Texas HVAC License Requirements
Official classification: Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A / Class B) · Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
❄️ HVACTX ✔ Verified 2026-06-16
License types
- Class A Contractor — Cooling and heating systems of any size (no tonnage/BTU limit).
- Class B Contractor — Cooling systems of 25 tons and under, and heating systems of 1.5 million BTU/hour and under.
- Environmental Air endorsement — Temperature, humidity and air-quality control for human comfort (comfort HVAC).
- Commercial Refrigeration / Process endorsement — Refrigeration and process cooling/heating equipment for specific spaces or production processes.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | One of two paths: (1) 48 months of practical experience under a licensed ACR contractor within the prior 72 months; or (2) hold a technician certification 12 months plus 36 months of supervised experience within the prior 48 months. Documented via supervisor verification forms. Must be 18+. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $115 |
| License fee | Included in application; valid one year from issuance |
| Renewal fee | $65 per year (late penalties: $97.50 if ≤90 days; $130 if 90 days–18 months) |
| Renewal period | Annual |
| Continuing education | 8 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education each year. |
| Bond required | No state surety bond required by TDLR for the ACR contractor license. |
| Liability insurance | Class A: at least $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products & completed operations. Class B: at least $100,000 per occurrence, $200,000 aggregate, $100,000 products & completed operations. (16 TAC §75.40.) |
| Property damage | Combined with bodily injury in the per-occurrence limit above. |
| Workers' comp | Per Texas employer rules; not specified as a TDLR ACR license condition. |
| Background check | Applicants with criminal convictions submit a Criminal History Questionnaire; reviewed case-by-case. |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | TDLR does not advertise blanket ACR reciprocity; out-of-state experience may count toward the experience requirement — verify with TDLR. |
| Processing time | Variable via TDLR online account; exam must be passed within one year of application. |
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Exams
| ACR Contractor Exam (per endorsement) | Provider: PSI (for TDLR) Passing: Not officially published by TDLR (70% commonly cited) Fee: Administered by PSI; must be passed within one year of application |
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Local / municipal notes
EPA Section 608 certification is separately required nationwide to handle refrigerants. The ACR license is statewide; cities issue mechanical permits.
Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-16 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before applying. This is not legal advice.
Official sources
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/contractor-apply.htm
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/contractor-renew.htm
https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/16-Tex-Admin-Code-SS-75-40