How to Get a Manufactured Housing License in Texas
This guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage manufactured housing licenses in Texas. Contact the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the latest official requirements.
How to Get a Manufactured Housing License in Texas
In Texas, manufactured housing refers to either a HUD-code manufactured home or a mobile home.
All manufacturers, retailers, brokers and installers must be licensed with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
Under the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act, you’ll need to pass an exam and file a surety bond to apply for a license. Continue reading for step-by-step application instructions and a breakdown of each license type.
Which License Do I Need?
Based on your operations, you’ll need to indicate one of the following license types on your application:
- Manufacturer: Constructing or assembling manufactured housing for sale, exchange, or lease
- Installer: Performing an installation function on manufactured housing
- Retailer: Buying for resale, selling or exchanging at least two used manufactured homes in a year, including maintaining a display lot or retail location
- Retailer/Installer (RI): Selling and installing new or used manufactured homes
- Broker: Negotiating sales of manufactured homes (not owned by the broker) on behalf of others
- Retailer/Broker/Installer (RBI): Buying and selling new and used homes, brokering homes for a buyer or a seller and installing homes
- Retailer/Broker (RB): Selling used manufactured homes and brokering homes for a buyer or seller
Salesperson: Selling manufactured housing as an employee of a retailer or broker, not required in addition to the retailer license if you own the company
How Do I Apply for a Texas Manufactured Housing License?
To apply for any of the above licenses, follow these six steps:
Step 1: Register your business
First, you’ll need to define your business’s legal structure and register with the Secretary of State.
Step 2: Complete prelicensing education
All license types require an 8-hour Core Licensing Education Class (LEC) on general manufactured housing regulations. However, retailers and installers need an additional 4-hour course.
Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance to attach to your application. You must apply for your license within 12 months.
Step 3: Pass exams
Next, you need to pass the core licensing exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Retailers and installers must take additional exams on their specific course content.
Step 4: Purchase a surety bond
Your required surety bond amount depends on your license type:
- Installer: $25,000
- Broker: $50,000
- Retailer: $50,000
- Manufacturer: $100,000
- Salesperson: No bond
If applying for a combination license, you only need one bond in the higher amount.
Apply online for your free Texas manufactured housing bond quote. Rates start at $500–$2,000, depending on the bond amount.
Step 5: Gather supporting documents
Before applying, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
- Printed copy of your certificate of attendance
- Surety bond form
- Fingerprinting and criminal background check
- Proof of business name filing or Articles of Incorporation
- Statement that you’ll be selling used homes only (retailer and retailer/broker)
Your fee will vary depending on your license type:
- Installer: $350
- Broker: $350
- Retailer: $550
- Retailer/Installer: $900
- Retailer/Broker/Installer: $1,250
- Retailer/Broker: $900
- Manufacturer: $850
- Salesperson: $200
Step 6: Apply
All license types use the same application form.
There is no online application option. Mail all forms to the address below:
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Manufactured Housing Division (MHD)
P.O. Box 12489
Austin, Texas 78711-2489
Once received, the processing time is 7 business days, not including mailing time. You’ll receive your official license via mail.
How to Renew Your Manufactured Housing License
All licenses are valid for 2 years from the issue date.
To renew, you’ll need to submit the renewal application and fee, which is the same as your application fee.
You’ll also need to email proof of 8 hours of approved continuing education to [email protected].
If your license expires, you can still renew within a year by paying a late fee:
- ≤90 days: 1.5 times your renewal fee
- 91-364 days: 2 times your renewal fee
Note: A salesperson’s renewal application must be sponsored by a licensed retailer or broker.
What Are the Education and Exam Requirements?
The 8-hour Core Licensing Education Class (LEC) is a completely online course that covers Texas laws and consumer protection regulations related to manufactured housing.
You can register online or mail in an enrollment form. You then have one year to complete the course. Your fee depends on which courses you take:
- Core LEC: $150
- Installer LEC: $50
- Retailer LEC: $50
The following business day after completion, you’ll receive an email with a certificate of attendance and information on how to register for the exam.
You can take your exam in person or proctored online. You’ll also need to pay an additional fee per attempt:
- Core LEC exam: $85
- Installer exam: $70
- Retailer exam: $70
You must pass with a score of 70%. If you fail 3 times, you’ll need to repay and retake the entire online course before attempting again.
Once licensed, you must complete 8 hours of continuing education biennially from one of the following approved course providers:
How Do I Update My License?
If your license information needs updating, you’ll need to provide certain documents to the TDHCA based on the change:
Location Address Change
- Your original license
- Written notification of the address of the new location
- Bond rider reflecting the location change
Business Name Change
- Your original license
- A written statement by anyone authorized to make changes to the license
- Bond rider reflecting the name change
- $25 reprint fee
Mailing Address Change
Fax (512-475-3506) or email the Name and Address Change Request Form to the TDHCA.
Salesperson Employer Change
- Written notice of the change
- Authorized signature of the sponsoring retailer
- $25 reprint fee
Ownership Change of <50%
No new license is required if:
- Your bond continues to be active
- Your current Articles of Incorporation or Assumed Name Certificate reflects the change
Ownership Change of 50%+
In addition to the above, you must also submit a license addendum from the buyer with any information the TDHCA requires
License Errors
If the error was made by the TDHCA:
- Your original license
- A written statement explaining the error
If the error wasn’t made by the TDHCA:
- Your original license
- Bond rider
- Written statement explaining the error
- $25 reprint fee
- Copy of official documents, such as the Assumed Name Certificate and/or Articles of Incorporation, proving the change (if applicable)
Do I Need a Lot to Become a Retailer?
No, a display lot is not required to apply for a retailer license.
However, you do need an official business address where you’ll keep your records.
Last Updated: August 18, 2025
