# How to Get an Electrical Contractor License in Texas (2026): Master, Insurance, $110

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/electrical-contractor-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>) / Electrical contractor

# How to get an electrical contractor license in Texas

An electrical contractor license is a business license. It does not test anyone: it requires the business to have a master electrician, carry insurance and pay $110.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Master electrician| Must employ one (can be the owner); one master per contractor unless the master owns over 50%  
---|---  
General liability| $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products and completed operations  
Workers' comp| Proof of coverage, a self-insurance certificate, or an election not to cover filed with TDI  
Application fee| $110, non-refundable, by mail  
License term| 1 year  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm>)

## Step by step

  1. **Have a master electrician of record.** Employ a licensed master electrician, who may be you. If that master leaves, TDLR must be notified and a replacement named within 30 business days.
  2. **Buy the liability insurance.** Minimums of $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations, shown on TDLR's Electrical Contractor Certificate of Insurance form.
  3. **Sort out workers ' compensation.** Provide proof of coverage, a certificate of authority to self-insure, or a statement electing not to obtain coverage, filed online with the Texas Department of Insurance.
  4. **Mail the application and \$110.** To TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711-2157. Expect a background check.

## No CE for the business

The contractor license itself is exempt from electrician continuing education. The master and every other individual electrician on the payroll still owe their 4 hours a year.

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **12,243 active electrical contractor licenses** , of which 11,526 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

Where they are: Harris County (1,508), Dallas County (791), Bexar County (667), Tarrant County (607), Travis County (423).

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

## 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 master electrician to be an electrical contractor in Texas?

Yes. The business must employ a licensed master electrician, who may be the owner.

### What insurance does a Texas electrical contractor need?

General liability of at least $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate and $300,000 for products and completed operations, plus a workers' compensation filing.

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

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 12,243 active electrical contractor licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to get a master electrician license in Texas](</get-licensed/master-electrician-license-texas>)
  * [How to get a journeyman electrician license in Texas](</get-licensed/journeyman-electrician-license-texas>)
  * [How to get an HVAC license in Texas](</get-licensed/hvac-license-texas>)
  * [All license guides](</get-licensed>)

## Sources

[TDLR: Apply for an Electrical Contractor license](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.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 an electrical contractor license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/electrical-contractor-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.