What Is the Texas Electrical Trainee (ET) Card?
The Texas Electrical Trainee (ET) card is a TDLR-issued credential that authorizes an individual to perform electrical work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician. It is the entry-level position in Texas's electrician licensing pathway - the mandatory starting point before a trainee becomes eligible for an Apprentice Electrician license.
The ET card is not optional. Under Texas law, any person who works as an electrical trainee without a valid card is operating illegally regardless of supervision status. TDLR has enforcement authority and inspectors verify credentials on job sites.
Unlike higher-tier licenses, the ET card is designed to be accessible - no exam is required to obtain or renew it. Renewal is purely administrative: confirm your information and pay the fee through the TDLR portal.
Trainees who have already upgraded to an Apprentice Electrician license do not need to maintain a separate ET card. These are distinct credentials at different levels of the licensing ladder.
Issued by TDLR
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues and regulates all electrical trainee cards in the state. Renewal, updates, and verification all run through the TDLR MyLicense Office portal.
Required to Work Legally
Texas law requires any electrical trainee to carry a valid ET card while on the job. An expired card - even by a single day - means the trainee cannot legally work until renewed.
The First Step in Licensing
The ET card is the foundation of the Texas electrician licensing pathway. Hours logged with an active ET card count toward Apprentice and eventually Journeyman qualification - so keeping it current matters beyond just compliance.
ET Card Renewal Requirements at a Glance
Renewal is straightforward - no exam, no CE. Here's how the ET card stacks up against the Apprentice Electrician license at renewal time.
| Requirement | ET Card ★ You Are Here | Apprentice License | Journeyman License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Annual | Annual | Annual |
| Exam Required? | ✓ No exam | ✓ No exam | ✗ Exam required (initial) |
| CE Hours at Renewal? | ✓ None required | ✓ None required | ✗ 4 hours required |
| Work Independently? | ✗ Supervision required | ✗ Supervision required | ✓ Yes |
| Supervision Type | Direct supervision | Journeyman or Master | None (can supervise others) |
| Online Renewal? | ✓ Yes — TDLR portal | ✓ Yes — TDLR portal | ✓ Yes — TDLR portal |
| Next Level | → Apprentice | → Journeyman | → Master Electrician |
How to Renew Your ET Card Online
TDLR processes all ET card renewals through the MyLicense Office portal. The entire process takes under 10 minutes for most trainees.
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1
Log in to TDLR MyLicense Office
Go to mylicense.tdlr.texas.gov and sign in with the TDLR account email and password. Never set one up? Use "Forgot Password" or "Create Account" and link it to the existing license number.
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2
Locate the ET Card on the Dashboard
The dashboard shows all active TDLR credentials. Find the Electrical Trainee card - a "Renew" button will appear if the renewal window is open.
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3
Verify Personal Information
TDLR prompts a review of the mailing address, email, and phone number on file. Update anything that has changed.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder 45 days before expiration -
4
Review Required Compliance Statements
TDLR may require affirmation of compliance statements - such as confirming no criminal convictions that affect licensure. Review and respond accurately.
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5
Pay the Renewal Fee
TDLR accepts major credit and debit cards. A confirmation number and receipt are generated immediately after payment.
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6
Print or Save the Updated Credential
The renewed ET card is available to print immediately from the portal. Trainees should carry a copy on every job site. A physical card can also be ordered through the portal.
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7
Confirm the New Expiration Date
Log back in and verify the expiration date updated correctly. If it hasn't refreshed within a few minutes, contact TDLR directly to confirm processing.
ET Card Renewal: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions Texas electrical trainees ask most about renewing their TDLR card.
