Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 qualify an electrical contracting business in Texas. Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Applicants must have held a Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years and have 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Texas-licensed Master Electrician, then pass the Master Electrician exam (administered by PSI). The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The Master Electrician must be employed by the electrical contractor to qualify the contractor's TECL.

    Official government source

    $45 application fee; $45 annual renewal (TDLR); exam fee paid to PSI (see PSI Candidate Information Bulletin - needs_review)4–8 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 Registration (state TDLR license required)

    Electrical contractors must hold a state Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) from TDLR with a qualifying Master Electrician - the city does not issue electrician licenses. Before pulling electrical permits in Austin, the contractor must register with Austin Development Services' Building and Trade Contractor Services. Austin has adopted the National Electrical Code with local amendments.

    Official government source

    City registration fee not published - contact Austin DSD; state TDLR TECL license is separate1–2 weeks

  2. City of Austin - No General Business License Required

    The City of Austin does not require a general business license, business registration, or occupational license to operate a business. There is no city license application, no annual renewal, and no city licensing fee. Requirements in Austin are activity-specific (e.g., a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial space, health permits for food businesses). If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk. The only registration most businesses need locally is the Travis County Assumed Name Certificate ($23) if using a trade name.

    Official government source

    $0 - no general business license exists in Austin1–3 days

Terminus

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

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