Texas has no general statewide business license. Instead, specific occupations are licensed by state boards and agencies. If your LLC will provide a service that requires a state license, such as medicine, law, or accounting, it generally must be formed as a professional LLC (PLLC) using Form 206.
Finding the Licenses Your Business Needs
The Governor's Business Permit Office publishes the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide (2026–2027 edition), which lists state-level licenses by business type. You can also reach the office at (512) 936-0100.
Most businesses need a few things regardless of industry: a free sales and use tax permit from the Comptroller if you sell taxable goods or services, and any city or county permits where you operate.
When You Need a PLLC Instead of an LLC
A "professional service" in Texas is any service that requires a state license before you can provide it, such as the work of a dentist, attorney, physician, or veterinarian. CPAs, architects, and engineers are other common examples.
Those businesses form as a professional limited liability company by filing Form 206 (instead of Form 205) with the Secretary of State.
PLLC Ownership and Rules
- Owners and managers must generally be licensed to provide the same professional service as the PLLC.
- A PLLC can usually provide only one type of professional service. Texas allows some joint practices, such as physicians with podiatrists or chiropractors, and physicians with optometrists.
- The name must include "Professional Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation (PLLC), and must follow your profession's own ethics rules on naming.
- A PLLC must keep a registered agent and pays franchise tax like any other LLC.
A PLLC Doesn't Cover Your Own Malpractice
The PLLC protects you from the company's business debts and from other owners' mistakes, but not from claims about your own professional work. Most licensed professionals carry malpractice (professional liability) insurance for that reason.
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Common Mistakes
Forming a regular LLC (Form 205) for a licensed professional practice.
Bringing in an unlicensed co-owner to a PLLC.
Assuming the PLLC protects you from your own malpractice claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas have a general business license?
No. Texas doesn't issue one general business license. Licenses depend on your occupation and industry, and cities or counties may have their own permits.
Who needs a PLLC in Texas?
Businesses that provide a service requiring a state license before it can be performed, such as physicians, dentists, attorneys, veterinarians, and accountants.
Official Sources
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Requirements can change; verify with the agency before acting.
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