Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing 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 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. The bond protects consumers against incomplete or faulty work.

    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. Sole proprietors doing business under their legal name are not required to register.

    Official government source

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

City of Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. City of Houston Plumbing Contractor License

    Houston requires plumbing contractors to obtain a City of Houston Plumbing Contractor License from the Houston Permitting Center. A Texas-licensed Master Plumber must be listed as the qualifier. The city-issued license is separate from the state license and must be renewed annually. Apply through the Houston Permitting Center online portal.

    Official government source

    $200/year1–3 weeks

  2. Houston Business Registration

    Businesses with a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Harris County Clerk. All businesses should register with the City of Houston for tax and licensing purposes.

    Official government source

    $25 (DBA filing at Harris County Clerk)1–3 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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