Local Guide · Painting contractors · Texas
Do painters need a license in Texas?
Texas has no painting license, but EPA's lead paint rule applies directly in Texas for pre-1978 homes. Here is how to check a painter.
No. Texas does not license painting contractors. But Texas is not authorized to run its own lead renovation program, so EPA's rule applies: anyone paid to disturb paint in a pre-1978 home, above small size limits, must be an EPA-certified firm using lead-safe practices.
Who licenses painting contractors providers in Texas
No state painting license in Texas (EPA lead renovation certification applies). Texas does not license painters, and painting is not among the programs TDLR regulates. For homes built before 1978, EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires paid firms to be EPA certified and to use certified renovators and lead-safe practices. Texas is not one of the states authorized to run its own program. Check firms on EPA's locator.
Check EPA lead-safe certification →Key facts for Texas
- Painting is not among the programs the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees.
- Texas is not among the 15 states EPA has authorized to run their own lead renovation programs.
- EPA requires firms paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified.
- EPA's rule covers general contractors and special trade contractors, including painters.
- EPA firm certifications are good for five years.
- Austin exempts painting and similar finish work from building permits.
- EPA says paint testing is not required, but without documentation that paint is not lead-based, the rule's requirements apply.
Does Texas license painters?
No. Painting is not among the programs TDLR regulates. Painting is also typically exempt from building permits; Austin, for example, lists painting and papering as exempt work (City of Austin).
How does the EPA lead rule work in Texas?
EPA administers the rule in Texas because the state isn't authorized to run its own (EPA). Firms paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 homes must be certified, and their workers must be certified renovators or trained by one (EPA). Minor jobs under 6 square feet per room inside or 20 square feet outside are exempt.
Paint testing isn't required, but without documentation that the paint isn't lead-based, the rule applies (EPA).
How do you check a Texas painter?
For older homes, search EPA's firm locator. For any home, get references and a written estimate covering prep, coats, products and price.
How to choose a provider in Texas
- Find out when your home was built.
- For pre-1978 homes, check EPA certification.
- Ask how dust will be contained and cleaned.
- Get a written estimate with prep, coats, products and price.
- Confirm insurance.
Questions people ask
Is there a painting contractor license in Texas?
No.
Does the EPA lead rule apply in Texas?
Yes. EPA administers it in Texas.
Does my Texas painter need EPA certification?
If your home was built before 1978 and the job disturbs more than small amounts of paint, yes.
Do I need a permit to paint in Austin?
No. Austin exempts painting from building permits.
Is paint testing required?
No, but without documentation that the paint isn't lead-based, the rule applies.
How long is EPA certification good for?
Five years.
Sources
- TDLR, Electricians (and list of regulated programs)
- EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Firm Certification
- EPA, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
- EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Contractors
- EPA, Lead-Safe Certified Firm locator
- City of Austin, Work Exempt from Building Permits
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
