How to File a Complaint Against an Unlicensed Contractor in Texas

Why Licensing Matters

Professional licenses serve one purpose: consumer protection. Licensed contractors have met education and training standards, carry insurance, and are subject to regulatory oversight. If something goes wrong, you have legal recourse. With unlicensed work, you do not.

Reporting an unlicensed contractor does more than seek justice for yourself—it prevents future victims and removes illegal operators from the market.

Step 1: Verify They Are Actually Unlicensed

Before filing a complaint, confirm the contractor is truly unlicensed. Search:

• LicenseStatusVerify: Use our free search tool by contractor name or license number.
• TDLR: Search at www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/
• TSBPE (plumbers): Search at TSBPE license search

If no active license appears, they are unlicensed and operating illegally in Texas.

Step 2: Identify the Right Regulator

Different contractors report to different agencies. Identify which one oversees your contractor's trade:

• TDLR (most trades): Electricians, HVAC, plumbers (in some cases), cosmetologists, barbers, tow operators, massage therapists, property tax professionals, and more.
• TSBPE: Licensed plumbers specifically (if your plumber holds a TSBPE license).
• TDA: Pest control applicators and pest control companies.

If you're unsure, start with TDLR—they handle the majority of trades. They can redirect you if needed.

How to File with TDLR

Online (fastest): File at www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/. The online form takes about 10 minutes.

By phone: Call TDLR at 1-800-803-9202 to ask about filing over the phone.

By mail: Submit a written complaint to:

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711-2157

What to include in your complaint:

• Contractor name and any business name
• License number (if you have it) or a description of the trade
• The address where work was performed
• A detailed description of the work and what went wrong
• The date(s) work was performed
• Any evidence: photos, contracts, invoices, estimates
• Your contact information

How to File with TSBPE (Plumbing)

If you hired an unlicensed plumber or have a complaint about a licensed plumber:

Online: www.tsbpe.texas.gov/consumer-info/complaints/

By phone: 512-936-5200

By mail:

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Complaints and Enforcement
P.O. Box 2100
Austin, TX 78768-2100

How to File with TDA (Pest Control)

For unlicensed pest control work:

Online: www.texasagriculture.gov

Look for the "Complaints" or "Enforcement" section and follow their process.

What Happens After You File

Once you file a complaint with TDLR or TSBPE, here's what to expect:

• Initial review: The agency will review your complaint for completeness (1–2 weeks).
• Investigation: If valid, they will open an investigation, contact the contractor, and gather evidence (1–3 months).
• Possible outcomes: The contractor may be cited for violations, fined, required to stop work, or have their license revoked. In serious cases, they may face criminal charges.
• Your involvement: You may be asked to provide additional documents or testify. The agency will contact you with updates.

Note: If the contractor is truly unlicensed, they have no license to revoke. However, they can be ordered to stop operating and may face criminal charges for illegal practice.

Additional Options for Damages

Filing a complaint with TDLR does not recover money you lost. For damages, consider:

• Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: File a complaint at the Texas AG office if you believe you were defrauded. This can lead to restitution in some cases.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB):File a complaint to alert other consumers and track the contractor's history.
• Small claims court: Sue the contractor for damages (up to $20,000 depending on the court). You do not need a lawyer.
• Civil suit: Hire an attorney to sue for damages including repair costs, injury, or property loss.

Document Everything

To build the strongest complaint and case, keep all evidence:

• Photos and videos: Document the work, damage, or conditions before and after.
• Contracts and estimates: Keep all written agreements, even informal ones.
• Invoices and receipts: Collect payment records and proof of what was charged.
• Communications: Save emails, texts, and messages with the contractor.
• Estimates for correction: If work was substandard, get written estimates for repair or remediation from a licensed contractor.