Texas Drywall Contractor Business License and Permit Requirements Explained

Nate Jones
Dec 1
2 min read

Starting a drywall contractor business in Texas is a lucrative opportunity, but before you take on your first project, it’s essential to understand license and permit requirements. Requirements vary depending on the city or county, so knowing the rules in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso can save you from fines or delays.

This guide explains what licenses and permits are typically required and provides resources for checking your local regulations.

Texas State-Level Requirements

Good news: Texas does not require a statewide license for drywall contractors. However, all businesses operating in Texas must:

Register their business with the Texas Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership.
Obtain a Federal EIN for tax purposes.
Get a Texas Sales Tax Permit if selling materials or services.

City and County Requirements for Drywall Contractors

While Texas does not have a statewide license, many cities and counties require local permits or contractor registration. Here’s a breakdown for major cities:

Houston: Contractors may need a Business License and a Permit for Construction Work.
- Check Out: Houston Permitting Center
Dallas: Requires contractor registration for certain construction types.
- Find Out: Dallas Building Inspection
Austin: Requires registration for contractors performing commercial or residential work.
- Read More: Austin Development Services
San Antonio: Contractors must obtain permits for commercial and residential projects and may need city registration.
- Check Out: San Antonio Permits
Fort Worth: Requires contractors to register and obtain project-specific permits.
- Find Out: Fort Worth Permitting
El Paso: Requires a City Business Registration and applicable permits for construction.
- Read More: El Paso Development Services

Specialty Permits

Certain drywall work may require special permits, such as:

Fireproof drywall installation
Soundproofing or commercial-grade finishes
High-rise or multi-story construction projects

Check with your city or county to ensure you have the correct permits before bidding on specialized jobs.

Tips for Staying Compliant

Verify Local Rules: Each Texas city has its own requirements—what applies in Houston may not apply in El Paso.
Keep Documentation Ready: Maintain copies of your licenses, permits, and insurance certificates on every jobsite.
Update Annually: Many registrations or permits need annual renewal.

Why Insurance Matters for Licensed Contractors

To protect your drywall contracting business, consider these essential insurance policies:

One Hampton Insurance, an independent agency in Texas, helps drywall contractors in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso compare carriers and find the best coverage at competitive rates.

Final Thoughts

While Texas does not require a statewide drywall contractor license, local cities and counties have important rules that every contractor must follow. Staying compliant protects your business and builds credibility with clients.

Pairing proper licensing and permits with comprehensive insurance from One Hampton Insurance ensures your Texas drywall business operates safely and profitably across all major cities.

Contact us today.