Electrical contractor license cost
In Texas, the Electrical Contractor business license costs $110 to apply and $110 to renew annually with TDLR. You must designate a Master Electrician, carry general liability insurance of at least $300k/$600k/$300k, and document workers’ comp coverage or a no-coverage election. All figures above come from current TDLR rules and forms.
The electrical contractor license cost in Texas is $110 to apply and $110 to renew each year with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). You must also designate a Master Electrician and maintain general liability insurance of at least $300,000/$600,000/$300,000. Workers’ comp is optional with a no-coverage filing.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-27
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians Program (program homepage). |
| Application fee | $110, paid with the Electrical or Electrical Sign Contractor License Application (Form ELC-LIC-003). The form itself states “APPLICATION FEE: $110 (FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE).” (ELC‑LIC‑003; fee codified at Texas Register, Apr. 10, 2026). |
| Renewal fee & cycle | $110 annually for the business license (Texas Register). State law provides electrician licenses expire annually (historically Dec. 31 unless TDLR assigns variable dates) (Occ. Code §1305.167). |
| Master Electrician requirement | You must employ or be a Texas-licensed Master Electrician designated as the Master of Record for the contractor license (TDLR: Apply for a New Electrical Contractor License). |
| Insurance | General liability at minimum: $300,000 per occurrence; $600,000 aggregate; and $300,000 products/completed operations. Submit TDLR’s Certificate of Insurance with the application (TDLR apply page; 16 TAC §73.40; TDLR COI form). |
| Workers’ compensation | Not required by TDLR if you file an election of no coverage; otherwise provide proof of coverage or self-insurance authority (TDLR apply page). |
| Experience | No business experience hours, but your named Master must hold an active Texas Master Electrician license (see Master application: $45) (ELC‑LIC‑007‑E). |
| Exam | No exam for the contractor business license. The Master Electrician must have passed the state exam administered by PSI (TDLR Exam Information). |
| Minimum age | Not specified for the contractor entity; individual Master applicants must meet eligibility set by TDLR and statute (Occ. Code Ch. 1305). |
| Display requirements | Display business name and TECL license number on company vehicles as required by statute (Occ. Code §1305.166). |
How to get a Texas electrical contractor license (and what it costs)
- Confirm your qualifying Master Electrician — You must employ or be a Texas Master Electrician to serve as Master of Record. If your qualifier still needs the credential, submit the Master application ($45) and pass the PSI exam (Master application; exam info).
- Set up required insurance — Purchase general liability meeting TDLR minimums ($300k occurrence / $600k aggregate / $300k products–completed ops) and decide whether to carry workers’ comp or file the no-coverage election (TDLR insurance rules; 16 TAC §73.40).
- Complete Form ELC‑LIC‑003 — Fill out the Electrical Contractor application and attach the Certificate of Insurance naming the business and meeting TDLR wording/limits (ELC‑LIC‑003; COI form).
- Pay the state fee — Submit the $110 nonrefundable application fee with your packet (application form shows fee; fee set in Texas Register).
- Receive your TECL and start contracting — After approval, display your company name and TECL number on vehicles per statute (Occ. Code §1305.166).
- Renew every year — Budget $110 annually for the business license and keep insurance active. Electrician individuals (e.g., your Master) must also complete 4 hours of CE before individual renewal (§1305.167 (annual renewal); TDLR CE).
Electrical contractor license cost in Texas: the full picture
Plan for two buckets of costs: the business license and the qualifying individual. The business pays $110 to apply and $110 to renew yearly (Texas Register). Separately, your Master Electrician maintains an individual license (application/renewal $45) and 4 hours of CE before renewal (Master app fee; CE requirement).
Texas electrical contractor insurance minimums and proof
TDLR requires minimum commercial general liability of $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 products/completed operations. Submit TDLR’s Certificate of Insurance and keep coverage active for both initial licensure and renewals (TDLR insurance section; 16 TAC §73.40; COI form).
Annual renewal and deadlines for a Texas electrical contractor license
Licenses renew annually. State law provides electrician licenses expire each year (historically December 31 unless TDLR uses variable dates); budget $110 for the contractor renewal and maintain required insurance. Individuals must complete CE before their own renewal (Occ. Code §1305.167; fee rule; TDLR CE).
Do Texas electrical contractors need workers’ compensation?
TDLR accepts either proof of workers’ compensation, a certificate to self-insure, or an election not to obtain coverage (filed per Texas Labor Code 406). Your election or coverage proof must accompany the application and be maintained for renewals (TDLR apply page).
Related licensing costs in Texas trades
If you handle multiple trades, compare program fees and insurance norms across specialties. Our statewide overview of Texas trades contractor licensing contrasts agency rules by trade. For mechanical work, see our detailed breakdown of HVAC contractor license cost in Texas to anticipate parallel state fees and insurance minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact electrical contractor license fee in Texas?
The TDLR business-entity Electrical Contractor license costs $110 to apply and $110 to renew each year. The fee amount is set by rule and published in the Texas Register, and also appears on TDLR’s contractor application form ELC‑LIC‑003 (Texas Register; application).
Do I need a Master Electrician to get the contractor license?
Yes. You must employ or be a Texas-licensed Master Electrician designated as the Master of Record to qualify for the Electrical Contractor license. The Master credential requires a separate application, exam, and renewal managed by TDLR (TDLR contractor page; exam info).
What insurance limits does TDLR require?
Minimum general liability must be $300,000 per occurrence (property damage and bodily injury combined), $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 products/completed operations. Proof is filed on TDLR’s Certificate of Insurance and kept current for renewals (16 TAC §73.40; TDLR COI).
Is there a state exam for the contractor business license?
No. The contractor entity does not take an exam. The required Master Electrician must qualify separately by passing the state exam administered via PSI and keeping the Master license active (TDLR exam page).
When do I renew and how much is renewal?
Renew annually; budget $110 for the business license renewal. Texas law provides electrician licenses expire each year (historically Dec. 31 unless TDLR assigns variable dates). Keep insurance active and complete CE for individual electrician licenses (§1305.167; fee rule; CE).
Is workers’ compensation mandatory?
Not as a condition of licensure. You may show workers’ compensation coverage, self-insurance authority, or file a statement electing not to obtain coverage. Your choice must be documented with the application and kept up-to-date for renewals (TDLR apply page).
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.