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General Contractor License in Texas

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your General Contractor license in TX. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$450

Processing Time

6-8 Weeks

Exam Required

Contractor Business & Law Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your General Contractor license in Texas.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved General Contractor training program in Texas.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your TX application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Contractor Business & Law Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Texas licensing board and pay the $450 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-8 weeks in TX. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your General Contractor license in Texas, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Texas requires all applicants to pass the Contractor Business & Law Exam before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in TX is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

The Texas licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring General Contractor professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the Contractor Business & Law Exam. TX also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your General Contractor license in Texas requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in TX is $450, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $600 total when accounting for all associated costs in Texas.

License Fee Calculator — General Contractor in Texas

Base License Fee$450
Estimated Total$450

Renewal Process

Maintaining your General Contractor license in Texas requires timely renewal every 2 years. TX sets the renewal fee at $300. You must complete all required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Texas board. Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension and reinstatement fees in TX.

License Expiry Calculator — General Contractor in TX

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Texas requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Working as a General Contractor in Texas offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. TX has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Texas also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified General Contractor professionals.

Document Checklist — General Contractor

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Texas General Contractor License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for TX license holders.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts TX General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for TX license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts TX General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for TX license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize TX General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize TX General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize TX General Contractor license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in Texas

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Austin

920 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 463-6599

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Houston

901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

(713) 837-7000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Dallas

1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201

(214) 670-3011

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

San Antonio

100 Military Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 207-7080

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fort Worth

200 Texas St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 392-2255

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Texas Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Texas state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.