Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

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

Houston / Harris County Requirements

2 requirements
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.

$200/year1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Harris County DBA / Business Registration

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

$251–3 days
Official government source

Texas State Requirements

3 requirements
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.

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

$400/year2–4 weeks
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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