On this page
- No statewide Texas general-contractor license → no statewide GC GL minimum.
- Electrical contractors: $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products/completed ops (16 TAC §73.40).
- ACR Class A: same $300k / $600k / $300k. Class B: $100k / $200k / $100k (16 TAC §75.40).
- Texas workers’ comp is optional for most private employers (non-subscribers) — see the Texas WC page.
What Texas does and does not set
There is no statewide Texas general contractor license. Cities may still require registration and insurance for local permits. Statewide GL floors apply to specific TDLR trades:
| Texas TDLR license | Per occurrence | Aggregate | Products / completed ops | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical contractor / electrical sign / residential appliance installation | $300,000 | $600,000 | $300,000 | TDLR electrical apply page; 16 TAC §73.40; ELC-LIC-021 |
| Air conditioning & refrigeration — Class A | $300,000 | $600,000 | $300,000 | 16 TAC §75.40; ACR-LIC-009 |
| Air conditioning & refrigeration — Class B | $100,000 | $200,000 | $100,000 | 16 TAC §75.40; ACR-LIC-009 |
Electrical contractors
TDLR requires electrical contractors (and electrical sign / residential appliance installation contractors) to keep the limits above and file a certificate of insurance on form ELC-LIC-021. Workers’ compensation may be carried, self-insured, or declined under Labor Code Chapter 406 with the required TDI notice.
Check the license behind the policy
Insurers and clients look at your license status first. See what the state shows for you — free.
Air conditioning & refrigeration
Class A and Class B ACR contractors must meet 16 TAC §75.40 and document coverage on ACR-LIC-009. A written waiver is possible only when the licensee does not contract with the public.
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Workers’ comp
Most Texas private employers may opt out as non-subscribers (with notice rules). See Texas workers’ comp for contractors.
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Check a Texas license
Search TDLR data with our Texas contractor license lookup.
Check the license behind the policy
Insurers and clients look at your license status first. See what the state shows for you — free.
Quote checklist
- TDLR license number and trade (electrical, ACR, etc.)
- Limits at or above the table for your class
- TDLR COI form (ELC-LIC-021 or ACR-LIC-009) if renewing with the department
- Workers’ comp policy, self-insurance authority, or non-subscriber notice
- Legal business name matching the TDLR record
FAQ
Does Texas require GL for every contractor?
No. There is no statewide general-contractor license and no statewide GC GL minimum. Electrical and ACR contractors licensed by TDLR must meet the limits in 16 TAC §73.40 and §75.40. Local governments may impose their own insurance rules for permits.
Where do the electrical dollar amounts come from?
TDLR’s electrical contractor application page and form ELC-LIC-021, which match 16 Texas Administrative Code §73.40.
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