El Paso Contractor Registration (2026): Requirements & Cost
El Paso requires general contractors to register annually with the Planning & Inspections Department (One Stop Shop, 915-212-0104) before pulling building permits, per Section 18.02.104 of the El Paso City Code. There is no exam and no State of Texas GC license — registration means filing the application, a $50,000 Blanket Building Construction Bond, and $100,000 minimum general-liability insurance (City of El Paso as certificate holder), plus a $100 annual fee. Specialty trades (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, irrigation, fire) are licensed by the state (TDLR/TSBPE) and register that license with the city.
General Contractor Registration (Planning & Inspections)
Issued by City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department — One Stop Shop · 915-212-0104
Fees
- Registration$100
- Renewal (annual)$100
Exam: Not required. No city exam. General contractors register with bond + insurance on file; there is no State of Texas GC license or exam. Specialty trades (electrical, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, irrigation, fire) register their state TDLR/TSBPE license with the city instead of posting a bond.
Experience: Not required.
Bond: $50,000 surety bond required. Blanket Building Construction Bond. Pavement-cut/limited-scope work uses a $10,000 bond instead. Source
Insurance: General liability: $100,000 minimum, with the City of El Paso named as certificate holder. Source
Registration is mandatory to pull City of El Paso building permits (Section 18.02.104.5) and must be renewed annually. General contractors submit an Assumed Name/Corporate docs, the Contractor Registration Application, GL insurance ($100k) and a $50,000 Blanket Building Construction Bond. Annual fee is $100 plus a technology fee (the 2020 requirements sheet listed the combined charge as $102.00). Texas has no state GC license — the city registration + bond/insurance is the only credential; specialty trades are licensed by the state and register that license with the city (no bond, generally no annual fee).
How to get licensed in El Paso
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Secure the required surety bond.
- Submit your application and fees to City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department — One Stop Shop.
- Renew the registration every annual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor registration in El Paso?
El Paso requires general contractors to register annually with the Planning & Inspections Department (One Stop Shop, 915-212-0104) before pulling building permits, per Section 18.02.104 of the El Paso City Code. There is no exam and no State of Texas GC license — registration means filing the application, a $50,000 Blanket Building Construction Bond, and $100,000 minimum general-liability insurance (City of El Paso as certificate holder), plus a $100 annual fee. Specialty trades (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, irrigation, fire) are licensed by the state (TDLR/TSBPE) and register that license with the city.
How much does a contractor registration cost in El Paso?
The registration fee is $100.
Is an exam required for a El Paso contractor registration?
No, El Paso does not require an exam for this registration.
Do I need a bond for a El Paso contractor registration?
Yes, a $50,000 surety bond is required.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Texas— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Sources
Related pages
Last verified 2026-07-02 · Verified from primary documents