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Texas Water Well Drillers & Pump Installers Professional Guide

Last updated: 2026-04-08

This guide is written for licensed Texas water well drillers, pump installers, and drilling companies. It covers license types, licensing requirements, well registration, renewal processes, and tools available to licensed professionals on this platform.

Quick Checklist

  • [ ] License type matches your credential (Driller, Pump Installer, Responsible Party, Owner Driller, or License Holder)
  • [ ] License number is correct on your record
  • [ ] Expiration date is current
  • [ ] Continuing education (CE) requirements completed for your renewal cycle
  • [ ] Well registration with TWDB (Texas Water Development Board) completed for wells you drill
  • [ ] Equipment certifications and bonding requirements current
  • [ ] No disciplinary actions affecting your license status

License Types

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues the following water well and pump installer licenses:

**Water Well Driller** — Individual license to drill water wells. Holders plan well placement, operate drilling equipment, and install well casings and screens. Required to drill any commercial or residential water well in Texas.

**Pump Installer** — Individual license to install water pumps and pump systems. Pump Installers work independently or under contract with drillers to install pumping systems in wells.

**Responsible Party / Owner Driller** — License category for individuals who own a drilling company and take legal responsibility for well drilling work performed by employees. The Responsible Party must hold a Driller license.

**License Holder** — Term used for any individual holding an active TDLR water well or pump installer license.

Licensing Requirements

To obtain a Texas water well driller or pump installer license:

1. **Meet eligibility** — Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet experience requirements (typically 2–5 years in the trade, depending on license type). 2. **Complete required training** — Some applicants may be required to attend TDLR-approved training or pass a technical qualification examination. 3. **Pass TDLR exam** — Pass the written exam for your license type, which covers well drilling practices, regulations, water quality, and safety. 4. **Apply for your license** — Submit your application to TDLR with proof of experience, exam passage, and any required documentation. 5. **Receive your license** — TDLR issues your license once all requirements are met and approved.

New license holders receive a license certificate and should register for online account access at tdlr.texas.gov to manage renewals and continuing education.

Continuing Education Requirements

Texas water well drillers and pump installers must complete continuing education (CE) to renew:

  • **Water Well Drillers:** Typically 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle
  • **Pump Installers:** Typically 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle
  • **Responsible Parties:** Typically 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle

CE must be from TDLR-approved providers and cover relevant topics such as well construction, water quality testing, environmental regulations, and safety standards. Failure to complete required CE hours results in license expiration.

Well Registration with TWDB

Water well drilling is regulated by two separate agencies:

  • **TDLR** — Issues and renews your driller license
  • **TWDB (Texas Water Development Board)** — Maintains well registration and groundwater data

**Key requirements:**

1. **Well registration** — Every water well you drill must be registered with TWDB using the Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS). 2. **Registration timeline** — Wells must typically be registered within 30 days of completion. 3. **Well driller attestation** — You sign an attestation on the well log form confirming construction details, depth, static water level, and water quality tests. 4. **Groundwater conservation districts** — Some districts require additional reporting or permits beyond TWDB registration.

Well registration is separate from your TDLR license renewal and is mandatory for legal well operations. Failure to register wells can result in fines and regulatory action.

Renewal Process

To renew your Texas water well driller or pump installer license:

1. **Check your renewal date** — TDLR sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration. 2. **Complete continuing education** — All required CE hours must be completed and recorded in the TDLR system before renewal. 3. **Submit renewal application** — Log into your TDLR account and submit the renewal form online or by mail. 4. **Pay renewal fee** — Submit the required renewal fee (fees vary by license type). 5. **Verify bond status** — Ensure any required bonding is current. 6. **Receive renewed license** — TDLR issues your renewed license once approved. Your online record is updated.

**Late renewal** may result in license expiration and additional fees.

Equipment and Bonding Requirements

Texas water well drillers and pump installers must meet equipment and bonding standards:

**Equipment standards:**

  • Drilling rigs must meet TDLR safety and operational standards
  • Pumps and equipment must be appropriate for the well depth and intended use
  • Tools and materials must comply with Texas well construction rules

**Bonding:**

  • Many drilling companies are required to carry performance bonds to protect well owners
  • Bond requirements vary by drilling scope and company size
  • Verify bonding requirements with TDLR for your license type

May 2026 TDLR Changes: SSN and Lawful Presence Requirements

Effective May 2026, TDLR is implementing new requirements for all licenses, including water well drillers and pump installers:

  • **SSN requirement:** All applicants and renewal applicants must provide a valid Social Security Number
  • **Lawful presence verification:** TDLR will verify lawful presence in the United States using federal databases
  • **Documentation:** You may be required to provide additional documentation to verify identity and lawful presence

For details and step-by-step guidance on these changes, see [TDLR SSN Requirement (May 2026)](/tx/tdlr-ssn-requirement-2026).

Environmental Compliance and Groundwater Conservation Districts

Water well drilling is subject to environmental regulations:

**Key compliance areas:**

1. **Groundwater conservation districts** — Many Texas counties have active groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) that regulate well drilling, spacing, and groundwater use 2. **Permitting** — Your drilling area may require a groundwater permit or variance from the local GCD 3. **Water quality testing** — TWDB requires water quality testing for new wells 4. **Environmental standards** — Wells must be constructed to prevent contamination and meet structural integrity standards

Check with the local groundwater conservation district in your service area for specific requirements.

Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement

TDLR can suspend or revoke a water well driller or pump installer license for violations:

**Common grounds for disciplinary action:**

  • Drilling or installing without proper licensing
  • Unsafe well construction or environmental contamination
  • Failure to register wells with TWDB
  • Fraud or misrepresentation of credentials
  • Violation of well construction standards and safety rules
  • Inadequate equipment or maintenance
  • Failure to complete required continuing education
  • Violation of groundwater conservation district rules
  • Criminal conviction related to dishonesty or safety

**Disciplinary process:**

1. A complaint is filed with TDLR (by a consumer, another professional, or a regulator) 2. TDLR investigates the complaint 3. If evidence supports the complaint, TDLR may issue a citation, fine, or license suspension/revocation 4. You have the right to respond and request a hearing if challenged 5. TDLR or SOAH issues a final decision

If you receive a disciplinary notice, contact TDLR or consult with an attorney about your options.

How Your Record Appears on LicenseStatusVerify

LicenseStatusVerify displays public license data sourced from TDLR. Your public record includes:

  • Your full legal name as it appears on your TDLR registration
  • License number
  • License type (Water Well Driller, Pump Installer, Responsible Party, etc.)
  • Current status (Active, Expired, Suspended, etc.)
  • Expiration date
  • County of record (where available)

This information is public and accessible to anyone — including property owners and employers. Keeping your license active and your TDLR registration current ensures your record reflects your professional standing.

Claim Your Profile

Licensed Texas water well drillers and pump installers can claim their professional profile on LicenseStatusVerify to add business details, service areas, and contact information. A claimed profile allows property owners and contractors to contact you directly when they find your public record.

[Explore professional tools →](/professionals)

Official Resources

  • **TDLR license search:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/?program=WWD](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/?program=WWD)
  • **Water well program:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/)
  • **TWDB well registration (TNRIS):** [https://www.twdb.texas.gov/](https://www.twdb.texas.gov/)
  • **Continuing education:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdce.htm](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdce.htm)
  • **File a complaint:** [https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/)
  • **Contact TDLR:** (512) 463-6599