How to Get a General Contractor License in Texas

Published: Mar 12, 2024

One question that our clients regularly ask is how to get a general contractors license in Texas, and since there is currently no state-wide contractor license available, this article will detail which cities require a contractor license, the licensing requirements, how to renew your license, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on applying. Read on to learn more about the specific requirements in some of the jurisdictions within Texas.

General Contractor Licensing Requirements in Texas

For general contractors, ensuring that you are operating within the bounds of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s (TDLR) laws is important, not only for your business but also for the peace of mind of your customers. This means that getting a general contractor license should be a priority whichever municipality you work in. However, since the state of Texas does not have a state license, with each city having its own set of rules and regulations, navigating the licensing requirements becomes a little more complicated.

The good news is that, while the following cities have licensing requirements, whether you operate solely within them or your business covers the entire state, getting a general contractor license can help you ensure top notch service and build trust with your customer base. Below, we list the cities that require licenses and provide you with the information you need to get started with your application.

Austin
To ensure compliance with local regulations, general contractors in Austin must be registered as a Contractor with Building and Trade Contractor Services before starting any projects within the city's jurisdiction. Additionally, depending on the type of project you are engaged in, you may need a separate project license.

Visit the official Austin City Contractor Registration page for comprehensive information on documentation, fees, and any required pre-licensing contractor training courses you may need to complete. Additionally, it’s worth noting that you will probably need to communicate the scope of the project, the address, and a detailed description of the works to be carried out to gain a permit.
Dallas
General contractors looking to work in Dallas must adhere to the city's specific licensing requirements, and the type of license you need will depend on the scope of your work. General contractor licenses cover residential and commercial general contracting, roofing, fencing, foundation, demolition, and pool contracting.

Your license will need to be renewed each year, and you will need general liability insurance, worker compensation and commercial auto insurance policies. Visit the Dallas City Hall page for online services that allow you to apply for permits, validate and renew registrations, request inspections and get real-time access to inspection results.
Houston
While Houston does not require a general contractors license for businesses operating within the state, you will need a project permit for each job you are engaged in. Additionally, all businesses operating a Basic Business License (BBL) for the Houston One Stop Shop Business Center.

To apply for a project permit, you should visit the Houston Permitting Center website which includes a project planner to help you apply for the correct type of permit. Additionally, you can find information on permits and inspections on the Houston Business Portal.
San Antonio
Again, there is no general contractor license in San Antonio as such, however, you will need to register with Development Services to get or renew a license specific to the type of work you undertake. For example, home improvement and residential building works require two separate licenses.

You will need a certificate of liability insurance if you wish to apply for the residential building contractor license, which allows you to complete extensive construction work.
Port Arthur
Inspections and permits form the basis of the City of Port Arthur’s licensing requirements, and as of this time, no general contractors license is needed. You can find information on permits and inspections on the City of Port Arthur website, as well as general information on procedure.

Having said this, regardless of the type of project you undertake, you will need to be bonded before beginning, and you can also find information on surety bond requirements alongside the City of Port Arthur Building Contractor's Bond application here.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

While each city has its own unique requirements for general contracting within Texas, there is a set of general set of steps you can follow to make the application process easier. Explore these here.

Research Local Requirements — Understand the specific licensing requirements of the city where you plan to work. Familiarize yourself with the official website of the local licensing entity to access accurate and current information.
Gather Necessary Documentation — Prepare all required documents, such as proof of experience, financial statements, and business information. Thoroughly review the documentation requirements outlined by the local licensing authority.
Submit License Application and Pay Application Fees — Fill out the application form carefully and pay attention to deadlines and any additional requirements. Most cities offer an online application process to streamline submission and will include information on fees.
Get Insurance Coverage and Surety Bonds — Fulfill the insurance and bonding requirements specific to the city. This includes obtaining liability insurance and a surety bond. Explore our table below and contact us today to get more information on surety bond costs related to your location.
Organize Permits and Inspections — Whether it’s for a single job, or the project requires electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, or other subcontractors, you will likely need a range of permits depending on the city in which you work. Tied to this are inspections of the site and the work completed which you will also need to arrange.

Insurance & Bonding Requirements

Below, we have included the general Texas contractor license bond amounts linked to each city authority. However, these are subject to change so you should check with your local municipality. In addition to a bond, you are likely to need insurances such as liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, commercial auto insurance, builder’s risk insurance, and property damage insurance.

Bond	Bond Amount
City of Abilene Building, Roofing, Demolition, or Building Mover Contractor Bond	$75,000
City of Amarillo Contractor Bond (residential remodeling, insulation, commercial roofing, residential roofing)	$20,000
City of Andrews Contractor Bond	$25,000
City of Bastrop Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Beaumont Building Contractor Bond	$25,000
City of Beaumont Roofing Contractor Bond	$15,000
City of Bevil Oaks Contractor Bond	$1,000 - $25,000
City of Breckenridge Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Bridge City Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Canyon General Contractor Bond	$20,000
City of Canyon Roofing Contractor Bond	$20,000
City of Cedar Park Contractor Bond	$1,000
City of Cibolo Contractor Bond	$25,000
City of Cleburne Contractor Bond	$2,000
City of Converse General Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Corsicana Contractor Bond	$2,500
City of Denison Contractor Bond	$1,000
City of Dickinson Contractor Bond	$1,000 - $15,000
City of Dumas Contractor Bond	$20,000
City of Eagle Pass Contractor Bond (master electrician/electrical contractor)	$5,000
City of Eagle Pass Contractor Bond (mechanical contractor, general contractor, swimming pool contractor, demolition contractor, sign contractor)	$10,000
City of Fredericksburg Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Fort Worth Parkway Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Galveston Contractor Bond	$25,000
City of Granbury Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Groves Contractor Bond	$15,000
City of Hale Center Contractor Bond	$20,000
City of Horizon City Blanket Building and Construction Bond	$10,000
City of Irving Concrete Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Kerrville Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Kirby Home Improvement Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Kountze Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Lago Vista Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Lakeway Contractors Bond	$10,000
City of Lockhart Contractor Bond (If estimated cost of permit is less than $15,000)	$1,000
City of Lockhart Contractor Bond (If estimated cost of permit is $15,001 - $50,000)	$5,000
City of Lockhart Contractor Bond (If estimated cost of permit is over $50,000)	$10,000
City of Longview Contractor Bond (residential general contractor, swimming pool contractor)	$25,000
City of Longview Contractor Bond (combination general contractor)	$50,000
City of Lufkin Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Lumberton Contractor Bond (roofing contractor)	$2,000
City of Lumberton Contractor Bond (mechanical contractor or electrical contractor)	$5,000
City of Lumberton Contractor Bond (building contractor)	$10,000
City of Midland Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Mesquite General Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Nacogdoches Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Nederland Building Contractor Bond	$15,000
City of Olmos Park General Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Orange Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Pampa Contractor Bond (residential additions and remodeling contractor, building demolition, and roofing contractor)	$20,000
City of Pinehurst Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Plainview Contractor Bond	$20,000
City of Port Aransas Contractors Bond	$5,000
City of Port Arthur General Building Contractor Bond	$25,000
City of Port Isabel Contractor Bond	$10,000
City of Port Neches Building Contractor Bond	$15,000
City of Robinson Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Rockdale Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Seminole Contractors Bond	$2,000
City of Sherman Roofing Contractors Bond	$20,000
City of Silsbee Contractor Bond	$15,000
City of Terrell Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Texas City Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Universal City General Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Universal City Home Improvement Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of Waco Cement Contractor Bond	$5,000
City of West Orange Demolition Contractor Bond	$5,000
Town of Ransom Canyon Contractor Bond	$5,000
Hutchinson County Contractor Bond	$20,000

For more information on how Lance Surety Bonds’ expertise within the bonding industry can help you get the best bond premiums for your business, get a free quote using our online application or contact a member of the team today

Robin Kix

Robin Kix is our Renewal Department Manager. During her 10 years in the surety industry, she helped thousands of businesses throughout the nation remain compliant at the federal, state and local level. She has significant experience supporting commercial bond lines, particularly in the automobile, transportation and construction industries. Robin and her team work together to create a positive customer service experience at the time of every policy renewal, whether that be finding the best pricing or offering additional assistance.