Know The Rules
Texas electrical rules, in plain language
A quick reference on licensing, codes, and permits in Texas. We do our work to code and pull permits where the city requires them.
Electrical work in Texas is regulated for a reason. It is one of the few trades where bad work can burn a house down or hurt someone. Here is what the rules say, in plain language.
Licensing by TDLR
In Texas, electricians and electrical contractors are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1305. Anyone you pay to do electrical work must be licensed.
The homeowner exemption
Texas lets homeowners do electrical work on their own homestead. Paid work must be done by a licensed contractor. If you are paying someone to do the work, they have to be licensed.
The National Electrical Code
Texas adopts the National Electrical Code statewide. Cities that run their own permit and inspection programs can adopt amendments on top of the statewide code.
Permits outside city limits
Outside city limits there is often no city permit or inspection. The license requirement still applies, which is why hiring licensed matters even more in rural East Texas.
Inspections and insurance
Unpermitted or unlicensed work often gets flagged on home sale inspections and can cause insurance problems. Doing it to code, with permits where required, avoids that.
Our license
Rieger Electric is a Texas Electrical Contractor. You can verify any electrician's license on the TDLR license search.
Texas Electrical Contractor License: Verify on TDLR
Open the TDLR license searchTexas electrical rules questions
Does a homeowner need a license to do their own electrical work in Texas?
Texas lets homeowners do electrical work on their own homestead. Paid work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. If you are paying someone, they must be licensed.
What code does Texas use for electrical work?
Texas adopts the National Electrical Code statewide. Cities that run their own permit and inspection programs can adopt amendments on top of it.
Do I need a permit for electrical work outside city limits?
Outside city limits there is often no city permit or inspection. The license requirement still applies, which is why hiring a licensed contractor matters even more in rural East Texas.
How do I check an electrician's license in Texas?
Use the TDLR license search. You can look up any contractor by name or license number. We show our license on this page and link straight to the search.
Can unpermitted work cause problems when I sell my home?
It can. Unpermitted or unlicensed work often gets flagged on home sale inspections and can cause insurance problems. Doing it to code, with permits where required, avoids that.