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 2026-06-19

In Texas, HVAC contractors must hold the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A / Class B), issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Texas

Follow these steps to earn your Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A / Class B). Every figure is verified against the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 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+.
Pass the ACR Contractor Exam (per endorsement) exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need 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.)).
Clear the background check. Applicants with criminal convictions submit a Criminal History Questionnaire; reviewed case-by-case.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — $115 application fee, plus a Included in application; valid one year from issuance license fee. Processing time: Variable via TDLR online account; exam must be passed within one year of application.
Keep the license active. Renew annual, completing 8 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education each year.

Texas HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in Texas — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official tdlr.texas.gov database →

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.

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

Preparing for the HVAC exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

EPA Section 608 certification is separately required nationwide to handle refrigerants. The ACR license is statewide; cities issue mechanical permits.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Texas hvac license cost?

Application: $115. License: Included in application; valid one year from issuance. Renewal: $65 per year (late penalties: $97.50 if ≤90 days; $130 if 90 days–18 months).

How do I look up a hvac license in Texas?

Search the official license database at tdlr.texas.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do hvacs in Texas need a surety bond?

No state surety bond required by TDLR for the ACR contractor license.

What experience is required for a Texas hvac license?

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+.

Is insurance required for hvacs in Texas?

Liability: 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.) Workers' compensation: Per Texas employer rules; not specified as a TDLR ACR license condition.

How often must a Texas hvac license be renewed?

Annual. Continuing education: 8 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education each year.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-19 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before applying. This is not legal advice.