Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 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. 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 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

  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

    $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

City of San Antonio / Bexar County

2 stops
  1. City of San Antonio Electrical Contractor Registration

    Electrical contractors working in San Antonio must register with the City of San Antonio Development Services Department. A valid Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) and a qualifying Texas Master Electrician must be on file. Registration is required before pulling electrical permits.

    Official government source

    See the DSD Development Fee Schedule or call 210-207-1111; fee not published on the contractor registration page1–2 weeks

  2. Bexar County DBA (Assumed Name Certificate)

    Required if operating under a trade name different from your legal name. File with the Bexar County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)1–3 days

Terminus

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

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