If you have a criminal record, you can ask TDLR before you apply whether it would likely deny you a license. TDLR calls this a Criminal History Evaluation Letter. Anyone considering a TDLR license can request one, the fee is $10, and TDLR says it will issue the letter within 90 days of receiving a complete request.
Checked against the official TDLR pages on October 16, 2026. TDLR can change its forms and fees, so the official page comes first.
What to know before you send it
- What you send. The request form, a criminal history questionnaire for each conviction or deferred adjudication, and the $10 fee. TDLR will not process a request form sent without the questionnaire attached.
- Deferred adjudications count. TDLR says all deferred adjudications must be reported.
- The 90 days start when your request is complete. Send everything together so the clock starts.
- The letter is a recommendation. TDLR says it is not binding on the Department if you later apply.
TDLR also publishes Criminal Conviction Guidelines for each occupation it licenses. Read the electrician guidelines before you fill in the questionnaire.
Free tool: request checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Nothing is saved.
Before you write
What goes in the envelope
After you send it
Go to the official TDLR page
The form, the questionnaire and the latest instructions are on TDLR's own pages.
TDLR Criminal History Evaluation Letter
The request form, the questionnaire and the fee.
TDLR Criminal Conviction Guidelines
How TDLR looks at convictions for each license type.
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Sources
- TDLR, Criminal History Evaluation Letter
- TDLR, Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions
- TDLR, Electricians
