Information Bulletin
Applicants may register for the exam ONE of the following ways:
- Online- go to the PSI website and follow the link for new user registration: PSI Exams Online
- By Phone- call PSI and use their automated system 24 hours a day. Representative are standing by to assist callers during regular business hours:
(800) 733-9267 - Fax- when registering by fax, allow 4 business days for processing. Fax the registration form and payment information to:
(702) 932-2666. - By mail: allow approximately 2 weeks for processing when submitting the exam registration form by mail. Complete the exam registration form found inside the Candidate Information Bulletin. Mail the registration form and payment to:
PSI Licensure: Certification
3210 E Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121
The cost to take the exam is between $60 and $78 depending on the license type the contractor is applying for:
PSI accepts payments in the form of:
- Cashier’s Check or Money Order may payable to“PSI.”
- Visa or Mastercard when applying online or by phone or fax
Once PSI accepts the exam registration form, it is the applicant’s responsibility to call PSI to schedule their exam. To schedule an exam, call PSI at: (800) 733-9267
Testing centers are located in:
- Abilene
- Amarillo
- Arlington
- Austin
- Corpus Christi
- Dallas
- El Paso
- Fort Worth
- Harlingen
- Houston
- Lubbock
- McAllen
- Midland
- San Antonio
- Tyler
- Waco
On the day of the exam, contractors should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled test to allow time for check-in. They must also bring along a government-issued photo ID that contains their name, date of birth and signature, such as:
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- State ID
Contractors must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%. Scores are issued same-day, at the end of the exam. PSI submits all exam results electronically to the TDLR.
Once the contractor passes the exam, they will receive their license, authorizing them to begin bidding or working on electrical projects anywhere within the State of Texas. All licensed contractors are required to display their license number on their vehicle.
How Long is Texas Electrical Contractor License Valid?
All Electrical Contractor License types are good for a period of 18 months in the State of Texas. Licenses expire 18 months from the date that they were originally issued. The TDLR mails out renewal notices approximately 60 days before the license expires.
All contractors must ensure that their renewal application and fees are postmarked before the expiration date to be considered on-time. The TDLR also offers online renewal services.
The cost to renew a license is the same as the initial licensing fee.
At renewal time the following license types are required to attend 4 hours of continuing education courses:
- Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Residential Wireman
- Maintenance Electrician
- Master Sign Electrician
- Journeyman Sign Electrician
- Journeyman Lineman
- Apprentice Electrician
- Apprentice Sign Electrician
Continuing education courses must cover the following topics:
- Electrical Safety
- Texas Law
- Texas Rules
- National Electric Code
*All continuing education must be completed prior to the license expiration date to be considered valid.
For a list of approved continuing education courses, please visit:
TDLR- Continuing Education Provider List
Table of Fees
| Fee | What is it For? | When is it Due? |
| $20 | License Fee to obtain a Residential Wireman, Maintenance Electrician, Electrical Apprentice or Electrical Sign Apprentice License | Upon submitting the license application |
| $30 | License Fee to obtain a Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Sign Electrician, Journeyman Lineman or Residential Appliance Installer License | Upon submitting the license application |
| $45 | License Fee to obtain a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician License | Upon submitting the license application |
| $110 | License Fee to obtain a Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor or Residential Appliance Installer Contractor License | Upon submitting the license application |
| $60-$78 | Cost to take the qualifying examination | Upon submitting the exam registration form |