# How to Get a Residential Appliance Installer License in Texas (2026)

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/appliance-installer-license-texas
> 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](</get-licensed>) / Residential appliance installer

# How to get a residential appliance installer license in Texas

Installing appliances that need electrical connections is licensed work in Texas, but the license is narrow and quick to get: no experience requirement, one exam, $30.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Scope| Residential appliance installation, including residential pool-related electrical installation and maintenance  
---|---  
Experience| None  
Application| By mail, $30 non-refundable  
Exam| Yes, through PSI  
Works for| A residential appliance installation contractor  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/appliance-installer.htm>) [Exam guide and pass rates](</exams/appliance-installer-exam-texas>)

## Step by step

  1. **Mail the application.** Form and $30 fee to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711-2157.
  2. **Wait for exam approval.** TDLR verifies the application first.
  3. **Pass the exam.** See TDLR's electrician examinations page for fees.
  4. **Work through a licensed contractor.** Installers work on behalf of a residential appliance installation contractor, which is licensed separately.

## No continuing education

Residential appliance installers are exempt from the electrician continuing education requirement, which makes this one of the lowest-maintenance licenses in the electrical program.

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **2,203 active residential appliance installer licenses** , of which 2,105 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

Where they are: Harris County (298), Tarrant County (195), Dallas County (171), Collin County (164), Denton County (130).

[See the full county breakdown and renewal calendar](</trade/appliance-installer>)

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every year, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** Exempt from electrician CE. [TDLR CE rules](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecce.htm>)
  * [Full renewal guide for this trade](</guides/electrician-license-renewal-texas>)

## Before you apply

  * **Criminal history.** TDLR runs a background check on every applicant. With any conviction other than a minor traffic offence, or a guilty or no-contest plea with deferred adjudication, include the Criminal History Questionnaire. Reviews take one to six weeks. You can ask TDLR in advance whether a conviction would bar you, through a [criminal history evaluation letter](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimHistoryEval.htm>).
  * **Lawful presence.** TDLR may ask for proof of lawful presence in the United States. Send documents only if it asks. [What TDLR accepts](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/lawful-presence.htm>).
  * **Military.** Service members, veterans and spouses may qualify for [fee waivers and other provisions](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/military/>).

## Questions

### Do you need a license to install appliances in Texas?

For electrical connections, yes: a residential appliance installer license, working for a licensed residential appliance installation contractor.

### How many people hold this license in Texas?

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 2,203 active residential appliance installer licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to get a residential wireman license in Texas](</get-licensed/residential-wireman-license-texas>)
  * [How to get an apprentice electrician license in Texas](</get-licensed/apprentice-electrician-license-texas>)
  * [How to get an electrical contractor license in Texas](</get-licensed/electrical-contractor-license-texas>)
  * [All license guides](</get-licensed>)

## Sources

[TDLR: Apply for a Residential Appliance Installer license](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/appliance-installer.htm>). License counts compiled from the public [TDLR license file](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licensesearch/licfile.asp>) dated 20 September 2026.

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Written by an independent site; not an official TDLR publication and not legal advice. Fees and requirements change: confirm them on the TDLR page before you apply.

**Cite this page**

PermitPulled (2026). _How to get a residential appliance installer license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/appliance-installer-license-texas`

Figures compiled from the public TDLR license file and published under [CC BY 4.0](<https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/>). Attribution required.