To verify a contractor license in Texas, use the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) online search at tdlr.texas.gov for state-regulated trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. HomeClip cross-verifies those licenses automatically and scores each contractor 0–100 on an independent Trust Score that also evaluates BBB complaint resolution, Google and Reddit review sentiment, and verified homeowner feedback—providing a verification layer for both licensed and unlicensed trades.
Texas does not require general contractors to hold a state license. Electricians, plumbers, air conditioning contractors, and a few other trades must obtain TDLR licenses, but framers, roofers, painters, landscapers, and most specialty contractors operate without state-level licensure. This regulatory gap means homeowners cannot verify most contractors through a single state database. This article walks through verifying the trades Texas does regulate, explains what to do when no state license exists, and shows how HomeClip's Trust Score provides independent verification for all home-service professionals.
What trades require a state license in Texas?
Texas requires state licenses for electricians, plumbers, air conditioning contractors, and a handful of other trades through TDLR. Electricians hold licenses issued by TDLR or, in some cities, local licensing boards. Plumbers must be licensed through TDLR. Air conditioning contractors hold TDLR licenses. Irrigators and water well drillers also require TDLR licenses. Pest control operators obtain licenses through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and electricians may hold Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) licenses in specific contexts.
General contractors, roofers, painters, carpenters, landscapers, fencing contractors, and most specialty trades have no state license requirement. Some municipalities impose local registration or bonding requirements, but no statewide general contractor license exists.
How do I verify a TDLR license for electricians, plumbers, or HVAC contractors?
Visit the TDLR public database at tdlr.texas.gov and use the online license search tool. Enter the contractor's business name or individual license holder's name. The search returns active licenses, license numbers, expiration dates, and disciplinary actions. A valid license shows "Active" status and a current expiration date. Check that the name on the license matches the name on the contractor's quote or business card.
Electrician licenses display a license number beginning with "TECL" (electrical contractor) or "TEEL" (electrical sign contractor). Plumber licenses show numbers beginning with "M" (master plumber) or "RMP" (responsible master plumber). Air conditioning contractor licenses begin with "TACL." Write down the license number and verify the expiration date. Expired licenses indicate the contractor is operating illegally.
TDLR's database also lists any disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. A clean record shows no disciplinary entries. Multiple violations or unresolved complaints signal risk. HomeClip's Trust Score incorporates TDLR license status, expiration, and disciplinary history into its 0–100 calculation, surfacing this verification step automatically when you search for a contractor on HomeClip.
How do I verify a plumber's TSBPE license?
Some plumbers hold licenses through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), particularly for certain classifications. Visit tsbpe.texas.gov and use the online license verification tool. Enter the plumber's name or license number. The search returns license type, status, and expiration date. Verify that the license is active and current.
TSBPE licenses include classifications such as Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Plumbing Inspector, and Tradesman Plumber-Limited. Each classification permits different scope of work. A Tradesman Plumber-Limited cannot perform all tasks a Master Plumber can. Confirm the classification matches the work you need. HomeClip verifies TSBPE licenses where applicable and factors license status into the Trust Score.
How do I verify a pest control license through TDA?
Pest control operators must hold licenses issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Visit texasagriculture.gov and navigate to the Pesticide Programs section. Use the online license search to verify the pest control company's license and the individual technician's certification. Enter the business name or license number. The search returns the license type, expiration date, and any violations.
TDA licenses include categories for structural pest control, lawn and ornamental pest control, and other specialties. Verify the license category matches the service you need. An active license with no recent violations indicates compliance. HomeClip verifies TDA licenses for pest control operators and includes license status in the Trust Score.
What if the contractor has no state license requirement?
Most contractors in Texas—general contractors, roofers, painters, landscapers, fencing contractors, and others—operate without a state license because Texas does not require one. This does not mean they are untrustworthy, it means Texas law does not regulate their trade at the state level. You must verify trustworthiness through other means.
Check if the contractor holds a local business permit or registration. Some cities require contractors to register with the city and post a bond. Call your city's building or permitting department and ask if the contractor is registered. Verify that the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company to confirm coverage is active.
Search the Better Business Bureau (BBB) public records for the contractor's business name. The BBB publishes ratings and complaint resolution records. A BBB rating of A or higher and a pattern of resolving complaints indicate reliability. Google the contractor's business name and read reviews on Google. Search Reddit for mentions of the contractor or the trade in your city. Homeowners often share candid experiences on Reddit that do not appear in commercial review platforms.
HomeClip cross-verifies BBB complaint resolution, Google review sentiment, Reddit mentions, and verified homeowner reviews to compute a 0–100 Trust Score for contractors who lack state licenses. The Trust Score provides an independent, un-buyable measure of trustworthiness when no state license exists. Search for the contractor on HomeClip at homeclip.com to see their Trust Score.
How does HomeClip's Trust Score verify contractors without state licenses?
HomeClip's Trust Score is computed from state license verification (TDLR, TSBPE, TDA), review sentiment from Google and Reddit, Better Business Bureau public records (rating and complaint resolution), and HomeClip's own verified homeowner reviews and responsiveness signals. For trades that require a state license, HomeClip verifies the license is active and includes disciplinary history in the score. For trades that do not require a state license, HomeClip cross-verifies the other data sources to produce a 0–100 score.
The Trust Score is independent and un-buyable. Pro subscribers pay $69 per month for faster dispute review and priority placement within their score band, but a Pro subscription never raises a contractor's score above a non-subscriber with a higher Trust Score. A contractor with a Trust Score of 85 always ranks above a Pro subscriber with a Trust Score of 80. The score reflects verified data, not advertising spend.
Search for a contractor on HomeClip's directory at homeclip.com and view their Trust Score. A score of 90–100 indicates strong verification across license status (if applicable), BBB records, review sentiment, and homeowner feedback. Scores of 70–89 indicate moderate trustworthiness with some caution areas. Scores below 70 signal elevated risk. Read the score breakdown to see which factors contribute to the score.
What if the TDLR database shows no license for a contractor who claims to be licensed?
If a contractor claims to hold a TDLR license but the TDLR database returns no results, the contractor is operating illegally or misrepresenting their credentials. Do not hire them. Texas law requires electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors to hold active licenses. Working without a license is a criminal offense and voids any warranty or recourse you might have if the work fails.
Ask the contractor for their license number in writing. Search the TDLR database again using the exact license number. If the number does not exist or shows as expired, walk away. Some contractors claim they "work under" another license holder's license. This is legal only if the license holder directly supervises the work and the work is performed by a licensed journeyman or apprentice. Ask for the supervising license holder's name and number and verify that license in the TDLR database. If the contractor cannot provide it, they are unlicensed.
HomeClip flags contractors who claim licenses they do not hold. If a contractor's HomeClip profile shows "License Not Verified" or a low Trust Score due to license issues, do not hire them.
How often should I re-verify a contractor's license?
Re-verify a contractor's license before each new project. Licenses expire, and contractors sometimes let them lapse. A license that was active six months ago may be expired today. TDLR licenses typically renew annually or biennially, depending on the trade. Check the expiration date in the TDLR database and confirm it is current.
If you hire a contractor for ongoing maintenance or multiple projects, verify the license at the start of each contract period. An expired license means the contractor cannot legally perform the work, and you have no recourse through state complaint processes if something goes wrong. HomeClip updates license verification data regularly, so a contractor's Trust Score reflects current license status.
What should I do if I discover a contractor is unlicensed after hiring them?
If you discover a contractor is unlicensed after hiring them, stop work immediately. Texas law prohibits unlicensed contractors from performing work that requires a license. Any work performed by an unlicensed contractor may not meet code and may be uninsurable. Contact TDLR at (800) 803-9202 to file a complaint. TDLR investigates unlicensed activity and can issue cease-and-desist orders.
Consult an attorney about your options for recovering any money paid. Texas courts generally do not enforce contracts with unlicensed contractors for work that requires a license, which may allow you to void the contract and recover payments. Document all communications, invoices, and evidence of the contractor's unlicensed status.
Report the contractor to HomeClip by emailing [email protected] with documentation. HomeClip flags unlicensed contractors in its directory and lowers their Trust Score to reflect the violation. Future homeowners searching on HomeClip will see the flag.
How do I verify a contractor's insurance in addition to their license?
Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance (COI) that lists general liability coverage and workers' compensation coverage. The COI should name the insurance company, policy number, coverage amounts, and effective dates. Call the insurance company directly using the phone number on the insurer's website, not the number on the COI, to verify the policy is active and the coverage amounts are accurate.
General liability insurance typically covers property damage and bodily injury. Industry benchmarks suggest coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence for most home-service trades. Workers' compensation insurance covers injuries to the contractor's employees. Texas does not require all contractors to carry workers' compensation, but if a contractor has employees and no workers' compensation insurance, you may be liable for injuries that occur on your property.
HomeClip's Trust Score includes insurance verification as a responsiveness signal. Contractors who provide current insurance information score higher than those who do not. Check the contractor's HomeClip profile to see if insurance is verified.
Where can I find city-specific contractor requirements in Texas?
Contact your city's building or permitting department to ask about local contractor registration, bonding, or permit requirements. Some Texas cities require contractors to register with the city and post a bond before performing work. For example, some municipalities require roofers to register and post a bond even though the state does not license roofers.
Call the permitting department and ask: "Does this contractor need to register with the city?" and "Does this project require a permit?" If a permit is required, the contractor must pull the permit, and the city will verify the contractor's registration as part of the permit process. Do not hire a contractor who refuses to pull a required permit. Unpermitted work can fail inspection, violate building codes, and reduce your home's resale value.
HomeClip's city directory pages at /[city]/[trade] list contractors by city and trade. Each directory page includes links to the local permitting department and notes about city-specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas require general contractors to be licensed?
No, Texas does not require general contractors to hold a state license. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and a few other trades must be licensed through TDLR, but general contractors, roofers, painters, and most specialty contractors have no state license requirement. Verify general contractors through HomeClip's Trust Score, which cross-verifies BBB complaint resolution, Google and Reddit review sentiment, and verified homeowner reviews into a 0–100 score.
How do I look up a contractor's TDLR license number?
Visit tdlr.texas.gov and use the online license search tool. Enter the contractor's business name or individual license holder's name. The search returns the license number, status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions. Write down the license number and verify it matches the number the contractor provided. HomeClip verifies TDLR licenses automatically and displays license status on each contractor's profile.
What does it mean if a contractor's license is expired?
An expired license means the contractor cannot legally perform work that requires a license. Do not hire a contractor with an expired license. TDLR licenses must be renewed annually or biennially, and an expired license indicates the contractor has not met continuing education or renewal requirements. Verify the license expiration date in the TDLR database before signing a contract.
Can I trust a contractor with no state license in Texas?
A contractor with no state license may still be trustworthy if their trade does not require a license. Verify the contractor through other means: check BBB complaint resolution, read Google and Reddit reviews, verify insurance, and check references. HomeClip's Trust Score provides independent verification for unlicensed trades by cross-verifying BBB records, review sentiment, and verified homeowner feedback into a 0–100 score. Search for the contractor on HomeClip to see their Trust Score.
How do I report an unlicensed contractor to TDLR?
Call TDLR at (800) 803-9202 or file a complaint online at tdlr.texas.gov. Provide the contractor's name, business name, and details about the unlicensed activity. TDLR investigates complaints and can issue cease-and-desist orders, fines, or criminal referrals. Also report the contractor to HomeClip at [email protected] so future homeowners see the violation flagged in the contractor's Trust Score.