Texas contractor licensing
How to Get a Contractor License in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio requires a Residential Building Contractor registration from the city for foundation repair and general contracting. It costs $195.50 per 2-year registration. You also need a passed exam or approved certification such as ICC National Residential Building Contractor, exam ID G13, proof of liability insurance, and a background check.
City contractor registration in San Antonio
| Registration | Residential Building Contractor registration (the fee schedule calls it the City Residential Builder license and registration; IB 228 says Home Builder) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Foundation repair and general contracting |
| Fee | $195.50 per 2-year registration. FY 2027 fee schedule amount, plus surcharges. The registration web page still lists $170 for two years. Unless noted, city fees carry a 4% Technological Improvement surcharge and a 4% Development Services surcharge (FY 2027 fee schedule). |
| Exam | ICC National Residential Building Contractor, exam ID G13 (ICC's catalog calls it Residential Building Contractor (C)); ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor, F13; ICC National Standard General Building Contractor, F11; ICC Residential Building Inspector, B1; ICC Residential Plans Examiner, R3; ICC Residential Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing Inspector (M1, E1, P1). Given by International Code Council, tested through Pearson VUE. Exam fee $120. $120 Pearson VUE price for G13, F11 and F13 in ICC's National Contractor/Trades bulletin published June 30, 2026. One certification is needed, held by the registrant or an affiliated agent. A TREC Professional Real Estate Inspector license, a Texas PE or a Texas registered architect is also accepted. |
| Insurance | Commercial general liability naming the City of San Antonio as certificate holder: $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 total for property damage and bodily injury, $500,000 products and completed operations. Source |
| Background check | FBI national fingerprint background check dated within 30 days of the application (IB 228). |
| Processing time | Not published. Call Development Services at 210-207-1111. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years; background check required at initial and renewal registration. |
| Before a permit | You must be registered before the permit is issued |
How to register
- Get one approved certification, such as the ICC G13 Residential Building Contractor exam, for yourself or an affiliated agent.
- Get an FBI national background check through fingerprinting (SAPD ID office or a participating post office). It must be dated within 30 days of applying.
- Get a liability insurance certificate that names the City of San Antonio as certificate holder.
- Submit the Residential Building Contractor application with photo ID, background check, certification and insurance through BuildSA or in person at 1901 S. Alamo St.
- Pay the registration fee and renew every two years with a new background check.
Required for new homes, structural alterations or remodeling, additions, foundation repairs and detached accessory buildings over 300 square feet. Companies with five years of continuous registration and no violations may be grandfathered from the certification rule. A commercial general contractor needs no city license or registration.
What each trade needs in San Antonio
| Foundation repair | Moderate · 30 | Residential Building Contractor registration | $195.50 | ICC National Residential Building Contractor, exam ID G13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting | Moderate · 30 | Home Improvement Contractor registration for non-structural remodeling | $172.50 | ICC National Residential Building Contractor, exam ID G13 |
| Roofing | Easy · 12 | Home Improvement Contractor registration | $172.50 | None listed |
| Plumbing | Hard · 62 | State Master Plumber License Registration | Free | None listed |
| Electrical | Hard · 58 | State Electrical License Registration | Free | None listed |
| HVAC | Hard or harder · 52+ | State Mechanical License Registration | None listed | |
| Irrigation | Moderate · 34 | State Irrigation License Registration | $97.75 | None listed |
| Concrete flatwork | Easy · 5 | Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter license and registration | $69 | None listed |
| Drainage and detention | Not rated | Not published | ||
| Demolition | Easy · 11 | Demolition Contractor License and registration | $97.75 | None listed |
Tap a column to sort. Each trade opens its Texas comparison by city, and fees link to the official fee page, checked October 18, 2026. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC and irrigation also need a Texas state license, which no city registration replaces.
Drainage and detention work is not rated because its rules are not fully published.
How the difficulty score works
Details for each trade
Foundation repair
| Local rule | Residential Building Contractor registration (Structural). |
|---|---|
| Background check | Required |
| Engineer letter | Yes. Residential and commercial foundation repairs must be designed by or performed under the engineering guidance of a Texas licensed professional engineer, who also inspects. A signed and sealed Assumption as Engineer of Record letter is uploaded with the permit application, and inspections are cleared by the engineer's inspection letter. |
| Permit fee | $184 per permit (Repair Existing Foundation, plus surcharges) |
Only the property owner or a City licensed and active Residential Building Contractor may apply for a residential foundation repair permit. Commercial foundation repair needs no city contractor license. A double fee applies if work starts before the permit is issued. Unless noted, city fees carry a 4% Technological Improvement surcharge and a 4% Development Services surcharge (FY 2027 fee schedule).
A residential foundation repair needs a Foundation Repair Permit applied for through the Accela (BuildSA) portal by the owner or a registered Residential Building Contractor, with a signed and sealed Assumption as Engineer of Record letter from a Texas PE.
- Register with the city as a Residential Building Contractor (certification, FBI background check, insurance).
- Hire a Texas professional engineer to act as Engineer of Record and get the sealed Assumption as Engineer of Record letter.
- Apply online for a Minor Building Repair Application, type Foundation Repair Permit, and upload the engineer's letter.
- Wait for the city's completeness review; the application number is not a permit to start work.
- Do the repair, then upload the Engineer of Record's inspection letter to clear inspections.
- Pass the city's final building inspection for any skirting, ventilation, access or drainage items.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio Building and Home Improvement contractor registration; San Antonio IB 172, foundation repair permits; San Antonio IB 228, certification and background check; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule; ICC National Contractor/Trades exam bulletin.
General contracting (residential remodels, additions and home improvement)
| Local rule | Home Improvement Contractor registration for non-structural remodeling; Residential Building Contractor registration for structural alterations, additions and new homes. |
|---|---|
| Fee | $172.50 (Home Improvement, per 2-year registration ($195.50 for Residential Building Contractor)) |
| Insurance | Commercial general liability naming the City of San Antonio as certificate holder: $300,000 per occurrence (property damage and bodily injury combined), $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products and completed operations (Home Improvement). Residential Building Contractor: $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 total for property damage and bodily injury, $500,000 products and completed operations. |
| Background check | Required |
Home Improvement covers limited repair and replacement such as non-structural remodeling, conversions and modernizations. The registration web page lists $150 for two years; the FY 2027 fee schedule lists $172.50. Commercial general contractors need no city license. Unless noted, city fees carry a 4% Technological Improvement surcharge and a 4% Development Services surcharge (FY 2027 fee schedule).
Remodels and additions need a residential building permit; non-structural repair work is pulled by a registered Home Improvement Contractor and structural or addition work by a registered Residential Building Contractor or the owner.
- Decide which category fits the work: Home Improvement (non-structural) or Residential Building Contractor (structural, additions).
- Get an FBI national background check dated within 30 days.
- Get liability insurance naming the City of San Antonio as certificate holder at the category's minimums.
- For Residential Building Contractor, pass an approved certification such as ICC G13.
- Submit the application through BuildSA or in person and pay the fee.
- Pull permits for each job and renew the registration every two years.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio Building and Home Improvement contractor registration; San Antonio IB 228; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule; San Antonio residential permits.
Roofing
| Local rule | Home Improvement Contractor registration (re-roof with no change in pitch); Residential Building Contractor registration (re-roof with a change in pitch). |
|---|---|
| Fee | $172.50 (Home Improvement, per 2-year registration) |
| Insurance | Commercial general liability naming the City of San Antonio as certificate holder: $300,000 per occurrence (property damage and bodily injury combined), $600,000 aggregate, $300,000 products and completed operations. |
| Background check | Required |
| Permit fee | $28.75 (Residential Repair Existing Re-Roof permit, plus surcharges) |
Re-roofs need a permit. A homeowner can get a no-pitch-change re-roof permit over the counter with proof of ownership. A change in pitch needs full plan review.
A residential re-roof needs a re-roof permit ($28.75 plus surcharges); no pitch change is issued over the counter, a pitch change goes to full plan review.
- Register as a Home Improvement Contractor (or Residential Building Contractor if roof pitch will change).
- Submit the re-roof permit application with a site plan.
- Pull the permit before tear-off and call for inspections.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio residential permits; San Antonio Building and Home Improvement contractor registration; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule.
Plumbing
| Local rule | State Master Plumber License Registration. |
|---|---|
| Fee | Free |
| Insurance | Current insurance on file with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. |
You must register your state plumbing license with the city before getting a permit. Bring photo ID and your state license card. Medical gas and residential fire sprinkler (MRFPSS) permits need the matching TSBPE endorsement.
Plumbing work needs a city plumbing permit pulled by a plumber whose state license is registered with the city.
- Register the state license with Development Services (photo ID, license card, TSBPE insurance on file).
- Pull a plumbing permit for each job and schedule inspections.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio plumbing contractor registration.
Electrical
| Local rule | State Electrical License Registration. |
|---|---|
| Fee | Free |
| Insurance | Certificate naming the City of San Antonio as holder: at least $300,000 bodily injury and $300,000 property damage, general liability and completed operations (matches the state amount if the state changes it). |
Register the state contractor license and master license with the city before a permit. The city no longer issues new City electrical licenses but honors existing ones (City Electrical Master $345 per the fee schedule, 4 hours of CE a year).
Electrical work needs a city electrical permit pulled by a TDLR electrical contractor registered with the city.
- Register the TDLR contractor and master license cards with Development Services, with photo ID and an insurance certificate naming the city.
- Pull an electrical permit for each job and schedule inspections.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio electrical contractor registration; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule.
HVAC
| Local rule | State Mechanical License Registration. |
|---|---|
| Fee | The Mechanical contractor page lists an $85 annual registration fee, while the FY 2027 fee schedule says there is no fee to register a state license. State law bars a registration fee for licensed ACR contractors (Occupations Code 1302.304), which supports the fee schedule. Call 210-207-1111. Fee schedule |
| Insurance | Certificate naming the City of San Antonio as holder: $300,000 public liability per occurrence and $300,000 property damage per occurrence; TDLR sets the amounts for state ACR licenses. |
Register the TDLR ACR license with the city before a permit. The city no longer issues City Mechanical licenses but renews existing ones (8 hours of CE a year).
HVAC installs and replacements need a city mechanical permit pulled by a TDLR ACR contractor registered with the city.
- Register the TDLR ACR license with Development Services (photo ID, license card, insurance certificate).
- Pull a mechanical permit for each job and schedule inspections.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio mechanical contractor registration; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule.
Irrigation
| Local rule | State Irrigation License Registration. |
|---|---|
| Fee | $97.75 per year (FY 2027 fee schedule; the plumbing page still shows $85) |
| Insurance | Certificate of insurance or a bond is required for registration (amount not stated on the page). |
| Permit fee | $57.50 (Residential Landscape Irrigation System Permit fee; the schedule also lists a $57.50 Irrigation Permit Base Fee) |
You must register your TCEQ irrigation license with the city to get an irrigation permit. A licensed plumber may also be issued an irrigation permit.
A new or altered landscape irrigation system needs a city irrigation permit pulled by a city-registered licensed irrigator or a licensed plumber.
- Register the TCEQ license with Development Services (photo ID, license card, annual fee, insurance certificate or bond).
- Pull an irrigation permit for each system and schedule the inspection.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio plumbing and irrigation registration; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule.
Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks and work in the public right-of-way)
| Local rule | Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter license and registration. |
|---|---|
| Fee | $69 per year, expires December 31 (FY 2027 fee schedule; the license page still shows $60) |
| Bond | $2,000. Original typed bond including the license holder's name and business name. Source |
| Permit fee | $57.50 (minimum; curb and flatwork are $0.20 per linear or square foot) |
Required for sidewalk and curb work, new or existing. Sidewalk and curb approach permits can also be pulled by registered Home Improvement or Residential Building Contractors per the residential permits page.
Sidewalk, curb, gutter and driveway approach work needs a city sidewalk and curb permit pulled by a licensed sidewalk and curb contractor.
- Get a $2,000 bond in the license holder's and business name.
- Apply for the Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter license with photo ID and the bond.
- Pull a permit for each job; renew by December 31 each year.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter license; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule; San Antonio residential permits.
Demolition
| Local rule | Demolition Contractor License and registration. |
|---|---|
| Fee | $97.75 (new, 2-year registration; renewal $40.25 (FY 2027 fee schedule; the license page still shows $85 and $35)) |
| Insurance | Certificate naming the City as holder: auto liability $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident personal injury, $50,000 property damage; public liability at least $300,000 bodily injury per occurrence and $100,000 per accident / $200,000 aggregate property damage; proof of workers' compensation. |
| Bond | $5,000. Annual bond. Source |
| Permit fee | $86.30 (Residential demolition permit, plus surcharges) |
A letter of authorization is required if anyone other than the license holder pulls permits.
Demolishing a house needs a city demolition permit pulled by a licensed demolition contractor or the owner.
- Get the annual $5,000 bond and the required liability, auto and workers' compensation coverage.
- Apply for the Demolition Contractor License with photo ID and pay the fee.
- Check whether DSHS asbestos survey and notification rules apply.
- Pull the demolition permit (IB 106) for each job.
Checked October 18, 2026 against San Antonio demolition contractor license; San Antonio FY 2027 fee schedule; San Antonio residential permits.
San Antonio does not publish a local license or registration rule for drainage and detention work. Ask Development Services Department before you bid that work.
Exam details for San Antonio
| ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) | International Code Council, tested through Pearson VUE | $120 (Pearson VUE) | Fee paid again; wait 10 days | Open book | 80 | 4 hours | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) | International Code Council, tested through Pearson VUE | $120 (Pearson VUE) | Fee paid again; wait 10 days | Open book | 80 | 4 hours | 70% |
| ICC National Standard General Building Contractor (A) | International Code Council, tested through Pearson VUE | $120 (Pearson VUE) | Fee paid again; wait 10 days | Open book | 90 | 4 hours | 70% |
| ICC Residential Building Inspector | International Code Council, PRONTO in person or online | $320 (PRONTO) | Exam fee paid at every attempt; up to six attempts in six months | Open book | 60 | 2 hours | Scaled score of 75 |
| ICC Residential Plans Examiner | International Code Council, PRONTO in person or online | $320 (PRONTO) | Exam fee paid at every attempt; up to six attempts in six months | Open book | 60 | 2 hours | Scaled score of 75 |
| ICC Residential Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing Inspector | International Code Council, PRONTO in person or online | $320 each (PRONTO) | Exam fee paid at every attempt; up to six attempts in six months | Open book | 60 each | 2 hours each | Scaled score of 75 |
Tap a column to sort. Each exam name opens the provider's bulletin or exam page. A blank cell is a fact not confirmed from the provider, and the linked bulletin has the full rules.
- Study references for ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) are the 2018 International Residential Code.
- Study references for ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) are the 2015 International Residential Code. ICC retires this exam on December 1, 2026.
- Study references for ICC National Standard General Building Contractor (A) are the 2015 International Building Code and the listed concrete and safety references. ICC retires this exam on December 1, 2026.
- Study references for ICC Residential Building Inspector are the 2021 or 2024 International Residential Code (ICC offers both editions; digital copy provided).
- Study references for ICC Residential Plans Examiner are the 2021 or 2024 International Residential Code (ICC offers both editions; digital copy provided).
- Study references for ICC Residential Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing Inspector are the 2021 or 2024 International Residential Code (ICC offers both editions; digital copy provided).
Checked October 18, 2026 against ICC exam catalog, G13-N; ICC National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin, June 30, 2026; ICC support, how often can I test; ICC support, passing scores.
Official sources and contacts
Development Services Department, Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center, 1901 S. Alamo St., 210-207-1111.
- Development Services contractor licensing and registration
- Building and Home Improvement contractor registration
- Information Bulletin 228, background check and certification
- Information Bulletin 172, foundation repair permits
- FY 2027 Development Fee Schedule (revised September 2026)
- Residential permits
Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice. Confirm with Development Services Department before you apply or bid.