# How to Get an HVAC License in Texas (2026): ACR Contractor Requirements

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/hvac-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>) / A/C contractor (HVAC license)

# How to get an HVAC license in Texas

What people call an HVAC license in Texas is the **Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor** license. It needs years of supervised experience, a class, an endorsement, an exam and insurance.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Experience| 48 months in the last 72 under a licensed ACR contractor, or 12 months as a certified technician plus 36 months in the last 48  
---|---  
Minimum age| 18  
Classes| A: any size. B: up to 25 tons cooling and 1.5 million BTU/hour heating  
Application fee| $115  
License term| 1 year  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/contractor-apply.htm>) [Exam guide and pass rates](</exams/acr-contractor-exam-texas>)

## Step by step

  1. **Meet the experience rule, or an exception.** 48 months of practical experience in the past 72 months under a licensed contractor, or the certified technician shortcut. A degree or certification in ACR, a mechanical engineering degree or license, military ACR training, or work in industrial process cooling or heating can replace the practical experience.
  2. **Have supervisors fill in the verification forms.** TDLR is explicit: the supervisor completes the Experience Verification Form, not you.
  3. **Choose a class and one endorsement.** Endorsements are Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Process Cooling or Heating. Your exam depends on what you choose.
  4. **Apply and pass the exam.** Submit the application and $115. Once TDLR approves you, test with PSI. You can retake until the application expires, one year after you submitted it.
  5. **File your insurance.** After passing, send a Certificate of Insurance showing the license holder and business names, and keep coverage active for as long as the license is.

## Insurance minimums

Class| Per occurrence| Aggregate| Products and completed operations  
---|---|---|---  
A| $300,000| $600,000| $300,000  
B| $100,000| $200,000| $100,000  
  
One policy can cover both classes if it meets the Class A minimums. From 1 September 2026 the ACR rules adopt the 2024 editions of the IRC, IMC, IFGC and UMC; see [what changed](</whats-new#2026-09-01-acr-2024-codes>).

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **19,105 active A/C contractor (HVAC license) licenses** , of which 18,395 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

Where they are: Harris County (2,945), Dallas County (1,686), Tarrant County (1,316), Bexar County (1,266), Travis County (668).

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

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every year, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** 8 hours a year, including 1 hour of Texas law and rules. [TDLR CE rules](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrce.htm>)
  * [Full renewal guide for this trade](</guides/hvac-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

### How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Texas?

The standard route is 48 months of supervised experience within the last 72 months. With 12 months as a certified technician, it is 36 months within the last 48.

### What is the difference between Class A and Class B in Texas?

Class A covers units of any size. Class B is limited to 25 tons of cooling and 1.5 million BTU per hour of heating.

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

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 19,105 active A/C contractor (HVAC license) licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to become an A/C technician in Texas](</get-licensed/ac-technician-certification-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 Contractor License (ACR)](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/contractor-apply.htm>); [TDLR: ACR examinations](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrexam.htm>); [TDLR: Exemptions to the contractor experience requirement](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrexempt.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 HVAC license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/hvac-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.