Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 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. 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 Plumber License

    Required to perform and supervise plumbing at the master level in Texas. Issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Applicants must have held a Journeyman Plumber license for at least two years (or one year plus completion of an approved apprenticeship program) and pass the Master Plumber exam. Fees: $25 exam processing, $128.50 exam (Pearson VUE), $75 initial license, $75 annual renewal. To own/operate a plumbing contracting company, a master plumber must additionally obtain TSBPE's Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation and maintain at least $300,000 of commercial general liability insurance.

    Official government source

    $25 exam processing fee + $128.50 exam fee (Pearson VUE); $75 initial license; $75 annual renewal. Operating a plumbing company additionally requires the Responsible Master Plumber designation ($225 initial / $300 renewal) with $300,000 liability insurance4–8 weeks (exam scheduling + processing)

  2. Responsible Master Plumber - $300,000 Liability Insurance (no surety bond required)

    Texas plumbing contractors are NOT required to post a surety bond with TSBPE. Instead, the company's Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) must maintain at least $300,000 of commercial general liability insurance and keep the certificate of insurance current with TSBPE.

    Official government source

    Insurance premium varies by insurer and business size (commercial general liability policy with at least $300,000 coverage)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 San Antonio / Bexar County

2 stops

  1. City of San Antonio Plumbing Contractor Registration

    Plumbing contractors working within San Antonio city limits must register with the City of San Antonio Development Services Department. A Texas-licensed Master Plumber must be the qualifying license holder on file. Registration is required before pulling any plumbing permits.

    Official government source

    Free (state law prohibits municipal plumber registration fees; registration with DSD still required)1–2 weeks

  2. Bexar County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If operating under a trade name different from your legal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk. Valid for 10 years.

    Official government source

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

Terminus

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

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