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

Texas doesn’t require a handyman license or registration for most repair or maintenance work. However, certain types of work in regulated trades do require state licensing through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or other boards.

Local governments may also require contractor registration or permits for certain projects. Our guide explains when you need a handyman license in Texas, what you can do without one, and the costs to apply.

Texas handyman license requirements at a glance

Here’s a snapshot of Texas handyman licensing requirements:

Do you need a handyman license in Texas?

You don’t need a handyman license for general home repair and maintenance tasks in Texas, nor does the state have a general contractor’s license.  However, you’ll need a license if your work involves specialty trades including the following:

• Plumbing (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)
• Electrical (TDLR)
• HVAC (TDLR)
• Elevator repair (TDLR)
• Landscape irrigation (TDLR)
• Fire sprinkler installation (State Fire Marshal)
• Water well services (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)

What can a handyman do without a license in Texas?

Without a license, Texas handymen can handle minor repairs, general maintenance, and nonstructural improvements. Examples include:

• Basic carpentry and building custom furniture
• Constructing or repairing a fence
• Installing and repairing windows and doors
• Lawn care and yard cleanup
• Painting interior and exterior walls
• Repairing drywall or patching holes
• Repairing home siding

Guidelines can vary based on your city or county. When in doubt, check in with your local municipality to confirm which projects can be done without a license.

Consequences of working without a handyman license in Texas

Performing regulated trade work (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) without the required license is illegal in Texas. State law classifies it as a misdemeanor, with additional penalties possible at the local level. The TDLR may impose certain legal penalties, depending on the trade. For example:

• Air conditioning: $1,000–$3,500 fine and a one-year suspension
• Electrical work: $1,000–$3,500 fine and a one-year suspension
• Water well drilling: A warning letter or up to a $5,000 fine, plus a one-year probationary suspension or full license revocation

Local handyman licensing requirements in Texas

Though Texas doesn’t issue a state-level handyman or contractor’s license, major cities have their own registration requirements for specific types of work:

• Austin: Register with the Austin Development Services Department before starting any project. You may need to obtain a general permit depending on the project scope. Projects under 3,000 square feet or 300 linear feet are exempt.
• Dallas: Register as a general contractor to perform specific residential work in the metropolitan area. For certain tasks that require specialty permits, check in with the Dallas Building Inspection Division.
• Houston: Building permits are required for construction work, remodeling (excluding painting and wallpapering), and building renovation. Check the Houston Permitting Center’s Project Planner to find the permits you’ll need.
• San Antonio: Register as a home improvement contractor (HIC) to perform minor residential work. If your job scope involves structural changes, you must register as a home builder contractor with the San Antonio Development Services Department.

Recommended skills for a handyman in Texas

The more skills you have, the more competitive your business will be. A well-rounded handyman should be comfortable with various home repair and maintenance tasks, including the following:

• Basic carpentry
• Plumbing repairs
• Electrical basics
• Painting internal and external walls
• General home maintenance and repairs
• Lawn care

Handyman license and registration cost in Texas

The cost of becoming a handyman in Texas varies by city. Since there’s no statewide handyman license, you’ll only need to factor in fees for things like permits and registration.

Here’s an example of what you can expect to pay if you do business in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, or Austin:

How to register as a handyman in Texas

Texas cities set their own registration requirements, so it’s important to check in with your local authority to understand what applies where you live.

Dallas contractor registration

Visit the Dallas Online Services for Contractors portal and follow these steps to register as a contractor:

• Fill out the application form
• Sign the contractor registration affidavit
• Submit proof of an established place of business in Texas
• Pay the $120 application fee
• Submit the completed contractor registration form

Houston building permit 

Houston doesn’t require a building permit if your work meets any of the exemption conditions in the 2012 International Residential Code. If you need a permit, follow these steps:

• Visit the Houston Permitting Center and fill out the appropriate application form
• Submit your application and the necessary documentation through the website
• Pay applicable fees through iPermits
• Allow time for review
• Get your permit

San Antonio HIC registration 

The City of San Antonio provides specific information on how to become a registered contractor. Here are the steps involved:

• Fill out and submit the HIC application form
• Complete an FBI background check within 30 days of application submission
• Provide a certificate of liability insurance
• Attach a valid government-issued photo ID
• Sign the registered contractor code of ethics form
• Pay the $150 application fee

Austin general permit

The Austin municipal website provides details on getting a general permit. These are the steps:

• Complete and submit the general permit request form
• Fill out the building permit form
• Secure property and general liability insurance
• Sign the inspection authorization form
• Pay applicable fees through the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) online portal

Transferring your handyman license to Texas

If you hold a contractor license in another state you want to transfer to Texas, all you need to do is meet the local requirements and follow the registration rules for the city you plan to work in. Check our guidelines above or contact your local board for details.

Requirements to start a handyman business in Texas

If you want to start a handyman business in Texas, you can begin doing small, nonspecialty projects right away without state registration. If you’re ready to scale your business and hire employees, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Choose a business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.)
• Register your business with the Texas Secretary of State
• Get insurance coverage
• Apply for local permits (if applicable)
• Obtain specialty licenses for regulated trades

Insurance and bonding needs in Texas

Even though Texas doesn’t require handymen to carry insurance, we strongly recommend general liability insurance to protect your business from accidents, property damage, or client claims. You may also need workers’ compensation insurance if you plan to hire employees, as it shields you from lawsuits resulting from work-related injuries. 

If you have a business vehicle, commercial auto insurance is required with these liability limits:

• At least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person
• Up to $60,000 per accident
• $25,000 of coverage for property damage

Some cities may require bonds ranging from $2,000–$10,000 for electrical and plumbing jobs, so always check with your city’s permitting office.

Tips for growing your handyman business in Texas

Your handyman skills are only a foundation. Real success comes from smart planning and following best practices. Here are some tips for growing your handyman business in Texas:

• Be reliable: Show up on time, never miss a deadline, and always be available to answer client inquiries. Nothing brings in referrals more than consistently delivering on your promises.
• Get insurance coverage: Insurance doesn’t just protect your business from unexpected claims. It also reassures clients that you are professional.
• Get feedback: Encourage clients to leave a review on Google and your website. Most people read online reviews before hiring a handyman.
• Set a fair price: Find out how much residents in your area are willing to pay, then set a target profit margin that covers expenses. Use a handyman calculator, like the one from Housecall Pro, to help you price jobs.
• Market your business online: Use Google Business, Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp to get your business in front of your target audience.
• Use handyman software: Invoicing and scheduling are time-consuming. Housecall Pro streamlines these tasks and helps you scale with ease. Start our free 14-day trial and save hours of manual effort.

Texas handyman license FAQ

Can I start a handyman business in Texas without a license?

Yes, you can start a handyman business in Texas without a license as long as you stick to nonspecialty projects like painting, basic carpentry, and drywall repair. To expand your business to regulated trades, you’ll need proper licensing, business registration, insurance, and local permits.

Is there a limit to how much I can earn without a license?

No. While some states prohibit unlicensed contractors from taking on projects over a certain cost threshold, Texas has no statewide limit on how much you can earn.

Can a handyman install a faucet in Texas?

Yes, a handyman in Texas can install a faucet as long as the work doesn’t involve plumbing that requires a license, such as relocating pipes, repairing leaks in water lines, or altering a home’s plumbing system. Simple replacements and installations are allowed without a license.