How do I verify my Houston contractor's TDLR trade cards?
Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated
Short answer
Go to tdlr.texas.gov, select the trade type (TECL for electrical, HVAC for mechanical, AC contractor, irrigator), and search by license number or business name. For plumbing, go to tsbpe.texas.gov — plumbing is licensed by a separate Texas board, not TDLR. Verify active status, expiration date, any disciplinary history, and bond/insurance-on-file. Verification is free and takes under two minutes per trade.
In detail
To verify a Houston contractor's trade-license credentials, go to tdlr.texas.gov, click License Search, and select the appropriate trade type from the dropdown — TECL or TECR for electrical (Texas Electrical License governed by Occupations Code Chapter 1305), Air Conditioning Contractor for HVAC (Chapter 1302), Mechanical Integrity contractors, or Licensed Irrigator for irrigation work. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) database returns active status, expiration date, license class, name and address on file, any disciplinary orders, and the company's bond and insurance status when those are required by rule.
Plumbing is the exception. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (tsbpe.texas.gov) is a separate licensing authority created under Occupations Code Chapter 1301, and its license database is hosted independently. Search by license number, business name, or master plumber name; confirm the master plumber's license is active and that any responsible-management endorsement covers the company performing the work. A Texas residential plumbing permit issued by Houston Public Works will not be released without a Texas Master Plumber of record.
Three verification details that catch homeowners off-guard. First, an 'electrical contractor' license (TECL) is held by a company; the individual on the job site needs an apprentice (TEAP) or journeyman (TEJL) credential. Both should be searchable. Second, HVAC technicians need a Class A or Class B endorsement matching the unit tonnage; a Class B holder cannot lawfully install a system above 25 tons cooling. Third, the TSBPE record will note any tradesman vs. master tier — only a master plumber can pull a permit. Verification of all three trades takes under five minutes total and is free.
For city-level corroboration, Houston Public Works also maintains a registered-contractor list at houstonpermittingcenter.org. A contractor who pulls building permits routinely will appear there with their bond and insurance current; a contractor who does not is either new to Houston or operating without registration.
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