Texas Handyman License Requirements (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you plan to start or grow a handyman business in Texas, it’s important to understand when a license is required, what work you can legally perform, and how local jurisdictions may impact your operations. Texas does not issue a statewide handyman license, but it does regulate certain trades and permits at the state and city level. This guide explains Texas handyman licensing rules, city requirements, business registration, insurance, and compliance.

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Do You Need a Handyman License in Texas?

Texas does not require a state-level handyman license for general home repair or maintenance work. You can perform many common tasks without state licensing so long as they do not fall into regulated trades.

Typical unlicensed handyman work may include:

• Painting interior and exterior walls
• Hanging drywall or patching holes
• Repairing fences, decks, or siding
• Installing or repairing windows and doors
• Pressure washing, basic carpentry, and general maintenance
• Assembling furniture or non-structural fixtures

However, if the work involves electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other regulated trades, you must obtain the appropriate specialty license before performing that work.

Work That Requires a License or Permit

Regulated Trades

If your handyman services include any of these areas, you must hold a license from the relevant authority:

• Electrical work — Licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
• Plumbing — Licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (or applicable successor entities).
• HVAC / Refrigeration — TDLR regulates HVAC work.
• Fire sprinkler installation, elevator work, or landscape irrigation — Various state boards or agencies.

These specialty trades have education, exam, and insurance requirements that must be met before you can legally perform the work in Texas.

Local Permits and Registration

Even though Texas doesn’t require a statewide handyman license, many cities enforce local registration and permitting rules before work begins. Requirements vary widely by municipality.

Examples include:

• Austin – General contractor registration and building permits are often required for home improvement and structural work.
• Dallas – Handymen must register as general contractors for certain residential projects; building permits may also apply.
• San Antonio – Handymen may need a home improvement contractor (HIC) license to perform residential work.
• Houston – Building permits are typically required for construction, remodeling, or renovation projects; check the Houston Permitting Center.

Always check with your city or county permitting office before beginning work, as local rules can include registration, permits, and fees.

Business Setup and Insurance

Before you operate in Texas, you should consider proper business setup:

• Business registration — If you plan to operate as an LLC, corporation, or under a DBA (doing business as), register with the Texas Secretary of State.
• General business license or permit — Some cities require a general business license even if a handyman license isn’t required.
• Insurance — While not required statewide, most clients and cities expect handyman contractors to carry general liability insurance. Coverage for tools, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation (if you have employees) is recommended.

Good insurance protects your business from property damage claims, bodily injury, or costly legal issues.

Consequences of Unlicensed Regulated Work

Performing regulated trade work without the proper license can lead to penalties, including fines, criminal charges, and stop-work orders. For example, the state may impose fines — sometimes up to several thousand dollars — for unlicensed electrical or HVAC work.

It’s essential to understand and comply with all state and local regulations to avoid legal issues and maintain professional credibility.

Tips for Growing Your Handyman Business in Texas

To build a successful handyman business in Texas:

• Clarify which services you can offer without licensing.
• Understand local city and county requirements before quoting jobs.
• Use professional estimates and written contracts for every job.
• Track permits, registrations, and renewals in one system.
• Implement business software like Housecall Pro to manage scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication.

Staying organized will help you scale your business and maintain compliance with evolving regulations.

Local Sections (City-Specific Requirements)

Handyman Licensing and Registration in Austin, TX

Austin regulates handyman and contractor work through its Development Services Department. Handymen should:

• Register as a general contractor if performing structural or larger projects.
• Obtain building permits for work requiring inspection or construction.
• Follow local zoning and code enforcement rules.

Austin’s permitting process varies based on project size and scope, so contact the city before scheduling work.

Handyman Licensing and Registration in Dallas, TX

In Dallas:

• Handymen often must register as general contractors before working in residential areas.
• Building permits may be required for remodeling, electrical, plumbing, or structural work.
• Contractor registration includes submitting business info, proof of insurance, and fees.

Check the Dallas Building Inspection Division for up-to-date registration steps.

Handyman Licensing and Registration in San Antonio, TX

San Antonio requires handymen to register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) for most residential repair work.

• HIC registration allows handymen to perform non-structural repairs.
• Structural, electrical, or plumbing work may trigger additional permits or licenses.

Verify requirements with the San Antonio Development Services Department before starting projects.

Handyman Requirements in Houston, TX

Houston does not issue a general handyman license, but:

• Building permits are needed for most construction, remodeling, and renovation projects.
• Local inspections may apply to work affecting safety or structural elements.

Contact the Houston Permitting Center for specific permit guides. 

County-Level Handyman Rules in Texas

While Texas does not issue a statewide handyman license, county governments often administer permits, inspections, and enforcement, especially in unincorporated areas outside city limits. If you work outside a city boundary, county rules may apply instead of — or in addition to — city requirements.

Handyman Licensing and Permits in Harris County, TX

Harris County includes Houston and many unincorporated areas, each with different enforcement rules.

Harris County Overview

• Harris County does not issue a general handyman license.
• Handymen working in unincorporated areas must follow Harris County permit and inspection rules.
• Regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) still require state specialty licenses.

Common Harris County Requirements

Handymen may need to:

• Obtain permits for structural repairs, remodels, or system installations
• Schedule inspections through Harris County Engineering Department
• Comply with floodplain, zoning, and building code requirements

If work is performed inside Houston city limits, Houston’s permitting rules apply instead of county rules.

Handyman Licensing and Permits in Dallas County, TX

Dallas County enforces construction rules primarily through its cities, but county oversight applies in unincorporated areas.

Dallas County Overview

• No county-issued handyman license exists
• Permits are required for many construction and home improvement projects in unincorporated areas
• Specialty trade licenses are required statewide for regulated work

What Handymen Should Know

If you work outside Dallas city limits, you may need to:

• Pull permits through Dallas County Development Services
• Follow county-adopted building and safety codes
• Coordinate inspections at the county level

Within Dallas city limits, city contractor registration and permits apply instead.

Handyman Licensing and Permits in Travis County, TX

Travis County includes Austin and surrounding unincorporated communities.

Travis County Overview

• Travis County does not issue a handyman license
• Building permits are required for many repair and remodeling projects in unincorporated areas
• Environmental, zoning, and floodplain rules are commonly enforced

Travis County Compliance Considerations

Handymen working in unincorporated Travis County may need to:

• Apply for permits through Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources
• Follow county building codes and inspection schedules
• Verify whether a project triggers city vs. county jurisdiction

Projects inside Austin city limits follow Austin’s Development Services Department rules instead.

Handyman Licensing and Permits in Tarrant County, TX

Tarrant County includes Fort Worth and multiple surrounding municipalities.

Tarrant County Overview

• No county handyman license is issued
• Permits may be required for construction or home improvement work in unincorporated areas
• State licensing is required for regulated trades

Key Considerations in Tarrant County

Handymen should:

• Confirm whether a job site is inside a city or county jurisdiction
• Obtain permits through Tarrant County Development Services when working outside city limits
• Follow inspection and safety requirements tied to the scope of work

City-specific rules apply in Fort Worth, Arlington, and other incorporated areas.

Handyman Licensing and Permits in Bexar County, TX

Bexar County includes San Antonio and surrounding communities.

Bexar County Overview

• Bexar County does not license handymen
• County permitting rules apply in unincorporated areas
• San Antonio city rules apply within city limits

Bexar County Compliance Notes

When working outside San Antonio city limits, handymen may need to:

• Pull permits through Bexar County Public Works
• Comply with county building, safety, and zoning codes
• Schedule inspections for applicable projects

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration applies only within San Antonio city limits.

Why County Rules Matter for Texas Handymen

In Texas, jurisdiction depends on job location, not just the city name. The same project may have different requirements depending on whether it is:

• Inside a city
• In an unincorporated county area
• Subject to floodplain or zoning overlays

Failing to follow county permit rules can result in stop-work orders, fines, or project delays — even when no license is required.

Managing City and County Compliance More Easily

Handymen who work across multiple Texas cities and counties often use software like Housecall Pro to:

• Track which permits and registrations apply by location
• Store insurance and business documents
• Schedule inspections and job timelines
• Keep estimates and invoices consistent across jurisdictions

This helps reduce compliance risk while scaling a Texas handyman business.