Can a homeowner do electrical work in Texas?

State law exempts work not regulated by city ordinance on a home you own and live in. Cities can override it: Houston requires a licensed electrical contractor and Dallas requires an exam.

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Can I do my own electrical work in Texas?

Source: Texas Electrician Help (texaselectricianhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

State law exempts electrical work "not specifically regulated by a municipal ordinance" that is done in or on a dwelling by a person who owns and resides in the dwelling (Occupations Code 1305.003(a)(6)). TDLR notes that city or regional rules may override its exemptions. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)

City rules

City	Rule	Source
Houston	All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.	(source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center) checked November 2, 2026
Dallas	Homeowner electrical repairs on a homestead only after passing a city exam.	(source: City of Dallas Building Inspection) checked November 2, 2026
San Antonio	The owner trade permit option is listed for residential plumbing only, not electrical work.	(source: City of San Antonio Development Services) checked November 2, 2026
Corpus Christi	Homestead owners may get a trade permit.	(source: City of Corpus Christi Development Services) checked November 1, 2026
Irving	Homestead exemption must be on file with the Dallas Central Appraisal District.	(source: City of Irving) checked November 2, 2026
Fort Worth	Homestead permit for a home you own and occupy as your primary residence.	(source: City of Fort Worth Development Services) checked November 2, 2026
El Paso	Trade permits only for state licensed, city registered contractors.	(source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections) checked November 2, 2026

Sources differ. State licensing law exempts a property owner doing plumbing in their own homestead (Occupations Code 1301.051), a person doing air conditioning work in a building they own solely as their home (1302.053), and electrical work "not specifically regulated by a municipal ordinance" done in or on a dwelling by a person who owns and resides in it (1305.003(a)(6)). El Paso's homeowner affidavit says a homeowner may NOT obtain mechanical, electrical, plumbing, irrigation or fire systems permits unless licensed with the state and registered with the city, and that trade permits are only issued to state licensed contractors registered with the city (Ord. No. 18508). The state exemption is about licensing; the city controls its permits. Call El Paso Planning and Inspections before planning DIY trade work. (source: Texas Legislature) (source: Texas Legislature) (source: Texas Legislature) (source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections)

On this site: Do electricians need a license in Texas? · Can I do my own electrical work in Texas? · When do I need an electrical permit in Texas? · Who can install a water heater or dishwasher in Texas? · How to check a Texas electrician and complain · Texas city electrician licenses and fees · Electrical work exempt from the Texas license law · Panel, meter and generator work in Texas cities · Reporting unlicensed electrical work in Texas · Cities · FAQ · Sources

Sources

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (checked November 2, 2026)
City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center: Electrical Inspections (checked November 2, 2026)
City of Dallas Building Inspection: Homeowner's Exemption from Registration as a Contractor (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
City of San Antonio Development Services: MEP Trade Permit Training (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
City of Corpus Christi Development Services: Homeowner's Guide to Permitting (PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
City of Irving: Residential Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
City of Fort Worth Development Services: Residential Information (checked November 2, 2026)
City of El Paso Planning and Inspections: Homeowner Affidavit for Building Permits (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1305: Electricians (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1301: Plumbers (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1302: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (checked November 2, 2026)

Last updated: November 2, 2026