Working as an HVAC contractor in Texas requires understanding the state's licensing rules, application process, and regulatory authority.

This guide explains whether Texas requires an HVAC license, the license types available, the governing agency, and how contractors can apply.

Texas HVAC License Requirements

At a Glance

Requirement	Details
State	Texas
License Required	Yes
Licensing Authority	Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Licensing Model	Statewide plus local
Last Verified	2026-03-10

Does Texas Require a State HVAC License?

Yes. TDLR states that contractors who install, repair, or maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, or heating systems must hold a TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration credential. (Source 1, Source 6)

Who Regulates HVAC Licensing in Texas?

• Agency: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
• Authority type: department
• Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm
• Phone: (800) 803-9202
• Email: Unverified
• Notes: TDLR administers ACR contractor licensing, exams, CE, and enforcement links for this program. (Source 1)

License Types

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor - Class A

• Scope of work: Any size unit.
• Who needs it: Contractor-level entities/persons performing covered HVAC/R work.
• Key limitations: Must maintain required insurance and applicable endorsement.
• Citation(s): Source 2

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor - Class B

• Scope of work: Cooling systems of 25 tons and under; heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under.
• Who needs it: Contractor-level entities/persons working within Class B limits.
• Key limitations: Limited tonnage/BTU thresholds; endorsement and insurance still apply.
• Citation(s): Source 2

Experience Requirements

• Minimum experience: At least 48 months of practical HVAC/R experience under licensed supervision in the past 72 months; alternate path exists through technician certification route.
• Education substitutions: Unverified (this file confirms published practical-experience pathway language).
• Apprenticeship pathway: Technician certification-based pathway is published for contractor application eligibility.
• Documented proof required: Experience and eligibility must be submitted via official contractor application process.
• Exceptions: Out-of-state and substantially equivalent-license pathways are separately addressed by TDLR.
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 5

Exam Requirements

• Exam required: Yes
• Trade exam: Yes (class/endorsement dependent)
• Business/law exam: Unverified
• Exam provider: PSI
• Passing score: Unverified
• Retake policy: Unverified
• Citation(s): Source 3

Application Requirements

• Application form/link: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application (ACR002) via TDLR.
• Application fee: $115
• Background check: Unverified
• Insurance requirements: Published minimums vary by class/endorsement.
• Bond requirements: Unverified
• Financial/responsibility requirements: Unverified
• Processing time (if published): Applicant must complete all requirements, including exam, within one year after filing.
• Citation(s): Source 2

Renewal Requirements

• Renewal cycle: Licenses are valid for 1 year from date of issue.
• Renewal fee: $65 (contractor renewal fee)
• Continuing education: 8 hours, including 1 hour in Texas laws and rules.
• Late renewal/reinstatement: Published late-renewal fee schedule applies (including 1-90 days late and 91+ days late ranges).
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 4, Source 5, Source 10

Local Licensing Rules

Texas has statewide contractor licensure through TDLR, but local permit/registration processes may still apply by jurisdiction. This baseline table is not exhaustive for all Texas jurisdictions.

Key Jurisdictions to Check

Jurisdiction	HVAC License / Registration Status	Official Link	Notes
City of Houston	Unverified (Jurisdiction page verified)	https://permits.houstontx.gov/	City permit portal states registration is requested through applicable departments; confirm HVAC-specific local registration requirements directly.
City of Austin	Yes (Verified)	https://www.austintexas.gov/page/contractor-registration	City publishes contractor registration requirements for permit workflows.
City of Dallas	Unverified (Jurisdiction page verified)	https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/pages/online_permits.aspx	City online permits page includes contractor registration processing references; confirm HVAC-specific local requirements directly.

Reciprocity

• Reciprocity available: Yes
• With which states/credential pathways: South Carolina and Georgia are explicitly listed by TDLR; separate substantially-equivalent out-of-state pathways are also described.
• Conditions/limits: Follow TDLR out-of-state applicant process and jurisdiction-specific reciprocity requirements.
• Citation(s): Source 5

Important Notes

• TDLR class and endorsement choices affect allowed work scope and insurance minimums.
• Local permit/registration requirements can still apply despite statewide contractor licensure.
• This file does not yet include complete local-jurisdiction coverage statewide.

Texas HVAC License FAQ

Do you need an HVAC license in Texas?

Yes. Texas requires a state-issued credential, registration, or licensing pathway for at least some contractor-level HVAC work. Review the sections above for license types and application requirements.

Who regulates HVAC licensing in Texas?

HVAC licensing in Texas is regulated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and, where applicable, local jurisdictions or related trade authorities.

What types of HVAC licenses exist in Texas?

Texas uses one or more license or registration types depending on project scope, system type, or trade classification. See the License Types section above for details.

How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Texas?

Processing times vary in Texas and may depend on application review, exam scheduling, documentation, and local jurisdiction requirements. Review official sources before applying.

Does Texas offer HVAC license reciprocity?

Texas publishes reciprocity or reciprocal recognition in at least some cases. Review the Reciprocity section above and confirm eligibility directly with the licensing authority.

HVAC Licensing in Nearby States

• New Mexico HVAC License Requirements
• Oklahoma HVAC License Requirements
• Arkansas HVAC License Requirements
• Louisiana HVAC License Requirements

Sources

1. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors homepage - https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
2. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Contractor Apply - https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/contractor-apply.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
3. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Exam Information - https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrexam.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
4. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Continuing Education - https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrce.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
5. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - ACR FAQ - https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrfaq.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
6. Texas Legislature - Occupations Code Chapter 1302 - https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.1302.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
7. City of Austin - Contractor Registration - https://www.austintexas.gov/page/contractor-registration (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
8. City of Dallas - Online Permits (including contractor registration processing) - https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/pages/online_permits.aspx (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
9. City of Houston - Permit Portal - https://permits.houstontx.gov/ (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
10. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors At-a-Glance (fees/validity summary) - https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr-at-a-glance.pdf (Accessed: 2026-03-10)

Disclaimer

Requirements can change. Confirm current licensing rules with the official authority before applying, testing, bidding, contracting, or performing HVAC work.