Texas Commercial Security, CCTV & Access Control Contractor

Yes. In Texas, performing security & access control contracting work requires regulatory approval overseen by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Operating without proper credentials can subject contractors to stop-work orders, administrative citations, and fines.

While specific municipal requirements can exceed state minimums, contractors typically must carry at least $1,000,000 Each Occurrence / $2,000,000 General Aggregate. General liability coverage protects your business against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations claims during and after construction.

The statutory bond requirement in Texas is generally $10,000 - $25,000 (Houston, Dallas, Austin municipal bonds). With good credit (scores above 680), an annual surety bond premium typically costs between $140 and $210 per year (1% to 2% of total bond penalty value). Contractors with lower credit scores can expect rates between $252 and $350 annually.

Not statutory mandatory in TX, but contractually required on 98% of commercial sites. Regardless of state minimum thresholds, commercial project owners, general contractors, and municipal permitting offices almost always mandate a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing workers' comp before releasing jobsite access.

Texas currently maintains reciprocal licensing or exam waiver agreements with: AR, LA, NM, OK. Qualifying out-of-state contractors in good standing may apply to waive the trade examination portion of the license application.