Texas Expands Electrician Reciprocity with Alabama to Support Skilled Workforce and Economic Growth
AUSTIN –The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has entered into reciprocal agreements with the Alabama State Board of Electrical Contractors as part of its ongoing efforts to respond to growing industry workforce needs. These agreements will allow licensed journeyman and master electricians to work in either state under a streamlined licensing process.
“I was proud to sign House Bill 11 to encourage TDLR to pursue occupational licensure reciprocity agreements with other states,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “This agreement with the State of Alabama ensures that Texas has the master electricians needed to spur economic growth and offer good quality, high-paying jobs. Texas will remove barriers to employment and cut red tape, so every Texan can earn a living free from unnecessary government intrusion.”
“The demand for licensed electricians continues to grow nationwide, and Texas is taking action to meet it. These new agreements remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining our high licensing standards,” TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour. “By recognizing comparable credentials, we’re opening doors for skilled electricians and supporting continued economic growth across our state.”
To qualify for licensing by reciprocity, applicants must hold a journeyman electrician license or master electrician license in good standing issued by either state and have held the license for at least one year before applying for licensing by reciprocity.
House Bill 11, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025, directed TDLR and other state agencies to pursue reciprocity agreements with other states to expand economic opportunities for Texans.
TDLR continues to pursue reciprocity agreements with other states that have similar licensing requirements as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Texas workforce while preserving public safety and professional standards. The state currently has master electrician reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, and North Carolina and journeyman agreements with Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Electricians interested in applying for licensure through reciprocity may do so at www.tdlr.texas.gov/