Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, 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 TECL from TDLR to legally contract for electrical work 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

   $300 (LLC filing fee)

   3–5 business days

1. City of Fort Worth Electrical Contractor Registration

   Electrical contractors working in Fort Worth must hold a state Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL, TDLR) with a qualifying Master Electrician, and may be required to register with Fort Worth Development Services before pulling 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. Tarrant County DBA

   If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Tarrant County Clerk.

   Official government source

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)·1–3 days

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)

   1–3 days

Official Sources

• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Electricians
• City of Fort Worth Development Services

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