Texas HVAC Contractor License

Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, but it does license air conditioning and refrigeration contractors through TDLR. If your company contracts directly for HVAC or refrigeration work with the public, this is the license that matters. The technician registrations and certifications sit underneath it.

What license this page covers

TDLR issues Class A and Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licenses.

• Class A lets you work on any size unit.
• Class B is limited to cooling systems of 25 tons and under and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour and under.
• Each license also carries an endorsement tied to the type of work you perform, such as environmental air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, or process cooling and heating.

If you are trying to work as a technician under another contractor, you need the technician path instead. This route is the company-facing contractor credential.

What TDLR asks for up front

• a completed contractor application and the $115 application fee
• proof that you meet TDLR's contractor experience requirements or one of the published exceptions
• passage of the contractor exam for the class and endorsement you are applying for
• a certificate of insurance after you pass the exam and before the license is issued

TDLR says you must be at least 18 years old, and you have to finish the application process within one year after filing.

Insurance is part of the license, not an extra business choice

TDLR requires active commercial general liability coverage for the entire time the contractor license stays active.

• Class A minimums: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate for bodily injury and property damage, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations
• Class B minimums: $100,000 per occurrence, $200,000 aggregate for bodily injury and property damage, and $100,000 aggregate for products and completed operations

If you hold both Class A and Class B, one policy can satisfy both as long as it meets the Class A minimums.

Renewal rules that matter

• license term: 1 year from issuance
• renewal fee: $65
• continuing education: 8 hours each year
• expired 90 days or less: the total renewal becomes 1.5x the normal fee, which is $97.50 and effectively adds a $32.50 late penalty
• expired more than 90 days but less than 18 months: the total renewal becomes 2x the normal fee, which is $130

TDLR is explicit that you may not perform ACR contracting once the license has expired. It also recommends starting the renewal process 30 to 60 days before expiration.

Practical takeaway

If you are building an HVAC company in Texas, treat the contractor license as a bundle of three things: the right class and endorsement, the required insurance certificate, and annual CE with on-time renewal. The technician credential is important, but it does not replace the contractor license when your business is contracting with the public.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements directly with TDLR before applying, renewing, or changing your class or endorsement.*