TDLR ACR Renewal: Complete Guide to Texas HVAC License Renewal

Keep your ACR license active with timely renewal

Renewing your Texas air conditioning and refrigeration license with TDLR requires completing continuing education and submitting your renewal on time. Whether you hold a technician registration, technician license, or contractor license, understanding the renewal process ensures you stay compliant and avoid lapses in your licensing status.

Renewal Requirements

All Texas ACR licenses require annual renewal with TDLR. Here's what you need:

• Continuing Education: Complete TDLR-approved CE annually
• Current License Number: Have your TDLR ACR license number ready
• Renewal Fee: Pay the applicable TDLR renewal fee online
• On-Time Submission: Renew before your license expiration date

Renewal Timeline

Texas ACR licenses expire annually on the licensee's birthday. Plan ahead to avoid late penalties:

• 60 days before expiration: Complete your CE requirement
• 30 days before expiration: Submit renewal application to TDLR
• Renewal opens 90 days before your expiration date
• Late renewals incur additional fees and may require reinstatement

Complete your CE requirement online before renewal

CE Requirements by License Type

ACR license types have specific continuing education requirements:

• Technician Registration: CE hours as required by TDLR
• Technician License: TDLR-approved ACR continuing education
• Contractor License: Both technical and business management CE
• Endorsements: Additional CE may be required for specialized endorsements

Online Renewal Process

Renewing your license through TDLR's online portal is quick and convenient:

• Log in to your TDLR account at www.tdlr.texas.gov
• Navigate to "Renew My License" section
• Enter your CE completion certificate information
• Pay renewal fee with credit card or electronic check
• Receive confirmation and updated license immediately

Common Renewal Mistakes to Avoid

Don't let these common issues delay your renewal:

• Waiting until the last minute to complete CE
• Using non-TDLR approved CE providers
• Entering incorrect license numbers on CE certificates
• Forgetting to renew EPA certification alongside TDLR license
• Not updating business information or insurance documentation

What Happens If Your License Expires

Working with an expired ACR license is illegal in Texas and can result in fines. If your license lapses, you must stop HVAC work immediately and complete the reinstatement process, which includes late fees and potentially additional requirements.

TDLR ACR Renewal: Step-by-Step Account Process

Completing your CE is only the first step. Here's how to finish the full renewal through the TDLR portal:

1. Complete your 8-hour CE first. All American Tradesman CE reports your completion to TDLR the same day you finish. Your CE record will appear automatically in your TDLR portal.
2. Log in to TDLR MyLicense Office. Create a free account at tdlr.texas.gov if you don't have one. You'll need your ACR license number and a valid email.
3. Navigate to "Renew My License." The portal confirms whether your CE requirement is satisfied before allowing you to proceed with payment.
4. Pay the TDLR renewal fee. ACR license renewal fees vary by license class. As of the 2026 fee schedule, ACR Contractor licenses are $147 for a 2-year renewal cycle. Technician Registration fees are lower. Check the current TDLR fee schedule for exact amounts.
5. Download your renewed license. Your license is renewed immediately upon payment confirmation, and the updated document is available in your portal.

Late Renewals and Grace Periods for ACR Licenses

Like other TDLR-regulated licenses, ACR licenses have a 90-day late renewal window after expiration. During this period you can renew by paying the renewal fee plus a late penalty of 1.5× the base fee. After 90 days the license is no longer eligible for late renewal — reinstatement requires a separate application, additional fees, and may involve re-examination.

Pro tip: complete your 8-hour CE early — ideally 60 days before expiration. This gives you time to troubleshoot any TDLR account issues and confirm your CE appears in your record before the renewal window opens.

EPA 608 and ACR License: What's the Difference?

Your TDLR ACR license and your EPA Section 608 certification are two separate credentials. The TDLR license authorizes you to perform HVAC/ACR contracting work in Texas. The EPA 608 certification authorizes you to purchase and handle refrigerants. Both must remain current. While our CE course covers EPA refrigerant regulation updates, it does not replace the EPA 608 certification exam — that's a separate credential issued directly by EPA-approved certifiers.

More Resources for Texas HVAC/ACR Contractors

• Texas ACR CE: What the 8-Hour Course Covers
• Texas ACR/HVAC License Requirements
• Refrigerant Regulations in Texas 2025
• HVAC Energy Efficiency Standards in Texas