Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   $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 business entity must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) from TDLR. The TECL is separate from the individual Master Electrician license. Required to legally enter into electrical contracts in Texas.

   Official government source

   $110 application fee; $110 renewal (TDLR)·2–4 weeks

   $110 application fee; $110 renewal (TDLR)

   2–4 weeks

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)

   $300 (LLC filing fee)

   3–5 business days (online filing)

1. City of Dallas Electrical Contractor Registration

   Electrical contractors working in Dallas must hold a state Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL, TDLR) with a Master Electrician, and may be required to register with Dallas Development Services before pulling electrical permits -- but under Texas Occupations Code Sec. 1305.201 the city may not charge a registration fee for a state-licensed electrician. Per-job electrical permit fees still apply.

   Official government source

   $0 registration fee (state law prohibits municipal registration fees for state-licensed electricians); electrical permit fees per project still apply·1–2 weeks

   $0 registration fee (state law prohibits municipal registration fees for state-licensed electricians); electrical permit fees per project still apply

   1–2 weeks

2. Dallas Business Registration / DBA

   Businesses operating under a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Dallas County Clerk. Dallas has no separate city business registration.

   Official government source

   $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)·1–3 days

   $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)

   1–3 days

Official Sources

• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Electricians
• City of Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction

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