TDLR's New SSN and Lawful Presence Requirements for Texas Professional Licenses

What Is Changing?

TDLR is aligning with federal requirements under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which directs state licensing agencies to collect Social Security Numbers from applicants. Starting May 1, 2026, all new license applications and renewals submitted to TDLR must include either:

• A Social Security Number (SSN), or
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for applicants who are not eligible for an SSN.

Who Is Affected?

This change affects all TDLR-regulated professions, including but not limited to:

• Texas licensed electricians (electrical contractors and journeyman electricians)
• HVAC technicians and contractors (air conditioning and refrigeration)
• Licensed plumbers
• Barbers and cosmetologists
• Water well drillers and pump installers
• Property tax professionals
• Tow operators and vehicle storage facilities
• Massage therapists

If your license is issued or renewed through TDLR, you are subject to this requirement.

What Do You Need to Do?

If you are renewing your license on or after May 1, 2026, have your SSN or ITIN ready before starting the renewal process in the TDLR online portal. TDLR will not store or publicly display your SSN — it is used only for identity verification and child support enforcement cross-checks as required by state law.

If you are applying for a new license for the first time, the SSN or ITIN field will be required in the application form starting May 1. Applications submitted without this information will be returned as incomplete.

Will My SSN Be Public?

No. TDLR is prohibited from publicly disclosing SSNs. The number is collected for identity verification and is protected under Texas Government Code § 552.147. It will not appear on your license record or in public lookup tools like LicenseStatusVerify.

What If I Don't Have an SSN?

Applicants who are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number may submit an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, contact TDLR directly before your renewal deadline to understand your options:

• Phone: 1-800-803-9202
• Online: tdlr.texas.gov/contact.htm

Why Is TDLR Making This Change?

Texas Senate Bill 228, passed in the 89th Legislative Session, requires all state occupational licensing agencies to collect SSNs as a condition of licensure. The requirement mirrors similar mandates already in place for driver's licenses and other state-issued credentials, and is intended to improve child support enforcement and identity verification across state agencies.

Related Change: Lawful Presence Documentation Requirement

Separately from the SSN rule, TDLR is also implementing a lawful presence documentation requirement effective May 1, 2026. Under this rule, all new license applicants must demonstrate that they are lawfully present in the United States by submitting one of the following documents:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Refugee Travel Document or Form I-94 showing refugee or asylee status
• Other documentation establishing lawful presence under federal law

This requirement is based on the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) and aligns TDLR with similar requirements at other Texas agencies. It is distinct from the SSN requirement: undocumented immigrants who are otherwise working with a license may not be able to renew, while certain qualifying non-citizens — including refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of trafficking — may still qualify if they can provide the appropriate documentation.

TDLR estimates approximately 18,000 currently licensed workers could be impacted by this change. The rule affects all TDLR-regulated industries, including electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, cosmetologists, tow operators, and more. TDLR will publish the complete list of acceptable documents on its website before May 1.

If you are an employer or contractor who uses LicenseStatusVerify to screen workers, note that a license that is currently active may expire or become invalid at renewal if the holder cannot satisfy the new documentation requirements. Checking license freshness dates alongside status is more important than ever heading into May 2026.

How to Check Your License Status

You can verify the current status of any TDLR-regulated license — and confirm your own license is active before your renewal window — using LicenseStatusVerify's free lookup tool. Search by name or license number across all major TDLR professions.