TX
Texas permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
TDLR (electrical, A/C) and Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
No statewide general-contractor or handyman license; cities may require registration. Electricians (TDLR), plumbers (TSBPE), and A/C & refrigeration (TDLR) are state-licensed.
Licensing board
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/Homeowner exemption
Summary
Homestead owner exemptions for trades; local homeowner permits often require proof of homestead.
Electrical
Owner may do electrical work in a dwelling they own and live in, subject to city ordinances (Occ. Code 1305.003(a)(6)).
Plumbing
Owner may do plumbing in own homestead (Occ. Code 1301.051).
HVAC
Check with your local building department
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
IRC applies as the municipal residential code in cities (Local Gov't Code 214.212); unincorporated areas generally have no building code (verify)
Water heater
Check with your local building department
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Check with your local building department
Fence
Check with your local building department
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Check with your local building department
What this page does not confirm
- Everything is city-level.
- The A/C exemption and code statute citation are unverified.
Sources
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer