How to Verify Trade Licenses in Texas (2026 Guide)

The Universal 3-Step Verification Process

Regardless of trade, the verification process follows the same logic:

1. Ask for the license number before work begins.A licensed professional should provide it immediately, without hesitation. If they can't or won't, treat it as a red flag.
2. Search the regulator's database. Each trade has its own official lookup tool (see the trade-specific guides linked above). You can also search all four trades on LicenseStatusVerify using the free search bar at the top of this page.
3. Confirm the status is ACTIVE and the license type matches the job.An expired, suspended, or revoked license is not valid — even if the contractor insists they are "licensed." Also verify that the specific license type covers the scope of work you're hiring for.

Understanding License Status Values

All four Texas trade licensing systems use similar status terminology:

• ACTIVE: Licensed and in good standing. Safe to hire, subject to license type verification.
• EXPIRED: License has lapsed. The contractor is not currently licensed. Do not hire until their status shows ACTIVE.
• SUSPENDED: License has been temporarily revoked, typically due to unpaid fees, an open complaint, or a disciplinary proceeding. Do not hire.
• REVOKED: License has been permanently canceled by the licensing board. Do not hire.
• INACTIVE / CANCELLED: The license holder voluntarily surrendered or did not renew. Not authorized to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to verify a license for every trade job?

For any work that requires a permit — new installations, major repairs, or work on electrical panels, plumbing systems, HVAC units, or load-bearing structures — yes. For minor maintenance visits (filter changes, drain cleaning, etc.) the risk profile is lower, but verification is still a best practice and takes under five minutes.

What if the contractor says they are exempt from licensing?

There are a narrow set of exemptions in Texas law (e.g., homeowners doing their own work on their primary residence for some trades). However, any contractor you are paying to perform work is almost certainly not exempt. If a contractor claims an exemption, ask them to specify the Texas statute that applies. Legitimate contractors don't make this claim.

Can I verify a license for a company rather than an individual?

It depends on the trade. For HVAC, the ACR Contractor license is held by an individual but covers the business they operate. For pest control, the Commercial Business License is the company-level license. For electricians, there is a separate Electrical Contractor License (TECL) that must be held by the business entity. Each trade-specific guide below explains what to look up at the company vs. individual level.

How often should I re-verify?

For single-visit jobs, verifying once before work begins is sufficient. For ongoing service contracts or multi-phase projects, re-verify at the start of each contract year or phase — licenses can expire, be suspended, or be revoked during a project.