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Well Driller
Total cost: $379
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Yes
Exam Required
2 years
Experience
$500,000
Liability Insurance
Not Required
Surety Bond
$379
Total Initial Fees
Well Driller Licensing
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Minimum Age
18+
License Types Available
Water well driller licensing ensures that groundwater resources are protected during well construction. Most states require drillers to demonstrate experience, pass an exam, and maintain proper insurance to protect both public water supplies and private well owners.
Not sure if you need a well driller license? Check whether your state requires one.
Training & Apprenticeship
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
2 years
Apprenticeship
Required
CE Hours
16 hrs (biennially)
NGWA Certification
Accepted
Well driller experience typically involves working under a licensed driller to learn proper drilling techniques, well construction standards, and groundwater protection practices. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) offers voluntary certifications that are recognized in many states.
Browse Well Driller study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Liability Insurance & Surety Bond
Mostly verifiedLiability Insurance
$500,000
Surety Bond
Not Required
Many states require water well drillers to carry liability insurance to protect property owners and surety bonds to guarantee proper well construction. Insurance requirements typically cover damage to property and contamination of groundwater resources.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $111 |
License Fee | $200 |
Exam Fee | $68 |
Renewal Fee | $200 |
Total Initial Fees TDLR licensing fees for Water Well Driller | $379 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$200
Regulatory Board
Well driller licenses must be renewed on schedule. States with continuing education requirements typically focus on well construction standards updates, groundwater protection, and state regulatory changes. NGWA also offers CE courses accepted by many states.
Standards & Reporting
Mostly verifiedConstruction Standards
Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Part 4, Chapter 76 — Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers
Well Reporting Required
Yes
Well Log Required
Yes
Well construction standards ensure groundwater quality and protect aquifers from contamination. Most states require well completion reports (well logs) to be filed with the state, documenting well depth, construction details, water levels, and geological formations encountered during drilling.
Texas TDLR administers one of the larger well driller licensing programs in the nation, reflecting the state's significant groundwater usage.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses water well drillers and pump installers. Exam required; licensed under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1901.
There is no interstate compact for well drillers.
Well Driller requirements in nearby states
See how Texas compares: Well Driller License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare well driller requirements across all states →
Well Driller licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Texas compare to other states for well driller? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
Well Driller Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Training manuals and reference guides for water well drilling professionals.
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Well Driller requirements in Texas verified against Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), March 2026.
Current as of date accessed
Accessed 2026-03-16
NGWA industry resource
Accessed 2026-03-16
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Well Driller license to Texas →
Transfer your Well Driller license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
Texas requires a license for water well drillers. An exam is required. 2 years of experience needed. All licensing is managed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local regulatory authority.