Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.

Updated 2026-02-15 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. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 operate as a plumbing contractor in Texas. Issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Applicants must pass the Master Plumber examination, have at least 4 years of plumbing experience (including 1 year as a Journeyman Plumber), and provide proof of insurance. The license must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $175 exam fee + $135/year license fee4–8 weeks (exam scheduling + processing)

  2. Texas Plumbing Contractor Surety Bond

    Texas plumbing contractors are required to maintain a $25,000 surety bond filed with TSBPE.

    Official government source

    $150–$500/year (bond premium, varies by credit)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 Fort Worth / Tarrant County

2 stops

  1. City of Fort Worth Plumbing Contractor Registration

    Plumbing contractors working in Fort Worth must register with the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department. A Texas-licensed Master Plumber must qualify the registration. Contractors must register before obtaining plumbing permits for any job within city limits.

    Official government source

    $100–$175/year1–2 weeks

  2. Tarrant County DBA (Assumed Name Certificate)

    Required if operating under a trade name in Tarrant County. File with the Tarrant County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $181–3 days

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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