Short answer: The initial Texas journeyman application is mailed, not filed online. Send the Journeyman Electrician License Application (form ELC-LIC-005) and the $30 non-refundable fee by check or money order to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711-2157. Route A also needs an Experience Verification Form or company-letterhead letter from each supervising master electrician. Route B needs the Discontinued Municipal or Regional Licensing Program form and a copy of the municipal or regional journeyman license. Once TDLR approves the application, TDLR contacts PSI and PSI sends you exam scheduling information.
The mail packet is the first step. The exam is the next one, and the Practice Pack is for the exam. It has 1,000 original questions, 10 full timed two-part mocks (59 questions in 130 minutes plus 26 in 110 minutes), 299 step-by-step calculation solutions, a 2023 to 2026 changes list and a printable workbook PDF. US$39, one payment.
Tsai Electro is an independent learning site. Not affiliated with TDLR or PSI. Rules and fees can change, so confirm on the TDLR and PSI pages linked below.
Pick your route first
| Route | Who it fits | What you attach |
|---|---|---|
| A | The standard route: at least 8,000 hours under a master electrician, plus passing the Texas journeyman exam | Experience Verification Form or letterhead letter from each previous supervisor |
| A with early exam option | You have at least 7,000 hours and want to test before 8,000 | Forms for at least 7,000 hours; send the rest within one year of the application date |
| B | You held a journeyman license from a Texas municipality or region that discontinued its program, held it the preceding year, and apply within 90 days | Discontinued Municipal or Regional Licensing Program form and a copy of your municipal or regional journeyman license |
Step by step
- Download form ELC-LIC-005 (rev Mar 2026) from TDLR.
- Fill in your details. Legal name, date of birth, gender and Social Security number (required by Texas Family Code 231.302(c)(1)). Mailing address, where a PO box is allowed, and physical address, where it is not. Daytime phone. Email is optional, but giving it lets TDLR send you notices by email.
- Answer the history questions. Criminal history yes or no, and disciplinary action history yes or no. If you have a conviction, a Criminal History Questionnaire is required, and that review takes 1 to 6 weeks. If you answer yes to disciplinary action history, attach a Disciplinary Action Questionnaire to the application. You can ask TDLR for a Criminal History Evaluation Letter before you apply.
- Apprentice license. Mark whether you hold or have held a Texas apprentice license. Enter the license number if you answer yes.
- Route and options. Choose Route A or B. Check the early exam option only if you attach at least 7,000 hours. Check the separate box if you are or have been enrolled in a Texas apprenticeship training program.
- Attach the documents for your route. For Route A, include one Experience Verification Form or company-letterhead letter for each employer, completed and signed by the supervising master electrician. For Route B, include the Discontinued Municipal or Regional Licensing Program form and a copy of your municipal or regional journeyman license.
- Military. Service members, veterans and spouses can attach the Military Supplemental Application.
- Sign and date the statement of applicant.
- Pay $30 by check or money order. Do not send cash.
- Copy everything. Documents sent with the application are not returned, so keep a copy of the application, every attachment and your check or money order.
- Mail it to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711-2157.
After you mail it
TDLR verifies the application and may contact the people who signed your forms. If you are approved, TDLR contacts PSI, and PSI emails you scheduling instructions, or sends a postcard by US mail if you gave no email. The exam fee is paid to PSI when you schedule: $78 for both parts.
You have 12 months from the filing date to meet all requirements, including passing the exam, or the application will be terminated. Make sure the name on your application matches your government ID, because PSI checks your ID against TDLR’s record on exam day.
Check your mail packet
Journeyman application mail packet
Check each required item. For a conditional item, tick it when the document is attached or when the item states that it does not apply to you.
- ELC-LIC-005 personal fields: legal name, date of birth, gender, Social Security number
- Mailing address and physical address (no PO box for the physical address)
- Daytime phone, and email if you want notices by email
- Criminal history and disciplinary history questions answered
- Criminal History Questionnaire attached, or not needed because you did not answer yes to criminal history
- Disciplinary Action Questionnaire for each action attached, or not needed because you did not answer yes to disciplinary history
- Texas apprentice license question answered; number entered if you hold or have held one
- Route A or B selected
- Early exam option completed with at least 7,000 hours attached, or not selected
- Apprenticeship program box answered for your situation
- Route A: Experience Verification Form or company-letterhead letter for each employer, completed and signed by the supervising master electrician, or not needed because you use Route B
- Supervisor license copy or letter of verification with each Route A form, or not needed because you use Route B
- Route B: Discontinued Municipal or Regional Licensing Program form and municipal or regional journeyman license copy attached, or not needed because you use Route A
- Military Supplemental Application attached, or not needed for your situation
- Statement of applicant signed and dated
- $30 check or money order, no cash
- Copy of the whole packet kept for yourself
- Envelope addressed to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711-2157
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Can I apply for a Texas journeyman electrician license online?
Not the first time. TDLR says the initial application must be mailed to its Austin PO box. Once licensed, you renew online every year.
How much does it cost to apply for a Texas journeyman license?
The application fee is $30 and is non-refundable. The PSI exam is a separate $78 for both parts, paid to PSI when you schedule, and each retake is another $78.
Can I apply before I have 8,000 hours?
Yes, with at least 7,000 hours. Check the early exam option and attach forms for those hours, then send the rest within one year of the application date. The license is issued only after all 8,000 hours are approved and you pass.
