Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $800–$2,200 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 Electrician License

    Required to qualify an electrical contracting business in Texas. Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Requires 4 years of electrical experience and passing a state Master Electrician exam.

    Official government source

    $75 exam fee + $75/year license fee4–8 weeks

  2. Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL)

    The business entity must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) from TDLR. Required to legally contract for electrical work in Texas.

    Official government source

    $400/year2–4 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)

City of Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. City of Houston Electrical Contractor License

    Houston requires electrical contractors to obtain a City of Houston Electrical Contractor License from the Houston Permitting Center. The qualifying party must hold a Texas Master Electrician license and the business must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL). City registration is required before pulling permits within Houston city limits.

    Official government source

    $200/year1–3 weeks

  2. Harris County DBA / Business Registration

    Businesses operating under a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Harris County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $251–3 days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$2,200 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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