Licensed jobs in Texas
Texas: 10 occupations, 8 licensing agencies, and no state license for general contractors. For each one: the board, the main credential, its training, application fee and renewal cycle, from the boards' own pages.
On this page
Occupations we cover in Texas
Texas licenses 9 of the 10 occupations below at the state level; general contractors is licensed only by cities or counties, if at all. Electricians have the most levels here (14 credentials); each occupation page covers every level.
| Occupation | Main license | Board | Training or experience | Application fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Operator 2 credentials in all | TDLR | Training 1,000 clock hours1 | $501 | Every 2 years1 |
| Notary public | Notary Public (Traditional Notary Public) 3 credentials in all | SOS | Training 2 clock hours3 | $103 | Every 4 years3 |
| Registered nurse (RN) | Registered Nurse – single-state license (valid only in Texas) 2 credentials in all | BON | – | $504 | Every 2 years4 |
| Insurance agent | General lines - life, accident, health and HMO 3 credentials in all | TDI | – | $508 | Every 2 years9 |
| Plumber | Journeyman Plumber License 12 credentials in all | TSBPE | Training 48 classroom hours11 Experience 8,000 hours11 | $4012 | Every year13 |
| Certified nursing assistant (CNA) | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA): certificate of registration and active listing on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) 2 credentials in all | HHSC | Training 100 clock hours15 | – | Every 2 years16 |
| Electrician | Journeyman Electrician 14 credentials in all | TDLR | Experience 8,000 hours18 | $3019 | Every year20 |
| Security guard | Noncommissioned Security Officer (individual license; Level II) 4 credentials in all | DPS | – | $3022 | Every 2 years23 |
| Real estate agent | Real Estate Sales Agent 3 credentials in all | TREC | Training 180 classroom hours26 | $15027 | Every 2 years28 |
| General contractor | No state license29 | – | – | – | – |
Licensing boards
8 agencies issue the Texas licenses we cover:
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): cosmetologists and electricians
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): plumbers
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): security guards
- Texas Secretary of State, Notary Public Unit (SOS): notaries
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): insurance agents
- Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC): real estate agents
- Texas Board of Nursing (BON): registered nurses
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): nursing assistants
Moving to Texas with a license
For plumbers and electricians, the Texas board names the states whose licenses it accepts. The boards for notaries publish no transfer route, so you apply as a new applicant. Conditions, fees and forms are on each occupation page.
| Occupation | Routes the board publishes |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | License by endorsement and Temporary license or permit2 |
| Notary public | No reciprocity route3 |
| Registered nurse (RN) | License by endorsement, Interstate compact privilege and Military service members and spouses567 |
| Insurance agent | Reciprocity agreements and Exam waiver810 |
| Plumber | Reciprocity, Other route and Military service members and spouses141312 |
| Certified nursing assistant (CNA) | License by endorsement, Military service members and spouses and Exam waiver1617 |
| Electrician | Reciprocity agreements and Military service members and spouses2118 |
| Security guard | License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses2425 |
| Real estate agent | Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses26 |
Check a license
Every board above runs its own license search. The Texas license lookup page lists them in one place, with the links to report an unlicensed or problem provider.
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Apply for a Cosmetology Operator LicenseTexas Department of Licensing and RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
- 16 TAC §83.28 Substantial Equivalence and Provisional LicensureTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (TDLR rules)Dated August 15, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Texas Government Code Chapter 406, Notary Public; Commissioner of DeedsTexas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes)Dated 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- 22 TAC §223.1 FeesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Board of Nursing rules)Dated February 14, 2022Checked November 8, 2026
- 22 TAC §217.5 Temporary License and EndorsementTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Board of Nursing rules)Dated November 30, 2025Checked November 8, 2026
- Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)Texas Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Texas Occupations Code ch. 301Texas Legislature (Texas Legislative Council), Texas Constitution and StatutesChecked November 8, 2026
- General lines apply – life, accident, health and HMOTexas Department of InsuranceDated November 2, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
- Agent and adjuster licensingTexas Department of InsuranceDated April 13, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
- Texas Insurance Code ch. 4003Texas Legislature (Texas Legislative Council), Texas Constitution and StatutesChecked November 8, 2026
- Journeyman Plumber – Texas State Board of Plumbing ExaminersTexas State Board of Plumbing ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
- Administrative Rules March 2026 (22 TAC Part 17, ch. 361-367)Texas State Board of Plumbing ExaminersDated March 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1301. PlumbersTexas LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Reciprocal License Verification FormTexas State Board of Plumbing ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP)Texas Health and Human Services CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- NAR Credentialing FAQsTexas Health and Human Services CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Become a Certified Nurse Aide in TexasTexas Health and Human Services CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Texas Occupations Code ch. 1305 ElectriciansTexas Legislature (Texas Legislative Council), Texas Constitution and StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- TDLR Electricians: apply journeyman-electricianTexas Department of Licensing and RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
- 16 TAC §73.22 Licensing Requirements--GeneralTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (TDLR rules)Dated January 1, 2010Checked November 7, 2026
- Transfer Your Out-of-State Electrician License to TexasTexas Department of Licensing and RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
- 37 TAC §35.131 Licensing and Examination FeesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
- 37 TAC §35.31 License ExpirationTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated December 29, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
- Texas Occupations Code ch. 1702 Private SecurityTexas Legislature (Texas Legislative Council), Texas Constitution and StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- 37 TAC §35.183 Alternative Licensing for Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military SpousesTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (Texas Department of Public Safety rules)Dated January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- TREC Rules (22 TAC Chapters 531-543, as posted by TREC)Texas Real Estate CommissionChecked November 6, 2026
- Fee Schedule Effective September 1, 2026Texas Real Estate CommissionDated September 1, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
- Renew Your Sales Agent LicenseTexas Real Estate CommissionChecked November 6, 2026
- New Business Guide (Houston Business Solutions Center)City of Houston Office of Business OpportunityChecked November 6, 2026