# How to Get a Water Well Driller License in Texas (2026)

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/water-well-driller-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>) / Water well driller / pump installer

# How to get a water well driller or pump installer license in Texas

Texas licenses water well drillers and pump installers by endorsement, and each endorsement needs a minimum number of real jobs done under supervision, on top of two years of experience.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Experience| At least 2 years under a licensed well driller or pump installer  
---|---  
Driller endorsements| Water wells 15 drillings; monitor, injection, dewatering and closed-loop geothermal 50 each; master 215  
Installer endorsements| Single phase, three phase, turbine, windmill/pump jack 15 each; master 60  
Fees| $430 driller or installer, $650 combination; $25 per endorsement added later  
License term| 2 years  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/apply-driller-installer.htm>) [Exam guide and pass rates](</exams/water-well-driller-exam-texas>)

## Step by step

  1. **Work under a licensed driller or installer.** Many start as a registered apprentice, a license type of its own in TDLR's file.
  2. **Document your jobs.** Your supervising licensee completes the Experience Verification Form, or writes a letter for each period of employment.
  3. **Apply.** Send the application and fee, and answer the criminal conviction question: leaving it blank gets the application returned.
  4. **Pass the exam.** TDLR approves you to test once your credentials are verified.

## After licensing

Renewals since 1 March 2025 require 8 hours of continuing education per two-year license: 1 hour on laws and rules and 7 on industry topics. Apprentices owe 1 hour of statutes and rules each cycle.

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **2,231 active water well driller / pump installer licenses** , of which 1,430 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

  * [Water Well Driller/Pump Installer](</trade/water-well-driller-pump-installer>): 1,586 active
  * [Water Well Driller/Pump Installer Apprentice](</trade/water-well-driller-pump-installer-apprentice>): 645 active

Where they are: Harris County (76), Gaines County (69), Montgomery County (61), Bexar County (55), Hays County (52).

[See the full county breakdown and renewal calendar](</trade/water-well-driller-pump-installer>)

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every two years, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** 8 hours per 2-year license: 1 laws and rules, 7 industry topics. [TDLR CE rules](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdce.htm>)

## 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 much is a water well driller license in Texas?

$430 for a driller or pump installer license and $650 for the combination.

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

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 2,231 active water well driller / pump installer licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to become a property tax consultant in Texas](</get-licensed/property-tax-consultant-license-texas>)
  * [How to get an auctioneer license in Texas](</get-licensed/auctioneer-license-texas>)
  * [All license guides](</get-licensed>)

## Sources

[TDLR: Apply for a Water Well Driller and/or Pump Installer license](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/apply-driller-installer.htm>); [TDLR: Water well continuing education](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdce.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 water well driller or pump installer license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/water-well-driller-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.