Not yet re-checked against the Texas Dept of Licensing and Regulation (specialty trades); verify before relying on it.
Texas 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.
Used to report what you pay the sub on Form 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026 or later the IRS reporting threshold is $2,000 (it was $600).
Some owners and contracts require it, and some states require it on public projects.
Public owners require one on larger public contracts; the threshold depends on the owner and the state.
Public owners usually require it alongside the performance bond.
Often required with a bid on public work; it backs the bidder's promise to sign the contract at the bid price.
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 asks each sub for these documents through an upload link and shows what's missing for Texas, with alerts before anything expires.
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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.