TradeGuardTexas subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Texas, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Texas
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
State or local business license
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage
Texas allows opt-out but GCs should collect WC certificate or non-subscriber notice
Required for tax reporting on payments over $600
Required on many public and private commercial projects
Required on public works projects over threshold
Required alongside performance bond on public projects
Required when bidding on public construction contracts; guarantees contractor will honor the bid if awarded
Texas does not have a statewide GC license requirement. Some specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection) require state licenses. Local jurisdictions may have requirements.
Texas is under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
No statewide contractor bond requirement, though projects or public work may still require bonds.
- TDLR: Texas Dept of Licensing and Regulation (specialty trades)
- TDI-DWC: Texas Dept of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation
Summary for Texas
No state GC license. Texas has unique workers comp opt-out law, collect WC certificate or non-subscriber affidavit. Federal OSHA applies.
Track all of this automatically in Texas
TradeGuard collects every subcontractor's COI, license, and OSHA docs, flags Texas compliance gaps, and warns you before anything expires. Stop tracking it in a spreadsheet.
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Texas compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Texas?+
Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, though local jurisdictions or specialty trades may still require one. Texas does not have a statewide GC license requirement. Some specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection) require state licenses. Local jurisdictions may have requirements.
Does Texas follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Texas is covered by federal OSHA. Subcontractors on active job sites are typically expected to carry OSHA 10/30 training.
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Texas?+
Texas does not impose a statewide contractor bond requirement, though individual projects, owners, or public work may still require performance and payment bonds.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Texas agencies before relying on them.