Texas General Contractor License Cost & Requirements (2026)
Detailed fee schedule, PSI examination costs, surety bond thresholds, and state regulatory compliance guidelines for general contractors in Texas.
Texas General Contractor Fee Estimator
Official regulatory breakdown for General Contractor Municipal Registration
Texas requires a $25,000 surety bond. The typical premium is approx $250/year.
Itemized Fee Schedule
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All applications and exams must be registered directly with this board.
Regulatory & Licensing Requirements Summary
| Official License Classification | General Contractor Municipal Registration |
| Minimum Verified Experience | 2 Years (Journeyman / Field Supervisor) |
| Mandatory State Surety Bond | $25,000 Bond Required |
| General Liability Insurance | $300,000 - $1,000,000 coverage minimum |
| Estimated Application Processing Time | 1 - 3 weeks |
| Renewal Cycle & CE Requirement | Every 1 year(s) with 0 hours of Continuing Education |
Warning: Unlicensed Contracting Penalties in Texas
Class C to Class A Misdemeanor, fines up to $5,000 per violation, and immediate stop-work orders.
Note: Unlicensed contractors in Texas typically lose all legal standing to file mechanic's liens or sue for non-payment in civil courts.
Special Statutory Notes for Texas
Texas has no statewide GC license; contractors register with cities (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) with required surety bonds.
Texas regulates trade contractors through TDLR and TSBPE (Plumbers). General contractors are primarily registered at municipal/city levels (Austin, Dallas, Houston).
Texas GC Licensing FAQ
How much does a General Contractor license cost in Texas?
The official government filing and licensing fees for a General Contractor in Texas total approximately $350. This consists of a $150 application fee, a $0 examination fee, and a $200 initial license fee. If a surety bond is required ($25,000), expect an additional $250/year for the bond premium.
How long does it take to get a General Contractor license in Texas?
On average, the processing time through Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) takes 1 - 3 weeks, assuming your proof of 2 years of qualifying trade experience and background check are submitted correctly.
What are the penalties for working as an unlicensed GC in Texas?
Texas enforces strict penalties: Class C to Class A Misdemeanor, fines up to $5,000 per violation, and immediate stop-work orders.
How often do you need to renew a GC license in Texas?
Licenses must be renewed every 1 year(s) with a renewal fee of $150. You must also complete 0 hours of approved Continuing Education (CE).