Get a HVAC Contractor License in Texas

To get a HVAC contractor license in Texas, apply to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), prove required experience (typically 48 months or 36 with technician certification), pass the PSI‑administered exam, and file TDLR‑approved liability insurance (Class A or B). Licenses renew annually with 8 CE hours.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-19

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Texas

1. Choose your license path and class. Decide on Class A (any size) or Class B (≤25 tons/≤1.5M BTU/hr) and select the proper endorsement(s): Environmental Air, Commercial Refrigeration/Process, or Combined. 16 TAC §75.22 | TDLR.
2. Document your experience. Gather proof of 48 months in the past 72 (or 36 in the past 48 with 12 months as a Certified Technician) under a licensed contractor. Have supervisors complete ACR005 Experience Verification. TDLR | ACR005.
3. Submit your application and fee. File the ACR‑LIC‑002 application to TDLR with the $115 non‑refundable fee (online or by mail). Form | Apply.
4. Get approved and schedule your exam. After TDLR eligibility approval, schedule with PSI and pay the testing fee as listed in PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin. Exam info.
5. Pass the exam and file insurance. Once you pass, submit ACR009 Certificate of Insurance meeting minimum limits (Class A: $300k/$600k/$300k; Class B: $100k/$200k/$100k). Minimums | ACR009 specs.
6. Receive your TACL and start contracting. Your license shows Title/Class/Number/Endorsement (e.g., TACL/A/######/C). Keep insurance active and follow TDLR rules. TDLR At‑a‑Glance.
7. Renew yearly with CE. Complete 8 hours of CE (1 hour TX laws/rules) and renew for $65 each year. Renewal | CE.

Texas HVAC contractor license: classes, endorsements, and scope

Texas issues Class A and Class B Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (ACR) contractor licenses, with endorsements for Environmental Air, Commercial Refrigeration/Process Cooling or Heating, or a Combined endorsement. Class A covers any size; Class B is limited to ≤25 tons cooling or ≤1.5 million BTU/hr heating. 16 TAC §75.22 | TDLR.

Exact Texas ACR contractor fees you’ll pay

Expect $115 to apply to TDLR and $65 each year to renew; the exam fee is paid to PSI per the Candidate Information Bulletin. You’ll also need ongoing commercial general liability insurance at TDLR‑set minimums by class. For a deeper cost breakdown, see our guide on HVAC contractor license cost in Texas. TDLR | Renewal | Exam | Insurance minimums.

Insurance you must keep on file (and possible waiver)

After you pass the exam, submit a Certificate of Insurance (ACR009). Minimums: Class A—$300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products/completed operations; Class B—$100,000, $200,000, $100,000. TDLR may allow an insurance waiver if you don’t contract with the public (see TDLR guidance). TDLR insurance | ACR009 details.

Continuing education and renewal timing

Each year, complete 8 hours of approved CE, including at least 1 hour on Texas laws and rules, then renew for $65. TDLR requires you to finish all license‑issuance steps within one year of the original application date. CE requirement | Renewal | TDLR.

Forms you’ll use when applying

Common forms include the ACR Contractor License Application (ACR‑LIC‑002), the Contractor Experience Verification (ACR005), and the Certificate of Insurance (ACR009). TDLR’s ACR forms hub keeps current versions. TDLR ACR forms.

Thinking beyond HVAC?

If you plan to branch into multiple trades business lines, read our broader Texas trades contractor license guide to understand statewide contracting rules that intersect with ACR operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Certified Technician before applying for a Texas HVAC contractor license?

No. Most applicants qualify with 48 months of supervised ACR experience in the past 72 months. Alternatively, if you’ve held a Texas ACR Certified Technician certification for the preceding 12 months, you can qualify with 36 months in the past 48 months. TDLR.

What’s the difference between Class A and Class B in Texas?

Class A allows work on any size system. Class B limits you to individual units of ≤25 tons cooling or ≤1.5 million BTU/hr heating. Both require appropriate endorsements (Environmental Air, Commercial Refrigeration/Process, or Combined). 16 TAC §75.22 | TDLR.

How much liability insurance do Texas ACR contractors need?

Class A: at least $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 products/completed operations. Class B: at least $100,000, $200,000, and $100,000, respectively. Proof is submitted via TDLR’s ACR009 certificate after you pass the exam. TDLR.

How often do I renew a Texas HVAC contractor license, and what CE is required?

Renew annually for $65 and complete 8 hours of approved CE each year, including at least 1 hour covering Texas laws and rules that govern ACR contractors. Renewal | CE.

How long do I have to finish the process after applying?

All steps—including passing your PSI exam and filing insurance—must be completed within 1 year of the date your application is filed with TDLR, or the application expires. TDLR.

Want a done‑for‑you checklist, cost worksheet, and reminders? License Navigator can track every Texas ACR step—from experience forms to CE—so you never miss a deadline.