Plumbing Contractor Requirements in Texas (2026)
Complete guide to plumbing contractor requirements in Texas. TSBPE is a dedicated plumbing-only board. As of September 1, 2025 (HB 636), the Journeyman-to-Master experience threshold dropped from 4 years to 2 years. Journeyman still requires 8,000 hours under a licensed Master. 24 CE hours every 3 years.
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited
- Plumbing Inspector
Continuing education: 24 hours required.
Last verified: 2026-04-18.
TSBPE is a dedicated plumbing-only board. As of September 1, 2025 (HB 636), the Journeyman-to-Master experience threshold dropped from 4 years to 2 years. Journeyman still requires 8,000 hours under a licensed Master. 24 CE hours every 3 years. Issued by: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). A licensing exam is required. Minimum 2 years of experience required.
Visit official licensing websiteQuick Facts
License Type
Plumbing Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
How to Get Your Plumbing Contractor in Texas
Register your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Texas Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Obtain your EIN
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Meet experience requirements
Texas requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 2 years.
Pass required exams
Texas requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Get required insurance
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Obtain surety bond if required
Check if Texas or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
Submit your license application
File your application with Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for state and local taxes
Register for Texas sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Insurance Requirements in Texas
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Texas's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.