# How to Get a License in Texas: 20 Step-by-Step TDLR Guides (2026)

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed
> Compiled from the public TDLR license file. Published under CC BY 4.0; attribution to PermitPulled required.
> For an individual license record, use the official TDLR search: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/

[Texas license lookup](</>) / Get licensed

# How to get a license in Texas

Step-by-step guides for 20 of the licenses TDLR issues: the hours, the exams, the fees and the order to do things in, written from TDLR's own application pages. Each guide also shows how many people hold that license today.

Requirements reviewed 8 October 2026

## Beauty and barbering

[How to get licensed**Cosmetology operator** 1,000 hours of school, a written exam at 900 hours, a practical at the end, and a $50 application fee.177,997 active in Texas](</get-licensed/cosmetology-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Manicurist (nail technician)** In Texas a nail tech is a licensed manicurist: 600 hours, written and practical exams, $50.63,279 active in Texas](</get-licensed/nail-technician-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Esthetician** 750 hours, written and practical exams, $50, plus two combination licenses worth knowing about.54,014 active in Texas](</get-licensed/esthetician-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Eyelash extension specialist** 320 hours at a licensed school, then both a written and a practical exam.4,326 active in Texas](</get-licensed/eyelash-extension-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Hair weaving specialist** 300 hours, written and practical exams, and an 800-hour route if you add esthetics.166 active in Texas](</get-licensed/hair-weaving-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Class A barber** Class A Barber: 1,000 hours, a written exam from 900 hours, a practical at the end, $50.26,184 active in Texas](</get-licensed/barber-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Salon (establishment)** Every salon, barbershop, nail or lash studio needs an establishment license: $78, or $70 for a mini-establishment.57,800 active in Texas](</get-licensed/salon-license-texas>)

## Electrical

[How to get licensed**Apprentice electrician** No experience, no exam, $20 online. The entry point for every electrical career in Texas.169,007 active in Texas](</get-licensed/apprentice-electrician-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Journeyman electrician** 8,000 supervised hours (exam from 7,000), a mailed application, $30 and an open-book NEC exam.40,120 active in Texas](</get-licensed/journeyman-electrician-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Master electrician** Two years as a journeyman, 12,000 supervised hours, a $45 mailed application and the exam.18,617 active in Texas](</get-licensed/master-electrician-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Residential wireman** Half the hours of a journeyman, for homes and apartments up to four stories. $20 by mail.1,966 active in Texas](</get-licensed/residential-wireman-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Maintenance electrician** 8,000 hours under a master or maintenance electrician, for electrical maintenance work. $20.550 active in Texas](</get-licensed/maintenance-electrician-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Electrical contractor** A master electrician on staff, $300,000 liability cover, workers' comp paperwork and $110.12,243 active in Texas](</get-licensed/electrical-contractor-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Residential appliance installer** No experience needed: a $30 mailed application and an exam, for appliance and pool electrical work.2,203 active in Texas](</get-licensed/appliance-installer-license-texas>)

## Air conditioning

[How to get licensed**A/C contractor (HVAC license)** 48 months of supervised experience, Class A or B, an endorsement, insurance and $115.19,105 active in Texas](</get-licensed/hvac-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**A/C technician** Registered at 16 for $20 with no exam, or certified after 24 months and an exam.40,840 active in Texas](</get-licensed/ac-technician-certification-texas>)

## Other trades

[How to get licensed**Tow truck operator** Three operator licenses, a certification for two of them, a driver's license and $100.12,935 active in Texas](</get-licensed/tow-truck-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Auctioneer** 80 classroom hours at an approved auction school, an exam at 75%, and $100 including the recovery fund.1,689 active in Texas](</get-licensed/auctioneer-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Water well driller / pump installer** Two supervised years, a set number of qualifying wells or installs, an exam, and $430.2,231 active in Texas](</get-licensed/water-well-driller-license-texas>) [How to get licensed**Property tax consultant** 40 hours of pre-license education, a Senior PTC sponsor, a 50-question exam and $50.2,338 active in Texas](</get-licensed/property-tax-consultant-license-texas>)

Already licensed? The [license requirements table](</requirements>) shows how often every license type renews and the continuing education it needs, and the [TDLR links directory](</links>) has every official form and search.

Independent site, not affiliated with TDLR. Requirements change: the TDLR page linked in each guide is the official version.