Texas requires TDLR licensing for water well drilling and pump installation. Four license types cover different scopes of work.
Water Well License Types
TDLR oversees water well licensing with four distinct license categories:
Water Well Driller
Authorizes drilling of water wells for domestic, commercial, industrial, and irrigation purposes
- Drill wells up to any depth
- Install casing and screens
- Develop and complete wells
Pump Installer
Permits installation, repair, and maintenance of water well pumps and related equipment
- Install submersible pumps
- Install pump control systems
- Repair existing pump systems
Water Well Driller/Pump Installer
Combined license allowing both drilling and pump installation activities
- All drilling activities
- All pump installation activities
- Complete well systems
Monitoring Well Driller
Specialized license for drilling environmental monitoring wells
- Environmental monitoring wells
- Groundwater monitoring systems
- Soil investigation wells
Basic Requirements
All applicants must meet these minimum qualifications:
Experience Requirements
Water Well Driller: 2 years supervised experience OR 1 year + 40-hour training program
Pump Installer: 1 year supervised experience OR 6 months + training program
Monitoring Well: 2 years environmental drilling experience required
Application Process
Complete TDLR application with required documentation, verify experience, pass written exam, undergo background review, and receive license certificate.
Required Documents
- TDLR application and fees
- High school diploma/GED
- Experience verification
- Photo and identification
Written Examination
Covers Texas Water Code, drilling techniques, safety standards, and environmental protection requirements.
License Fees (2025)
Continuing Education
Annual renewal requires 8 hours of TDLR-approved CE, including 1 hour of law content.
Planning Your License Application
Start the application process early. Processing can take 4-8 weeks depending on documentation completeness and exam scheduling availability.
Avoid Delays
Ensure complete documentation, proper signatures, and correct fees to avoid application delays.
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