Texas Automotive Technician License: Requirements, Cost & Timeline
No state license is required for this trade in Texas. Here is what you actually need, and where the local rules still apply.
Do you need a license?
Texas does not license this trade at the state level. That does not mean no rules apply — counties and cities may require a local business licence or registration, and employers may require certifications that are not government-issued. If you plan to contract directly with the public, check the local requirements for the city or county you will work in.
Steps to get licensed
- No state application, exam, or license fee applies to work as an automotive technician.
- To perform Texas vehicle safety inspections, obtain DPS inspector certification (separate state credential).
- To service mobile A/C systems, obtain federal EPA Section 609 refrigerant certification.
- Manufacturer and ASE certifications are private credentials that employers commonly require.
What it costs
The figures below are what the state charges. Training is separate and quotes vary by provider — a community-college programme and a private trade school can differ by thousands for the same licence.
Fee amounts for Texas were not published in a form we could verify. Use the official page below for the current schedule.
Full cost breakdown for Texas →
What it pays in Texas
Median annual wage for Automotive Technician in Texas: $51,250 ($24.64/hour), across 67,680 jobs. That is the midpoint — half of people in this trade earn more, half less.
Pay detail for Texas, and how it compares →
Other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | — | — | $61,420 |
| Florida | — | — | $49,530 |
Common questions
Do you need a license to be a Automotive Technician in Texas?
No state license is required.
How much does a Automotive Technician license cost in Texas?
The state does not publish a fee schedule we could verify.
How long does it take to get a Automotive Technician license in Texas?
The board does not publish a fixed hour requirement.
What does a Automotive Technician make in Texas?
The median is $51,250 a year ($24.64 an hour) statewide, per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Sources
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/“Regulated Industries Menu Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Elimination of Architectural Barriers Athletic Trainers Auctioneers Barbering and Cosmetology Behavior Analysts Boiler Safety Charitable Bingo Code Enforcement Officers Combative Sports Court-Ordered Education Programs Dietitians Driver Education and Safety Dyslexia Therapy Electricians Electric Vehicle Ch”