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Texas Contractor Registration Process at a City Level
Besides the licensing process through the different State Boards, over 40 cities in Texas require a separate registration process for Contractors to authorize them to perform their job on the territory. Some jobs this city-level resolution pertains to are General, Handyman, Home Improvement, Right of Way, Roofing, and Specialty.
A sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity is referred to as a General Contractor if it participates in the building, renovating, modifying, or repairing process of a facility or structure at a contracted price. The General Contractor will be in charge of overseeing the construction project on behalf of the owner in cases where there are multiple Contractors involved. Through agreements/contracts with Subcontractors, Suppliers, or Laborers, their primary responsibility is to directly or indirectly oversee the development of the building initiative and the performed improvements to the property.
A worker who handles certain materials and performs minor repairs or renovations on buildings, fixtures, and fittings is referred to as a Handyman, distinct from an Apprentice or Trainee. A Handyman engages in minor construction tasks and cannot affect any work usually performed by higher ranks within the industry.
Someone dedicated to Home Improvement sells goods and services to a retail buyer under a home improvement installment contract or sells goods and services to a retail buyer under a home improvement charge agreement but not in connection with the building of new homes. The individual may also manage or supervise reconstruction, alteration, renovation, repair, modification, improvement, removal, and demolition projects.
Right of Way refers to the area owned and controlled by the City. It typically includes the street surface, sidewalks, alleys, and grassy areas between pavement and property lines. The boundaries of the ROW will vary depending on the physical conditions at any given location. It encompasses any construction work done on, above, below, or across a right-of-way that involves installing, repairing, or keeping utility pipes, ducts, lines, poles, wires, cables, conduits, etc.
A person is referred to as a Roofing Contractor if they build, modify, repair, or are involved in the business of installing and remodeling roofs, whether these are minted for residential or for commercial use. Currently, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation does not administer Roofing Licensing, hence, education, insurance, licenses, nor State registrations are required. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (founded in 1975) is the organization that focuses on the administration, regulation, and legalization of Roofing & Waterproofing Contractors, as well as the primary entity concerning these two sectors. The RCAT Program was created to improve customer protection and to maintain public trust in the industry by enhancing the expertise and professionalism of this type of Contractors through voluntary self-regulation.
Specialty work includes those whose primary function involves using specialized building trades or crafts to conduct, as the name implies, specific construction skills and knowledge; this occupation may apply to a wide range of areas and industries depending on the options offered by the cities.
Additionally, depending on the candidate's scope, different policies and requirements about the paperwork may exist due to some cities' restrictions on the sort of work being performed and the authorization to work within the municipality.
Contractors could register online through platforms/portals or by completing and mailing the pertinent paper forms; in some cases, fees could apply. Below is the list of cities that requires the registration process with its requisites and relevant information:
List of Texas Cities that Require Separate Registration
Addison
- Prior to doing any work inside Addison, all Contractors must register with the Town. A Contractor's Registration must be renewed yearly and is valid for a year from the date of issuance. Contractors must submit an application along with a copy of their Driver's License, any necessary Professional Licenses, and Evidence of Insurance
- To have a better understanding of the process, please visit the following links:
Allen
- Contractor Registrations at the individual level are neither offered nor accepted by Allen. This City specifically states on their site that the process is only applicable to businesses and as defined on their Registration Forms, which include various fields based on the company's information
- Useful resources for applicants:
Amarillo
- Although Amarillo does not have a Certification Program for Contractors, it does demand that any Contractor working on its property register with the State of Texas and present their Contractor Certificates (if applicable)
- Details for Amarillo’s Registration:
Arlington
- While Arlington City has not determined a regulation for Contractor Certification, it does require all Contractors performing tasks that involve Building, Electrical, Sign Work, Irrigation, Mechanical, and Plumbing jobs to register with Texas by providing their Contractor Certifications
- Detailed information can be found on the links below:
Austin
- Trade Contractors must be licensed by the State of Texas and registered with the City of Austin before performing any work. The following trades require a State License: Electrician, Plumber, Irrigator, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
- Useful links:
Bedford
- All Contractors wishing to offer Bedford services must be registered with the City, this applies for the following activities: Public Works, Right of Way, Sign, Plumbing, Irrigation, Electrical, Mechanical, and General Contractors
- To learn more please visit:
Cockrell Hill
- Cockrell Hill does not grant Contractor Licenses, however, it does mandate that any Contractor working on properties is registered with the State of Texas and presents their corresponding certificates (if applicable)
- Useful information:
Dallas
- The City of Dallas’ examination and requirements were eliminated as of January 1, 2020. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will now be in charge of issuing a Texas license to holders of the Dallas Certificate of Registration License
- Dallas direct links and resources:
Denison
- Contractors working on Concrete, Electrical, Fire Alarm, Fire General, Fire Sprinkler, Fence, General, Irrigation, Mechanical, Plumbing, Pool, Propane, Roofing, Sign, and/or Utility jobs must register through their MyGov Portal by creating an account and uploading their documentation (including a Texas license when applicable) and payment. Denison does not have a certification program for Contractors, but it does require that they comply with certain requirements; these will be shown during the online registration once the candidate logs into their MyGov user account
- Handy links with comprehensive info:
Denton
- All Contractors must be registered with the City of Denton to perform work, this process is required every year. Expiration is one year from the registration date for Contractors who do not need a permit, such as General and Sign Contractors; as for the date written on the Contractor's Master License, it corresponds to the day it might expire. Online registration is now available through the eTRAKiT platform
- Denton official resources:
Euless
- Euless City does not grant a Certification License to any Contractor. However, it does require Contractors wishing to participate in work within its jurisdiction to be registered on its database by filling out an online application
- Useful links for Euless Contractors:
Farmers Branch
- To perform any work in Farmers Branch City, a State licensing for trade permitting holder should create an online account in the Citizen Self Service Portal and email both the Driver's and State trade License(s) of the Master Licensee to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The documents must be verified and uploaded to the account before applying for a permit. No application fee is required, and the registration will only expire if the licensing expires with the State of Texas
- Important information for Farmers Branch Contractors:
- Building Inspection Division contact details:
Fate
- Fate City does not have a Certification Program for individuals with a Contractor title. Still, it does require any Contractor working on Backflow, Electrical, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, Irrigation & Plumbing labor to register with their Contractor Licenses (previously provided by the State of Texas)
- Useful links to learn more about the procedures:
Flower Mound
- To perform any work regulated by the Chapter 14 of Flower Mound’s Code of Ordinances, an owner, Contractor, or authorized agent must apply for the required building permits and register as a Contractor with the City. Contractor Registrations must be applied using the online town’s Application Forms, and they will expire one year from the application date (registration fees could apply)
- Informative pages and links:
Fort Worth
Frisco
Garland
- Currently, Garland does not count with a Certification Program specifically created for Contractors. However, the city requires that any Contractor who is working on their land has to register and also provide the Contractor Certificates that the State of Texas issued (if given the case)
- Links with relevant information:
Grand Prairie
- Contractors in the City of Grand Prairie must be registered to perform any work. They should create a Customer Self-Service account, pay for the registration fee and upload the required documents, these are: company information, completed application, authorized signature, and copy of applicant's Driver's License
- Useful pages for Contractors:
Grapevine
- Contractor Registrations in Grapevine may be processed online through the MyGov Portal or the Permit Office, completing the registration form and attaching all the mandatory documentation. The application requires a registration fee, except for Plumbing or Mechanical Contractors, or for TCEQ Backflow Testers
- Grapevine Contractors - Useful links:
Haltom
- A Contractor Certification Program has not been discussed yet by Haltom, but the city does mention on its site that any Contractor who wants to work on a project within the jurisdiction’s territory needs to register as a Licensed Tradesman or Master on their database. This information applies for Electricians, General Contractors, Irrigators, Plumbers, and Mechanical workers
- Important information for Haltom City Contractors:
Hurst
- The City of Hurst no longer needs an annual Contractor registration form, however through the permit application procedure, Contractors will need to be registered. All Contractors must provide a copy of their General Liability Insurance policy, a US-issued ID, and a trade License (if applicable) with their application for the permit
- Links that can be useful for Hurst candidates:
Irving
- It is necessary to complete a Registration Form for Concrete, Electricity, Fence, House Relocation, Irrigation, Mechanical (HVAC), Plumbing, Signage, Fuel Tank Installation, General Contractors, and Apartment Maintenance Personnel (plumber and mechanic tasks). Registrations in plumbing, irrigation, and mechanical work demand State Master Licenses. An Electrical Registration also needs an Electrical Contractor's License issued by the State
- Pages with additional information if intending to apply:
Keller
- Due to State Legislation, all trade Contractors are required to be registered before performing work in the City of Keller. The process can be completed by filling out and turning in the Contractor Registration Application Form which can be sent in either via email to the address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through regular mail to the address P.O. Box 770 Keller, Texas 76244
- City of Keller - Useful links:
Killeen
- Killeen City does not have a Licensing Program for Contractors of its own, but it does require any Contractor working in its vicinity to be registered within its database records. For Contractors related to Electrical, Fire Suppression, General Contracting, Irrigation, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign, or Swimming Pool labor, this registration must include their Contractor Licenses provided by the State of Texas
- State Law prohibits municipalities from charging registration fees for Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Contractors
- Killeen, TX links:
La Marque
- All Commercial and Residential Contractors are required to register with the City of La Marque’s Development Services Department. For the city of La Marque, applicants must already have a State License/Company License and submit a Contractor Registration form. This requirement pertains to Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Irrigator (Landscape), Backflow Tester, Installer (Landscape), Fire Line Tester, General Contractor, Master Electrician, and Journeyman (HVAC)
- It is possible for applicants to complete the form, print it and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or to deliver it in person to the Development Services Department
- La Marque City website information:
Lewisville
- The City of Lewisville has made available for the public the platform MyGovernmentOnline for all permitting and inspection requests. To apply for a building permit or to register as a Contractor, applicants should create an account and submit an application. Once an application has been approved by the corresponding department, an invoice for any related fees will be emitted. All payments are made through the online platform account. After submitting a payment, an electronic copy of the permit or approval certificate will be available for immediate download
- City of Lewisville official page links:
Little Elm
- All Contractors who perform work in the jurisdiction of Little Elm have to be registered with the Town. The applicant will need to select the correct license for their trade according to the list published by the administration on the Registration Center. Those applicants who are looking for registration as General, Mechanical, Plumbing, Irrigation, or Fire Contractor work should also provide a Texas State-issued License for their trade. The Town of Little Elm has made publicly available the Contractor Registration form where the applicant will find the details related to fees and mailing
- Useful links for Little Elm’s Contractor Registration process:
Mansfield
- The Building Safety Department is dedicated to ensuring that all residential and commercial structures built, altered, or maintained in Mansfield adhere to the accepted standards for building safety and overall quality of life. The online platform MyGov must be used for all submissions of applications, plans, and payments related to construction permits and registrations. Contractors in the Electrical, Electrical Sign, Fence, General, Irrigation, Mechanical, Plumbing, Pool, Sign, and Tent industries are required to register, with a Texas State-issued License when applicable
- Find below some useful links for the City of Mansfield:
Mesquite
- To apply for Contractor Registration with the City of Mesquite, individuals must sign in to the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) online platform. Backflow, Electrical, General, Irrigation, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Sign Contractors are all subject to provide a State-issued Contractor License during this process
- Mesquite, TX links and contact information:
Midlothian
- Midlothian does not have a Contractor Licensing Program. On the other hand, the city does require any Contractor undertaking activities in their jurisdiction to be properly registered by sending (if applicable) the License(s) provided by the State of Texas. For this purpose, the city has made available the online platform MyGov
- Midlothian’s links and forms:
North Richland Hills
- The NRH E-Portal platform is used by the North Richland Hills City for both Residential and Commercial Registration; in order to access the information and submit an application, the user must create an account to complete this procedure
- NRH’s online portal links:
Pantego
- All Contractor Registrations must be submitted through the MyGov platform. Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT), Electricians, Fencing, General Contractors, Irrigation Systems, Mechanical, Plumbers, Pool and Spa, Roofing, Sign Installers, Solar Panels, and Windows are among the trades for which registration is mandatory
- Useful links for the City of Pantego:
Plano
- Plano does not count with a Certification Program for Contractors but it does require that all General and Electrical Contractors, who perform trade work within the city’s jurisdiction, are registered with their State-issued Contractor Licenses
- Below you will find the links to Plano’s website and pages necessary for the Contractor Registration process:
Princeton
- For the purpose of issuing inspection and permission paperwork, the City of Princeton requires registration for several occupational licenses. For instance, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Energy Inspectors, Irrigation, Roofing Contractors, Sign Installers, General Contractors, among others, all need to fill in the Contractor Registration form
- Princeton helpful links:
Richardson
- Prior to performing any Contractor work, the City of Richardson mandates that all Contractors and Contracting Companies register with the Building Inspection Department, including Contractors that hold a State-issued Building, Concrete, Electrical, Electric Signs, Fencing, HVAC, Irrigation, Plumbing, Pools and/or Signs Contractor License
- City of Richardson online resources:
Rockwall
- All Contractors performing work within Rockwall jurisdiction must be registered, and, when applicable, provide proof of Texas State-issued License alongside a Texas State Driver’s License attached
- Rockwall - The New Horizon links and resources:
San Antonio
- Before issuing any permits, the City of San Antonio mandates that all City and State-licensed Contractors register with the Development Services Department (DSD). Depending on the kind of work that will be done, different license and registration requirements apply. Commercial General Contractors do not need to be licensed or registered, and neither do General Contractor Companies or Electrical Contractor Companies. Residential Building Contractors and Home Improvement Contractors must register with the city. Additionally, registration is required for State-licensed Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing and Irrigation Contractors
- Follow the links below to find more information on the process for Contractor registration in the city of San Antonio:
Saginaw
- All Contractors performing work within Saginaw’s jurisdiction must be registered and provide proof of Texas State License for trades related to Electrical, Mechanical, Irrigation or Backflow Testing work. In addition, all applicants must provide a copy of a photo identification, such as a Driver’s License. The Application Form must be signed by the Master License holder
- Saginaw’s web resources:
Seguin
- Seguin City requires any Contractor working within its jurisdiction limits to be registered on their files. If applicable, the registration must include a Contractor License provided by the State of Texas. For this purpose, the city of Seguin has enabled the Development Services Portal, where individuals can complete the application procedure
- City of Seguin - Helpful links:
Southlake
- All General Contractors must register with the city of Southlake once every year, plus covering the corresponding fee. Trade Contractors who hold a current State License must also register with the Building Inspections division of the Planning and Development Services department, and provide License holder information
- Southlake City online portal links: