General Contractor Permits & Licenses in Houston, Texas

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a general contractor in Houston, Texas. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

Business Entity Filing

Texas Secretary of State
Required
Fee: $300.00-$750.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

Texas Secretary of State
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Only required if your business name differs from your LLC/entity name

Sales Tax Permit

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Franchise Tax Registration

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

General Contractor Registration

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Required
Fee: $50.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

Most TX cities require contractor registration

Air Permit by Rule

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$900.00
Renewal: varies
Type: permit

Required for demolition/renovation with asbestos

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