Top 5 Mistakes on a Texas Electrical License Renewal

Mistake #1: Missing the Renewal Window and Incurring Late Fees

The most common and costly error is simply letting the deadline pass. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues licenses that are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. While TDLR sends a reminder notice, it is ultimately the licensee’s responsibility to renew on time. Waiting until the last minute or forgetting altogether leads to significant penalties. According to TDLR, renewing a license less than 90 days late incurs a fee of one and a half times the normal renewal cost. If you wait longer, from 90 days or more but less than 18 months, that penalty doubles the original fee. An expired electrician license in Texas means you cannot legally perform electrical work, which can lead to project delays, loss of income, and potential sanctions for operating without a license. If your license has been expired for over 18 months but less than three years, you must submit a “Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal” form. After three years, the license is not renewable, and you must reapply by meeting all current requirements for an initial license, which includes passing the examination.

Mistake #2: Taking the Wrong Continuing Education Courses

A frequent source of renewal rejection is completing the wrong type of continuing education. Texas doesn’t just require hours; it mandates specific topics. To renew, all licensed electricians holding individual licenses (such as Master or Journeyman) must complete 4 hours of continuing education from a TDLR approved provider annually. Failing to use an approved provider is a critical error, as un-approved courses will not count toward your renewal.

According to TDLR rule 16 TAC §73.25, the 4 hours of coursework must specifically cover:

• 1 hour on Texas Electrical Laws and Rules (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1305 and 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 73).
• 1 hour on Electrical Safety, which must cover safety as provided by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or Texas’s electrical laws and rules. The course may include content from NFPA 70E as part of this hour.
• 2 hours on the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Simply taking a 4-hour NEC update course is not enough. You must ensure your provider is a TDLR approved provider and that the course covers the full, mandated curriculum. Convenient online electrical CE Texas courses are available that package these requirements together, making compliance straightforward.

Mistake #3: Confusing Requirements for Different License Types

While Texas has multiple electrical license types, it’s a mistake to assume all renewal requirements are the same. This is one of the most common TDLR violations. For continuing education, the 4-hour annual requirement is consistent for most individual practitioners. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, this applies to Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, and Residential Wireman licenses, as well as several other specific license types.

However, the critical distinction lies with business-level licenses. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, and Residential Wireman: All require 4 hours of CE annually for renewal.
• Electrical Contractor and Electrical Sign Contractor: These licenses do NOT have a continuing education requirement for renewal.

This is a crucial difference. An individual holding both a Master Electrician license and an Electrical Contractor license must complete the 4 CE hours for their personal Master license but has no CE obligation for the Contractor license. Understanding this distinction is key to maintaining electrical license compliance and avoiding unnecessary coursework or renewal errors.

Mistake #4: Failing to Confirm Your CE Hours are on File

Once you complete your electrical continuing education Texas, your course provider is responsible for reporting your hours to the TDLR. However, you should not assume this happens instantly or without error. The ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with you, the licensee. After completing a course, you should always follow up by verifying CE hours have been posted to your record before submitting your renewal application. You can typically do this through the TDLR’s online licensing portal. Submitting a renewal application before your hours are officially on file can cause your application to be flagged or denied, leading to delays. It’s a simple step that can save you a major headache.

Mistake #5: Underestimating the Importance of the NEC Update

The 2-hour National Electrical Code portion of your CE is more than just a box to check—it’s vital for modern electrical work. It is important to note that while Texas lacks a mandatory statewide building code, TDLR explicitly adopts the NEC for licensing, exams, and CE purposes (currently the 2023 edition per 16 TAC §73.40). This NEC update course Texas requirement ensures you are aware of significant changes that impact safety, efficiency, and legal compliance on the job site, regardless of which version your local municipality has adopted. The 2023 code introduced important new rules for equipment and labeling that every electrician should know. For example, understanding the updated regulations for using reconditioned electrical equipment is crucial for jobs involving retrofits or budget-conscious clients. Similarly, knowing how equipment marking requirements have changed helps prevent failed inspections. Finally, mastering the new guidelines on service equipment labeling is essential for ensuring every installation is compliant from the start. Taking your NEC update seriously not only fulfills a renewal requirement but also protects you, your clients, and your business.

Stay Compliant with TDLR-Approved Education

Navigating the TDLR’s renewal process is simple when you’re prepared. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a fast, penalty-free renewal year after year. The key is to plan ahead, choose the right courses, and verify your information. Ready to complete your Texas electrical continuing education with confidence? ExpertCE offers TDLR-approved online electrical courses designed to meet all state requirements efficiently. Browse our courses today to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my electrician license is expired for more than 18 months in Texas?

If your license has been expired for more than 18 months but less than three years, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Per TDLR rules, you must submit a “Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal” form and pay a higher fee. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it is no longer renewable, and you will have to reapply for a new license by following all the requirements for initial licensure, which includes passing the exam.

How do I find a TDLR approved provider for electrical continuing education?

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains a list of approved continuing education providers on its official website. It is essential to select a provider from this list to ensure your 4 hours of credit are accepted for your Journeyman electrician renewal, Master license, or other required license type.

Can I complete all of my Texas electrical CE requirements online?

Yes, Texas allows electricians to complete all 4 required hours of continuing education through online electrical courses, as long as the provider is approved by the TDLR. This offers a convenient and flexible way to meet your annual requirement without disrupting your work schedule.