Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $700–$2,000 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 Plumber License

    Required to perform and supervise plumbing at the master level in Texas. Issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Applicants must have held a Journeyman Plumber license for at least two years (or one year plus completion of an approved apprenticeship program) and pass the Master Plumber exam. Fees: $25 exam processing, $128.50 exam (Pearson VUE), $75 initial license, $75 annual renewal. To own/operate a plumbing contracting company, a master plumber must additionally obtain TSBPE's Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation and maintain at least $300,000 of commercial general liability insurance.

    Official government source

    $25 exam processing fee + $128.50 exam fee (Pearson VUE); $75 initial license; $75 annual renewal. Operating a plumbing company additionally requires the Responsible Master Plumber designation ($225 initial / $300 renewal) with $300,000 liability insurance4–8 weeks (exam scheduling + processing)

  2. Responsible Master Plumber - $300,000 Liability Insurance (no surety bond required)

    Texas plumbing contractors are NOT required to post a surety bond with TSBPE. Instead, the company's Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) must maintain at least $300,000 of commercial general liability insurance and keep the certificate of insurance current with TSBPE.

    Official government source

    Insurance premium varies by insurer and business size (commercial general liability policy with at least $300,000 coverage)1–3 days

  3. Texas Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

    If operating as an LLC or corporation, register with the Texas Secretary of State.

    Official government source

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

City of El Paso / El Paso County

2 stops

  1. City of El Paso Plumbing Contractor Registration

    Plumbing contractors working in El Paso must register annually with the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department (Contractor Registration, Plumbing category; One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 212-0104, [email protected]) before plumbing permits can be issued. A Texas-licensed (TSBPE) Master Plumber must be the qualifying license holder.

    Official government source

    Confirm current registration fee with the One Stop Shop1–2 weeks

  2. El Paso County DBA (Assumed Name Certificate)

    Required if operating under a trade name. File with the El Paso County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)1–3 days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$2,000 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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