Texas Occupational Licenses: Which State Agency Licenses What (TDLR, TREC, TSBPE and More)

Starting a business in Texas often requires an occupational license. But which agency issues it? Texas doesn't have one central licensing authority. Instead, different state agencies oversee specific professions and trades. TDLR handles many trades, but the Texas Real Estate Commission licenses real estate professionals, a separate plumbing board handles plumbers, and other agencies manage security, child care, and irrigation. Understanding which agency controls which license saves you time and money, and keeps you compliant from day one.

This guide breaks down the Texas licensing landscape, shows you where to search for licenses, and explains what Texas does not require. Whether you're hiring a contractor, verifying credentials, or starting a licensed profession yourself, you'll find the exact agency you need and how to verify licenses online.

TDLR: The Main Texas Licensing Agency

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is the state's primary occupational licensing authority, but it doesn't license everyone. TDLR administers 38 separate licensing programs and issued or renewed over 1,020,000 individual and business licenses in fiscal year 2025.

TDLR licenses include:

• Electricians and electrical contractors
• Air conditioning and refrigeration contractors
• Barbers and barber shops
• Cosmetologists and beauty salons
• Auctioneers
• Towing services and tow operators
• Driver education instructors and schools
• Vehicle storage facilities
• Dog and cat breeders
• Water well drillers
• Elevator inspectors and contractors
• Talent agents and managers

If you work in any of these fields, TDLR issues your texas tdlr license. The application process varies by license type, but all applications go through TDLR's licensing system. You can complete the texas license application, pay the fee, and in many cases verify your license status online using the TDLR search tool.

To find what TDLR licenses apply to your specific business, visit the TDLR website and browse their full list of regulated professions. Each has its own requirements, renewal schedule, and fee structure.

Other State Agencies That Issue Texas Occupational Licenses

Texas is more complicated than TDLR alone. Several other state agencies license specific professions. If TDLR doesn't license your field, one of these agencies likely does.

Real Estate: Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

Real estate agents and brokers are not licensed by TDLR. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) handles all real estate licensing in Texas. TREC issues licenses to agents, brokers, and principal brokers. You must complete approved education, pass the licensing exam, and renew on the schedule TREC sets. All real estate licensing searches go through TREC's online database, not TDLR.

Plumbing: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)

Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), not TDLR. TSBPE oversees master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, plumber apprentices, and other plumbing license types. Plumbing is treated separately because the technical standards and continuing education requirements differ significantly from other TDLR-regulated trades. To verify a plumber's license in Texas, you search TSBPE's database directly, not TDLR's.

Private Security and Alarms: Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Security officers, security guard companies, private investigators, and alarm company operators are licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not TDLR. DPS administers the texas license verification process for all private security professionals. If you're hiring a security company or checking a guard's credentials, verify the license through DPS's system.

Child Care and Home Health: Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Child care facilities, family child care homes, and home health agencies are regulated and licensed by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), not TDLR. HHSC handles licensing, inspections, and regulatory compliance for these settings. If you're opening a child care center or providing home health services, HHSC manages your texas occupational license.

Irrigators: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Irrigators are licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). If your business involves designing, constructing, or managing irrigation systems, your texas license comes from TCEQ, not TDLR.

Other Professions and Regulatory Boards

Texas also has separate licensing boards for architects (TBAE), engineers and surveyors (TBPELS), accountants (the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy), and attorneys (the Supreme Court of Texas and the State Bar of Texas). Healthcare professionals are licensed by their own state boards, and insurance agents are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance.

How to Look Up and Verify a Texas License

When hiring a contractor, checking a professional's credentials, or verifying your own license status, you'll use the texas license lookup tools. Each agency maintains its own search database, so you must know which agency issued the license.

TDLR License Lookup

TDLR maintains an online texas license search tool on its website. You can search by license number, name, or business name. Results show the license status (active, inactive, expired), license number, issue date, and expiration date. Use this tool to verify any TDLR-regulated profession: electricians, HVAC contractors, barbers, cosmetologists, and others.

License Verification for Other Agencies

Each agency operates its own texas license verification system. TREC has its own real estate search database. TSBPE has a plumbing search. DPS has a security license lookup. HHSC has a child care facility search. You'll need to navigate to the appropriate agency's website to verify licenses outside TDLR's scope.

What Verification Shows

A texas license lookup typically shows whether the license is active or inactive, the type of license, the license number, and dates. It does not show disciplinary history or complaints in most cases. Many agencies provide disciplinary records separately, but you may need to contact the agency directly or check their disciplinary action database. Always confirm a license is active, an expired or inactive license means the professional is not currently authorized to practice.

Confirm Before Hiring

Before hiring any licensed contractor or professional, run a texas license verification. Check that the license matches the service you're contracting for (for example, a general electrician license vs. a specialty license). Confirm the license is active and not under suspension or revocation. This step protects you from unlicensed work and potential liability.

What Texas Does NOT Require

Texas is notably permissive in what it doesn't regulate. Understanding what is not licensed saves you from searching for licenses that don't exist.

No State General Contractor License

Texas does not issue a general contractor license at the state level. You do not need a state contractor license to operate as a general contractor in Texas. Individual trades (electricians, HVAC, plumbing) are licensed, but the general contractor role itself is not state-regulated. Local jurisdictions may have requirements, so check with your city.

No Roofing License

Roofers are not licensed by the state of Texas. There is no texas tdlr license for roofing. Some local jurisdictions require roofing permits or contractor licenses for specific services, but no statewide roofing license exists. Verify local requirements in your municipality.

No State Business License

Texas does not require a general state business license. Unlike many states, you do not pay a state license fee to operate a business. You file your business formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State (for LLCs and corporations), but there is no separate state business license. Some cities require local permits or registrations, but the state does not, and counties license nothing except the sole proprietor assumed name filing.

No State Income Tax

Texas has no personal income tax and no corporate income tax. However, businesses are subject to the texas franchise tax, a privilege tax administered by the Comptroller. For 2026 and 2027, entities with total revenue of $2,650,000 or less owe no franchise tax, though they must file a Public Information Report annually.

Sales Tax Permit (Not a License)

If your business sells taxable goods or services, you need a sales and use tax permit from the Texas Comptroller. This is a registration, not a license, and it's issued at no charge. Processing typically takes two to three weeks. The permit allows you to collect and remit sales tax to the state.

Getting Started: Action Steps

If you're starting a business or hiring a professional in Texas, here's how to navigate the licensing landscape:

Step 1: Determine If Your Business Requires a License

Not all businesses require an occupational license. If you're consulting, writing, designing, or providing services that don't fall under a regulated profession, you may not need a texas occupational license at all. If you're in a trade or regulated profession, confirm which agency issues the license. TDLR covers most trades, but real estate, plumbing, security, and several others have their own boards.

Step 2: Search for License Requirements with the Right Agency

Once you know the agency, visit that agency's website directly. TDLR, TREC, TSBPE, DPS, and others all publish detailed requirements: education, exams, fees, renewal schedules, and application processes. No two licenses are identical, so read the specific requirements for your profession.

Step 3: Verify Credentials If You're Hiring

Use the texas license lookup tool for TDLR professionals or the appropriate agency search for other professions. Confirm the license is active and matches the scope of work. Ask contractors and professionals directly for their license number and verify it yourself, don't rely on their word alone.

Step 4: File Your Formation Documents and Sales Tax Permit

If you're forming an LLC or corporation, file your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $300. If you'll be collecting sales tax, register with the Comptroller. Neither of these replaces an occupational license if one is required for your profession, but both are foundational business setup steps.

Step 5: Stay Current on Renewal Deadlines

Occupational licenses have renewal schedules. Some renew annually, others every two or three years. Missing a renewal deadline voids your license. Most agencies send renewal reminders, but it's your responsibility to track dates. Mark your calendar or set an alert.

Important Disclaimer

This article is informational only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Occupational licensing requirements vary by profession, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the relevant state agency: TDLR for most trades, TREC for real estate, TSBPE for plumbing, DPS for security, HHSC for child care, or TCEQ for irrigation. If you're unsure whether you need a license or which agency to contact, consult with a business attorney or the agency directly.