Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

$800 -- $2200 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Austin / Travis County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of Austin Electrical Contractor License

Austin requires all electrical contractors to hold a City of Austin Electrical Contractor License issued by the Austin Development Services Department. The qualifying party must hold a Texas Master Electrician license. A separate city contractor registration is required before pulling electrical permits within the city. Austin has adopted the National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments.

$150/year1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

Austin Business Registration

All businesses operating in Austin must register with the City of Austin. If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk.

No fee for business registration; $24 for DBA at Travis County Clerk1–3 days
Official government source

Texas State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Texas Master Electrician License

Required to operate as an electrical contractor in Texas. Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Applicants must have 4 years of electrical experience (including journeyman experience), pass a state Master Electrician exam, and maintain continuing education. The Master Electrician must qualify the contractor's license.

$75 exam fee + $75/year license fee4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL)

The electrical contracting business itself must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) issued by TDLR. The TECL is separate from the individual Master Electrician license. A qualifying Master Electrician must be designated. Required to legally enter into electrical contracts.

$400/year (TECL license fee)2–4 weeks (after Master Electrician license obtained)
Official government source
3

Texas Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

LLCs and corporations must register with the Texas Secretary of State.

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

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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