Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $800–$2,200 est. 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Master Electrician License

    Required to operate as an electrical contractor in Texas. Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Applicants must have 4 years of electrical experience (including journeyman experience), pass a state Master Electrician exam, and maintain continuing education. The Master Electrician must qualify the contractor's license.

    Official government source

    $45 application fee; $45 renewal (TDLR); exam ~$78 via PSI4–8 weeks

  2. Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL)

    The electrical contracting business itself must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) issued by TDLR. The TECL is separate from the individual Master Electrician license. A qualifying Master Electrician must be designated. Required to legally enter into electrical contracts.

    Official government source

    $110 application fee; $110 renewal (TDLR)2–4 weeks (after Master Electrician license obtained)

  3. Texas Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Texas Secretary of State.

    Official government source

    $300 (LLC filing fee)3–5 business days (online filing)

City of Austin / Travis County

2 stops

  1. City of Austin Electrical Contractor License

    Austin requires all electrical contractors to hold a City of Austin Electrical Contractor License issued by the Austin Development Services Department. The qualifying party must hold a Texas Master Electrician license. A separate city contractor registration is required before pulling electrical permits within the city. Austin has adopted the National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments.

    Official government source

    $150/year1–2 weeks

  2. Austin Business Registration

    All businesses operating in Austin must register with the City of Austin. If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk.

    No fee for business registration; $24 for DBA at Travis County Clerk1–3 days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$2,200 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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