Texas TCEQ License Lookup: Check the Right Record Before You Rely on It
Use this guide to verify a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality occupational license or registration, check an individual or company record, review continuing-education information, find recent exam results, track an application or understand renewal and expiration rules.
The fastest route depends on what you are checking. TCEQ provides separate searches for individuals, companies, groups of license holders and licensing exam results.
TCEQ License Lookup: Fastest Official Way to Check a Record
Start at TCEQ’s Licensing or Registration Information Search. Choose Individual Licensing Information for a person, Company Registration Information for a business, Group Search for county/program searches, or License Exam Results if you took a licensing exam within the last 12 months.
For an individual search, TCEQ accepts a first name or initial plus last name, or a license number. If you enter a license number, the system disregards the other search fields. For a company, use the company name or registration number; a registration-number search overrides the company-name field.
VerificationLicense.org is an informational website, not TCEQ. Final status, renewal, application and examination actions should be completed through the official Texas Commission on Environmental Quality systems linked on this page.
Choose the Correct TCEQ Search Before Entering Information
TCEQ does not use one search form for every licensing task. Pick the tool that matches the record you need.
| Search | Best for | Information to enter | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Licensing Information | Checking one person’s TCEQ occupational license or registration. | First name or initial plus last name, or license number. | If a license number is entered, TCEQ disregards the other fields. |
| Company Registration Information | Checking a TCEQ-regulated company registration. | Company name or registration number. | Registration number takes priority over company name. |
| Group Search Criteria | Finding multiple records by program, type, county, region or date. | Program, type/level, county, region, issue/expiration dates, CEUs and selected BPAT criteria. | Helpful for employer, county and program-level research. |
| License Exam Results | Checking a TCEQ licensing examination taken within the last 12 months. | First name, last name, ZIP code and test-session date. | Exam results are not the same as an issued license record. |
How to Check a Texas TCEQ License Step by Step
Use this workflow when verifying an operator, tester, inspector, installer, specialist or other individual TCEQ occupational license holder.
Open TCEQ’s individual licensing search
Use the official Individual Licensing Information page instead of a private directory or copied record.
Use the license number when you have it
Enter the exact license number from the person’s certificate, business record or other reliable document. TCEQ’s form ignores the name fields when a license number is supplied.
If needed, search by name
Enter the person’s first name or initial and last name. Compare all returned information before deciding that a similar-name record belongs to the person you are checking.
Confirm the license type and level
TCEQ regulates several different environmental and water-related occupations. A result for one credential should not be treated as proof of another license type or class.
Read status, dates and CE information shown
Review the current record rather than relying on an old certificate. For renewal planning, TCEQ specifically directs licensees to use the licensing search to check current continuing-education credit information.
Save a dated verification record
For hiring or compliance files, record the official portal, date checked, full name, license number, credential type/level, status, expiration and any follow-up you still need to confirm.
What to Check Before You Trust a TCEQ License Record
Match the right person
Do not rely on a similar name alone. Use the license number whenever available and compare the exact information displayed by TCEQ.
Check type and level
A water operator, wastewater operator, BPAT, OSSF installer and irrigation credential can involve different scopes and requirements.
Read the current record
A historical certificate or application receipt does not replace the current public licensing record when status matters.
Check the actual date
TCEQ occupational licenses are generally valid for three years, but users should rely on the expiration shown for the particular credential.
Review continuing education
The group-search tool includes a CEUs Earned filter, and TCEQ directs licensees to the licensing search to review current CE credit information.
Pending is not issued
A submitted application, paid fee, training certificate or passed examination should not be substituted for an issued credential when current authorization is required.
Which Texas Licenses and Registrations Does TCEQ Handle?
TCEQ occupational licensing covers environmental, water, wastewater, storage-tank, on-site sewage and related programs. Requirements vary by credential and class.
- Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT)
- Customer Service Inspector (CSI)
- Landscape Irrigator, Technician and Inspector
- Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank licensing and registration
- Municipal Solid Waste Operator
- On-Site Sewage Facility credentials
- Underground Storage Tank Contractor and On-Site Supervisor
- Wastewater Collection Operator
- Wastewater Operator
- Wastewater Operations Company Registration
- Water Operator
- Water System Operating Company Registration
- Water Treatment Specialist
The eligibility, training, experience, exam, CE and renewal rules are not identical across these credentials. After identifying the correct license type, use TCEQ’s requirements page for that specific program.
TCEQ License Search by County, Region, Program or Expiration Date
If you are not looking for one named person, the Group Search Criteria tool is more useful than the basic individual lookup.
Filter records by Texas county
Use the County field when you need a broader view of license or registration records associated with a particular county.
Filter by credential program
Select the applicable program and type/level so unrelated occupational-license records do not crowd the results.
Use issue and expiration ranges
The group search provides Last Issued Date and Expiration Date ranges, which can help with renewal and workforce reviews.
Search by TCEQ region
A region filter is available when your task is broader than a single county.
Filter continuing-education data
The group search includes a CEUs Earned criterion for applicable records.
Practical-skills criterion
TCEQ also provides a Completed BPAT Practical Skills field for the applicable BPAT occupational-license search.
Why a TCEQ Lookup May Not Show a License Holder’s Contact Information
License verification and business-contact publication are separate functions.
TCEQ explains that, under Texas Public Information Act protections effective in September 2023, personal non-business contact information generally cannot be released without the license holder’s permission. TCEQ also does not publish business contact information for a license holder unless the person authorizes its release.
If your goal is to verify status, use the Licensing and Registration Information Database. If your goal is to find a licensed professional to contact for business purposes, TCEQ provides a separate authorized License Holder Spreadsheet.
The public status lookup and the optional business-contact list solve different problems. A verified license record may exist even when no business phone, email or address is published.
TCEQ License Renewal: Current Texas Rules to Know
Renewable TCEQ occupational licenses are generally valid for three years. The most important renewal distinction is that the post-expiration application window does not extend the deadline for completing required continuing education.
| When individual renewal is submitted | Standard fee shown by TCEQ | Can licensed activity continue after expiration? | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| On or before expiration | $111 | Avoid expiration by completing renewal on time. | Complete all required CE before the license expiration date. |
| 1–90 days after expiration | $166.50 | For licenses covered by the current rule, a person who submitted the renewal application may continue required licensed activities while renewal is pending until renewed or denied. | The renewal application and fee must actually have been submitted. |
| 91–180 days after expiration | $222 | Do not perform licensed activities merely because a late-renewal application is still allowed. | Late renewal may still be accepted, but the practice provision is limited to the first 90 days when the required application was submitted. |
| More than 180 days after expiration | Normal renewal no longer available | No. | The person must apply for a new license or registration and meet current requirements, including applicable examination requirements. |
House Bill 1237 expanded the post-expiration renewal application window for licenses and registrations expiring on or after September 1, 2025, but TCEQ states that all required continuing education must still be completed by the original expiration date.
TCEQ says a mailed reminder is sent at least 60 days before expiration to the last known address, and an email reminder is sent about 90 days before expiration when a valid email address is on file. The license holder remains responsible for timely renewal.
TCEQ advises allowing at least 30 days for processing; a renewal with no deficiencies can take up to about three weeks. A deficiency generally must be resolved within 30 days from the deficiency letter or the expiration date, whichever is later, and TCEQ must be notified after the issue is corrected.
TCEQ Continuing Education Hours by Common License Type
CE requirements vary substantially by credential. The table below highlights common renewal requirements from TCEQ’s current licensing guidance.
| License or registration | CE hours | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester | 24 | Eight of the 24 hours must be practical hands-on training. |
| Customer Service Inspector | 16 | Current TCEQ guidance allows online renewal when eligible. |
| Landscape Irrigator / Inspector | 24 | Check the exact credential before applying renewal requirements. |
| Landscape Irrigation Technician | 16 | Current TCEQ guidance allows online renewal when eligible. |
| Municipal Solid Waste Operator | 16 | Complete CE before expiration. |
| OSSF Installer I/II, DR, Maintenance Provider, Site Evaluator | 24 | Site Evaluator renewal can involve an additional credential requirement. |
| UST Contractor / On-Site Supervisor | 8 | Company registration has separate insurance/net-worth rules. |
| Wastewater Collection Operator | 30 | Since March 23, 2025, an exam may no longer substitute for required CE at renewal. |
| Wastewater Operator | 30 | Class-specific restrictions apply; exam substitution for CE ended March 23, 2025. |
| Water Operator | 30 | Training must include two hours approved for resiliency; class-specific restrictions apply. |
| Water Treatment Specialist | 12 | Use the current TCEQ renewal page before submitting renewal. |
Some company registrations, Class D licenses and specialty credentials have extra restrictions, forms, insurance, financial or credential requirements. Confirm the current TCEQ rule for the exact license before renewal.
Checking a New TCEQ License Application or Registration Status
A new application is different from an issued-license lookup. TCEQ uses the Occupational Licensing Electronic Application system for many new applications, then directs applicants to the individual or company search to monitor the public record.
Submit the new application
Use TCEQ’s Occupational Licensing Electronic Application when the requested license or registration is supported by the system.
Keep your CN
TCEQ assigns a Customer Number when you apply for an occupational license. Keep it available when contacting Occupational Licensing staff.
120-day new-application deadline
If TCEQ identifies a deficiency, unresolved issues can cause the application to expire if they are not corrected and TCEQ is not contacted within 120 days of the notification.
A pending application, application fee receipt or passed examination does not by itself prove that an occupational license has been issued. Verify the final record in the TCEQ licensing database.
TCEQ License Exam Results: When to Use the Exam Search
TCEQ provides a separate search for licensing examinations taken within the last 12 months. The form asks for the test taker’s first name, last name, mailing-address ZIP code and test-session date.
Use the exam tool when your question is whether a recent examination was passed. Use the normal individual licensing search when your question is whether a TCEQ license or registration has actually been issued or is currently on record.
Training, experience, application review, criminal-history requirements and other program conditions may still apply. For employment or regulated work, verify the issued credential rather than relying only on the exam-result screen.
TCEQ Criminal History and Fingerprinting Requirements
TCEQ requires criminal-history information for new and renewal occupational licenses and registrations. Fingerprint subscription is the agency’s preferred method for receiving this information.
Do not fingerprint before applying
TCEQ instructs applicants to submit the new or renewal application first and indicate use of the fingerprint subscription before scheduling the fingerprint appointment.
Repeat fingerprinting may not be needed
If you are already subscribed through a current valid TCEQ occupational license, indicate that on the application. TCEQ says you generally do not need to be fingerprinted again for later renewals or other new TCEQ licenses.
Another agency’s fingerprints do not transfer
TCEQ explains that fingerprinting is agency-specific and fingerprints collected for another state agency or purpose cannot simply be shared with TCEQ.
Use the official fingerprint workflow
After application submission, follow TCEQ’s IdentoGO instructions, bring valid photo identification and keep the fingerprint receipt.
Email after fingerprinting
TCEQ directs applicants to notify Occupational Licensing after fingerprints are completed so application review can continue.
Criminal-history form may be available
TCEQ describes an alternative criminal-history submission process when fingerprinting cannot be completed, but notes that this route can increase processing time.
TCEQ License Reciprocity for an Out-of-State Credential
With the exception of landscape irrigators, TCEQ may waive some qualifications, training or examination requirements on a case-by-case basis for an eligible license from another state, territory or country.
What TCEQ checks
- A current license from another state, territory or country.
- An examination was required to obtain that license.
- Good compliance history.
- Current good standing with the issuing authority.
What to prepare
- Complete OLEA and the reciprocity section.
- Pay the current $111 reciprocity application fee.
- Upload a copy of the current out-of-state license.
- Upload applicable training or course-completion certificates.
As part of its review, TCEQ contacts the issuing authority to substantiate the source license and determines which Texas license level or class is equivalent if reciprocity is granted.
Expired TCEQ License: 90-Day and 180-Day Rules
Do not treat the entire 180-day late-renewal period as permission to keep performing licensed work.
Application submitted
For applicable licenses, a person who has submitted the renewal application and is no more than 90 days past expiration may continue regulated activities while the renewal is pending until it is renewed or denied.
Do not keep working merely because 180 days remain
If the renewal application and fee have not been submitted, the current TCEQ guidance does not allow the person to rely on the late-renewal window as continuing license authority.
Renewal may still be accepted
The late-renewal application window can remain open, with the higher fee, but the special continuation-of-licensed-activity provision is limited to licenses expired 90 days or less.
Start over under current requirements
When a license cannot be renewed because it is more than 180 days expired, TCEQ requires a new application, current education/training/experience requirements and the applicable examination.
Special active-duty rule
An eligible U.S. military service member who failed to renew while on active duty outside Texas may renew within two years after returning, with required military documentation and fee; TCEQ says CE is waived for that renewal cycle.
Late renewal does not cure late CE
Required continuing education must have been completed before the original expiration date even when the renewal application is filed during the post-expiration period.
Lost Certificate, Address Change or Replacement TCEQ License
Update TCEQ within 10 days
TCEQ’s occupational-license requirements state that current license holders are responsible for notifying the Austin central office of address changes within 10 days.
Use the official duplicate-card form
If a certificate or license card needs replacement, use TCEQ’s current Occupational Licensing forms rather than creating a new license application.
Keep your own CE documentation
TCEQ directs license holders to maintain personal training records including the course name, date, location and training-provider information.
TCEQ License Lookup Not Working? Troubleshoot It Here
| Problem | Possible reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No individual record | Name spelling, initial, old name, wrong agency or no issued TCEQ credential. | Try the exact license number, then confirm that TCEQ is the agency responsible for the occupation. |
| Too many name matches | The name is common. | Use the exact license number or compare credential type/level and other displayed record details. |
| Company not found | Wrong business name, changed company information or wrong search type. | Try the registration number or confirm the exact company name and TCEQ registration category. |
| Application submitted but no license | Application review, deficiency, criminal-history review or exam requirement remains open. | Check the individual/company search and review any TCEQ deficiency notice. Use your Customer Number when contacting staff. |
| Renewal not updated | Processing is incomplete or a deficiency remains. | Allow the published processing period; if no renewed license or letter arrives within 30 days, contact Occupational Licensing. |
| Need a licensed person near you | Individual lookup is designed for known names/numbers, not contractor shopping. | Use Group Search for county/program filtering and TCEQ’s separately authorized business-contact list when contact information is needed. |
| Recent exam result missing | Wrong ZIP/date information or the exam falls outside the 12-month search window. | Recheck the required exam-search fields and contact TCEQ when the official result still cannot be resolved. |
| License expired more than 180 days | The credential is no longer eligible for ordinary renewal. | Follow the current new-license requirements, including applicable education, training, experience and examination steps. |
TCEQ Verification Checklist for Employers and Customers
- Official TCEQ database used.
- Date the lookup was performed.
- License holder’s full name.
- License or registration number.
- Credential type and level.
- Status displayed by TCEQ.
- Expiration date.
- Relevant CE information where applicable.
- Any unresolved application or renewal issue.
- A business card.
- An old certificate photo.
- A resume or email signature.
- A private directory.
- An exam-pass screen.
- An application receipt.
- A similar-name search result.
- An out-of-state license without TCEQ reciprocity approval.
TCEQ Occupational Licensing Contact Information
Use Occupational Licensing for unresolved license, application, renewal, reciprocity or criminal-history questions. Most public verification can be completed online without visiting the Austin office.
| Contact item | Official information | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 512-239-6133 | Occupational license, registration, renewal and application questions. |
| License-holder email | licenses@tceq.texas.gov | Licensee and application support. |
| Mailing address | TCEQ, MC-178, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 | General Occupational Licensing correspondence. For a specific paper application, use the mailing instructions printed on the current form. |
| Physical address | TCEQ, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg D, Austin, TX 78753 | Physical Occupational Licensing location; online or phone contact is usually more practical for verification. |
| Agency office hours | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, except state holidays | Plan phone or office contact during normal TCEQ business hours. |
Some TCEQ licensing forms use a form-specific mail code and mailing address. When submitting a paper renewal, application or supporting document, follow the destination printed on the current official form rather than substituting the general contact address.
Not a TCEQ License? Use the Correct Texas Licensing Agency
TCEQ occupational licensing is focused on environmental, water, wastewater, storage-tank, on-site sewage and related programs. Nurses, physicians, speech-language pathologists, dentists and many other professions are verified through different Texas agencies.
Official TCEQ License Lookup, Renewal and Application Links
Use these official sources for the final lookup, renewal, application or licensing action.
Texas TCEQ License Lookup FAQs
How do I look up a TCEQ license in Texas?
Open the official TCEQ Licensing or Registration Information Search and choose Individual Licensing Information. Search by the person’s first name or initial and last name, or enter the license number. If a license number is entered, TCEQ disregards the other search fields.
Can I search a TCEQ license by license number?
Yes. The individual search accepts a TCEQ license number, and the company search accepts a registration number. Number-based searches are useful when names are common or a company name has changed.
How do I look up a TCEQ company registration?
Use TCEQ’s Company Registration Information search. Enter the company name or registration number. If you enter a registration number, TCEQ disregards the company-name field.
Can I search TCEQ license holders by county?
Yes. Use the Group Search Criteria tool, which can filter records by program, type and level, county, TCEQ region, issue and expiration dates, continuing-education information and selected BPAT practical-skills criteria.
How long is a TCEQ occupational license valid?
TCEQ states that renewable occupational licenses are generally valid for three years. Always check the expiration date on the specific license record because credential-specific requirements and restrictions can differ.
How much does it cost to renew a TCEQ individual license?
For individual occupational licenses covered by the standard fee schedule, TCEQ currently lists $111 on or before expiration, $166.50 when submitted 1–90 days after expiration, and $222 when submitted 91–180 days after expiration. Some registrations have different fees.
Can I renew a TCEQ license after it expires?
For licenses and registrations covered by the current post-September 1, 2025 rules, a renewal application may generally be submitted up to 180 days after expiration with additional fees. Required continuing education still must have been completed before the original expiration date.
Can I keep working while a late TCEQ renewal is pending?
TCEQ states that a person who has submitted a renewal application and whose license or registration has been expired for 90 days or less may continue activities requiring the credential until the application is renewed or denied. If no renewal application and fee have been submitted, or the credential is more than 90 days expired, do not rely on this provision.
How do I check TCEQ license exam results?
Use TCEQ’s License Exam Results search for licensing examinations taken within the last 12 months. The search requires the first name, last name, mailing-address ZIP code and test-session date. A passing result is not the same as an issued license.
Who do I contact if a TCEQ license record or renewal is unclear?
Contact TCEQ Occupational Licensing at 512-239-6133 or licenses@tceq.texas.gov. When possible, provide the full name, license or registration number and Customer Number for an application so staff can identify the correct record.
Verify the TCEQ Record First, Then Use the Correct Licensing Route
For a Texas TCEQ license lookup, begin with the official licensing database and choose the search built for your task: individual, company, group or recent exam results. Match the exact credential, read the current record and expiration date, and use the TCEQ renewal, application, criminal-history or reciprocity system only when that next step applies.