HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License

   Texas requires HVAC contracting businesses to operate under an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) Contractor License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR); ACR companies must employ a licensed ACR contractor at each permanent office. Licenses are Class A (any size unit, TACLA) or Class B (cooling up to 25 tons / heating up to 1.5M BTU/hr, TACLB), with endorsements for environmental air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, and process cooling/heating. Applicants must pass the state exam (administered by PSI) and carry liability insurance: Class A - $300,000 per occurrence/$600,000 aggregate; Class B - $100,000 per occurrence/$200,000 aggregate. Application fee is $115.

   Official government source

   $115 license application fee (TDLR); exam fee paid to PSI (see PSI Candidate Information Bulletin - needs_review)·4–8 weeks

   $115 license application fee (TDLR); exam fee paid to PSI (see PSI Candidate Information Bulletin - needs_review)

   4–8 weeks

1. City of Austin — Mechanical Contractor Registration

   HVAC contractors must hold a state TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license and register with Austin Development Services' Building and Trade Contractor Services before pulling mechanical permits. A mechanical permit is required for each installation or replacement project; permit fees depend on the job.

   Official government source

   City registration fee not published; mechanical permit fees vary by project - see Austin DSD·2–4 weeks

   City registration fee not published; mechanical permit fees vary by project - see Austin DSD

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Austin Development Services — Mechanical Contractor
• Texas TDLR — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Related Guides