Texas · HVAC Contractor

How to get a HVAC Contractor license in Texas

Yes — Texas requires a HVAC Contractor license, issued by TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors. You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience. The license fee is $115, and it renews every 1 year.

Texas HVAC Contractor license requirements at a glance

License required	Yes (state)
Issuing board	TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors
Exam	Yes — Contractor endorsement exams via PSI: Class A (Commercial Refrigeration) / Class B (Environmental Air); optional technician certification exam
Experience	48 months practical experience in past 72 months under a licensed ACR contractor, OR technician certification held 12 months + 36 months in past 48
Bond	No
License fee	$115
Renewal	Every 1 year(s)
Reciprocity	SC, GA (per TDLR ACR FAQ)

License required

Yes (state)

Issuing board

TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors

Exam

Yes — Contractor endorsement exams via PSI: Class A (Commercial Refrigeration) / Class B (Environmental Air); optional technician certification exam

Experience

48 months practical experience in past 72 months under a licensed ACR contractor, OR technician certification held 12 months + 36 months in past 48

Bond

License fee

$115

Renewal

Every 1 year(s)

Reciprocity

SC, GA (per TDLR ACR FAQ)

Step by step

Meet the experience requirement. 48 months practical experience in past 72 months under a licensed ACR contractor, OR technician certification held 12 months + 36 months in past 48
Pass the required exam. Contractor endorsement exams via PSI: Class A (Commercial Refrigeration) / Class B (Environmental Air); optional technician certification exam
Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors with the $115 fee.
Keep the license current. Renew every 1 year to stay eligible to pull permits.

Fee detail and fine print

Application fee $115. Liability insurance required: Class A $300k/$600k/$300k, Class B $100k/$200k/$100k. EPA 608 also required federally. Licenses valid 1 year.

Already licensed in another state?

SC, GA (per TDLR ACR FAQ)

Texas HVAC Contractor reciprocity in detail →

Official source: TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors →

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to work as a hvac contractor in Texas?: Yes. Texas requires a HVAC Contractor license issued by TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors.
How much does a HVAC Contractor license cost in Texas?: The license fee is $115. Application fee $115. Liability insurance required: Class A $300k/$600k/$300k, Class B $100k/$200k/$100k. EPA 608 also required federally. Licenses valid 1 year. Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
How much experience do you need?: 48 months practical experience in past 72 months under a licensed ACR contractor, OR technician certification held 12 months + 36 months in past 48
What exam do you have to pass?: Contractor endorsement exams via PSI: Class A (Commercial Refrigeration) / Class B (Environmental Air); optional technician certification exam
Is a surety bond required in Texas?: No surety bond is required for this license by TDLR — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors. Application fee $115. Liability insurance required: Class A $300k/$600k/$300k, Class B $100k/$200k/$100k. EPA 608 also required federally. Licenses valid 1 year.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states?: SC, GA (per TDLR ACR FAQ)
How often do you renew?: Every 1 year.