TX HVAC Licensing 2026

TX HVAC licensing in 2026 runs through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), under the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program. Whether you are a Class A or Class B contractor, a Certified Technician, or a registered apprentice, this is what you need to know about Texas HVAC licensing this year — including renewal timing, CE hours, and the fastest way to satisfy your TDLR requirement.

TX HVAC License Types Issued by TDLR

Texas issues several HVAC/ACR credentials. The right one for you depends on whether you contract directly with customers, work under another contractor, or are still in training:

• ACR Contractor License — Class A: Unlimited tonnage and unit size
• ACR Contractor License — Class B: Limited to 25 tons of cooling and 1.5 million BTUs of heating
• ACR Technician Registration: Works under a licensed contractor
• ACR Apprentice Registration: Entry-level credential while gaining experience

TX HVAC CE Requirements in 2026

TDLR requires Texas HVAC contractors to complete 8 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle. The 8 hours must come from a TDLR-approved provider. Our Texas 8-Hour HVAC/ACR CE course (Course #31984) satisfies this requirement in full and costs $34.99.

When Does My TX HVAC License Renew?

Texas HVAC contractor licenses are issued for one or two years depending on what you select at renewal. The license expires on the last day of the month in which it was issued. TDLR sends a renewal notice approximately 90 days before expiration, but it is your responsibility to track the date — many contractors miss it because the notice gets lost in shop email.

Renewal Fees and Late Penalties

TX HVAC license renewal fees as of the 2026 schedule are $115 for Class A contractor renewal and $80 for Class B contractor renewal. Late renewal carries an additional fee of 1.5× the renewal fee for the first 90 days past expiration. After 90 days, the license must be reinstated — a more involved process. Confirm current fees on the TDLR fee schedule page before paying.

What 2026 Means for TX HVAC: Refrigerant Transitions

2026 is a transition year for refrigerants. R-454B and R-32 are replacing R-410A as the standard for new residential and light commercial HVAC equipment under the EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) ruling. This affects what you can install, how you handle refrigerants on the job, and what your EPA Section 608 certification requires you to know. Our 8-hour ACR CE course covers the refrigerant regulations directly.

How to Renew Your TX HVAC License Online

TDLR online renewal is straightforward once your CE is on file:

• Complete 8 hours of TDLR-approved CE (we report same day).
• Log in to TDLR MyLicense Office.
• Confirm your CE completion is reflected in your record.
• Submit the renewal application and pay the renewal fee.
• Print or save your renewed license — it is active immediately.

More Resources

• TDLR ACR Renewal Step-by-Step
• Texas ACR CE: 8-Hour Course Overview
• ACR/HVAC License Renewal in Texas
• Refrigerant Regulations for Texas Contractors