Texas Electrician License Requirements
Official classification: Journeyman / Master Electrician (TDLR) · Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
⚡ ElectricianTX ✔ Verified 2026-10-01
In Texas, electricians must hold the Journeyman / Master Electrician (TDLR), issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed electrician in Texas
Follow these steps to earn your Journeyman / Master Electrician (TDLR). Every figure is verified against the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Journeyman: 8,000 hours (7,000 to sit for the exam). Master: 12,000+ hours plus 2+ years as a licensed journeyman.
- Pass the Journeyman (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) and Master (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Electrical contractor license requires general liability insurance — TDLR sets a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate / $300,000 products & completed operations (Electrical Contractor certificate of insurance). Workers' compensation: Per employer obligations.
- Clear the background check. May be required; criminal history reviewed by TDLR
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — $30 (journeyman) / $45 (master) / $110 (electrical contractor) application fee, plus a Included with application license fee. Processing time: Variable via TDLR online account.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: Annual. Continuing education: 4 hours per year ($25–$75 per course).
For the general path in every state, see the Electrician guide →
Texas electrician license lookup
To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Texas — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- Journeyman Electrician — Statewide; 8,000 hours of work under a master electrician
- Master Electrician — Statewide; 12,000+ hours and 2+ years as a licensed journeyman
- Electrical Contractor — Business license; no exam, but must employ a Master Electrician of Record
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours (7,000 to sit for the exam). Master: 12,000+ hours plus 2+ years as a licensed journeyman. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $30 (journeyman) / $45 (master) / $110 (electrical contractor) |
| License fee | Included with application |
| Renewal fee | $30 (journeyman); $45 (master); $110 (electrical contractor; late: $165 within 90 days, $220 from 91 days to 36 months). Late renewal costs 1.5x the fee within 90 days of expiry (journeyman $45, master $67.50) and 2x from 91 days to 36 months (journeyman $60, master $90); after 36 months you must reapply (TDLR, verified 2026-09-19) |
| Renewal period | Annual |
| Continuing education | 4 hours per year ($25–$75 per course) |
| Bond required | No statewide bond for electricians (municipal GC registration may require one — see local note) |
| Liability insurance | Electrical contractor license requires general liability insurance — TDLR sets a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate / $300,000 products & completed operations (Electrical Contractor certificate of insurance). |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Per employer obligations |
| Background check | May be required; criminal history reviewed by TDLR |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Master: Alabama, Arkansas (master electrician), Iowa (Class A master electrician), Louisiana (state contractor's license), Nebraska, North Carolina (master electrician or unlimited electrical contractor), Ohio; Journeyman: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming; No reciprocal agreements exist for any other Texas electrical license type. Reciprocal applicants must show they passed the originating state's exam, have held that license at least 1 year, and meet the Texas experience hours (12,000 master / 8,000 journeyman). · compare all states |
| Processing time | Variable via TDLR online account |
What a Texas electrician license costs
| Application fee | $30 (journeyman) / $45 (master) / $110 (electrical contractor). |
|---|---|
| License fee | Included with application. |
| Journeyman (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) | $78 (both portions). |
| Master (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) | $78. |
| Surety bond | No statewide bond for electricians (municipal GC registration may require one — see local note). |
| Renewal fee | $30 (journeyman); $45 (master); $110 (electrical contractor; late: $165 within 90 days, $220 from 91 days to 36 months). Late renewal costs 1.5x the fee within 90 days of expiry (journeyman $45, master $67.50) and 2x from 91 days to 36 months (journeyman $60, master $90); after 36 months you must reapply (TDLR, verified 2026-09-19). |
| Renewal period | Annual. |
Exams
| Journeyman (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% each portion · Fee: $78 (both portions) |
|---|---|
| Master (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% each portion · Fee: $78 |
Renewing a Texas electrician license
The Journeyman / Master Electrician (TDLR) renews on a fixed cycle set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.
| Renewal period | Annual |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $30 (journeyman); $45 (master); $110 (electrical contractor; late: $165 within 90 days, $220 from 91 days to 36 months). Late renewal costs 1.5x the fee within 90 days of expiry (journeyman $45, master $67.50) and 2x from 91 days to 36 months (journeyman $60, master $90); after 36 months you must reapply (TDLR, verified 2026-09-19) |
| Continuing education | 4 hours per year ($25–$75 per course) |
| Where to renew | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
Local / municipal notes
Texas has NO statewide general-contractor license. General-contractor registration, bonds and insurance are set per city — e.g. Dallas: $120/yr registration + general-liability insurance (bonds are work-specific, not a flat GC bond); Austin: free one-time registration + class-based bond; Houston: permit registration + project-specific bonds only; San Antonio: residential $150–$170 per 2 years. See the Texas general-contractor page for details.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Texas electrician license cost?
Application: $30 (journeyman) / $45 (master) / $110 (electrical contractor). License: Included with application. Renewal: $30 (journeyman); $45 (master); $110 (electrical contractor; late: $165 within 90 days, $220 from 91 days to 36 months). Late renewal costs 1.5x the fee within 90 days of expiry (journeyman $45, master $67.50) and 2x from 91 days to 36 months (journeyman $60, master $90); after 36 months you must reapply (TDLR, verified 2026-09-19).
How do I look up a electrician license in Texas?
Search the official license database at tdlr.texas.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do electricians in Texas need a surety bond?
No statewide bond for electricians (municipal GC registration may require one — see local note)
What experience is required for a Texas electrician license?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours (7,000 to sit for the exam). Master: 12,000+ hours plus 2+ years as a licensed journeyman.
Is insurance required for electricians in Texas?
Liability: Electrical contractor license requires general liability insurance — TDLR sets a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate / $300,000 products & completed operations (Electrical Contractor certificate of insurance). Workers' compensation: Per employer obligations.
How long does it take to get a Texas electrician license?
Processing time: Variable via TDLR online account.
Is a background check required for electricians in Texas?
Background check: May be required; criminal history reviewed by TDLR.
How often must a Texas electrician license be renewed?
Annual. Continuing education: 4 hours per year ($25–$75 per course).
Official sources
tdlr.texas.gov/electricians
tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecfaq.htm