# How to Get a Residential Wireman License in Texas (2026): 4,000 Hours

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/residential-wireman-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 wireman

# How to get a residential wireman license in Texas

The residential wireman license is the faster route for electricians who want to work on homes. It takes 4,000 supervised hours, half of what a journeyman needs, in exchange for a narrower scope.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Scope| Electrical installations in single-family and multifamily dwellings not exceeding four stories  
---|---  
Experience| 4,000 hours under a master electrician or residential wireman, or an approved career and technology education program  
Application| By mail, form ELC-LIC-013, $20 non-refundable  
Exam| PSI, open book, 70% to pass  
License term| 1 year  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.htm>) [Exam guide and pass rates](</exams/residential-wireman-exam-texas>)

## Step by step

  1. **Qualify by hours or by school.** Either 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician or residential wireman, or proof of an approved career and technology education program.
  2. **Get each supervisor to sign form ELC017.** One Experience Verification Form per supervisor.
  3. **Mail the application.** Form ELC-LIC-013 with the forms attached and the $20 fee.
  4. **Pass the exam.** Once TDLR approves you, pay the exam fee to PSI and test.

## Wireman or journeyman?

The wireman license is a full license, not a step down, but it stops at four stories and at dwellings. If you expect to work on commercial buildings, the journeyman path is the one that does not close doors.

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **1,966 active residential wireman licenses** , of which 1,926 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

Where they are: Harris County (268), Dallas County (200), Bexar County (181), Tarrant County (156), Williamson County (111).

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

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every year, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** 4 hours a year: NEC, Texas law and rules, electrical safety. [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

### What can a residential wireman do in Texas?

Electrical work in single-family and multifamily dwellings not exceeding four stories.

### How many hours for a residential wireman license in Texas?

4,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training, or an approved career and technology education program.

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

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 1,966 active residential wireman licenses.

## Related licenses

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

## Sources

[TDLR: Apply for a Residential Wireman license](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.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 wireman license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/residential-wireman-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.