Before hiring any Austin service provider, verify the license with the state regulator and get more than one written quote. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses electricians and air-conditioning contractors, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licenses plumbers, the Texas Real Estate Commission licenses real estate agents, and the State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service. austin.id is not a service provider or referral agency; the Google Maps buttons below are search shortcuts, not endorsements. Nothing here is legal advice.
Local services in Austin
How to hire local help and verify licenses before you do.
Where to verify a license
| Service | Where to check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians, air-conditioning contractors and other licensed trades | Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation | Confirm the license type fits the job |
| Plumbers | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners | Ask for the license number |
| Real estate agents and brokers | TREC License Holder Search | Check status before signing anything |
| Doctors | Texas Medical Board | General information only |
| Lawyers | State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service | A referral service; its staff cannot give legal advice. Toll-free (800) 252-9690 |
| Free or low-cost legal information | TexasLawHelp.org | Self-help information and links to legal aid |
Licensing rules vary by trade and job size; confirm requirements with the regulator. Checked October 11, 2026.
How to hire well
- Get at least two written quotes that list scope, price and timeline.
- Verify the license and ask for proof of insurance where relevant.
- Avoid paying large amounts upfront; pay by traceable methods.
- Read reviews skeptically; they can be incomplete or manipulated.
Legal help
This site provides general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal needs, use the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service or TexasLawHelp.org (both listed in the table), and ask any lawyer about fees and experience before you hire.
Home and moving
The services residents need most.
Legal help
Find qualified attorneys for common needs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good local service in Austin?
Verify the license with the state regulator, get several written quotes and check recent reviews with skepticism.
How do I find a lawyer in Austin?
The State Bar of Texas offers a Lawyer Referral & Information Service; its staff cannot give legal advice. TexasLawHelp.org offers free legal information.
Can I list my service here?
You can submit a request on the business directory page; see that page for how submissions are handled and how sponsored placements are labeled.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 11, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners — Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
- TREC License Holder Search — Texas Real Estate Commission
- Texas Medical Board — Texas Medical Board
- Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) — State Bar of Texas
- TexasLawHelp.org — Texas Legal Services Center and partners
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