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Governor Greg Abbott has approved waiving certain licensing requirements for the fire industry at the request of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). These measures will ensure services remain available during the state’s response to COVID-19.
These changes affect three types of licenses: fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and fire sprinklers. The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office is unable to process new fireworks licenses at this time.
New licenses
Most testing and fingerprinting facilities are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, but TDI will accept the certification options below in place of the required exam. These certifications can only be used to take the place of the test. You will still need to submit a paper license application.
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Extinguishers: National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors certifications
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Alarms: Electronic Security Association and National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies certifications
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Sprinklers: National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies certifications
Once business returns to normal, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will set a deadline to take the rules and statute exam at a testing facility. Failure to take this exam within the deadline will result in an invalid license.
Applications are available online. Mail the application and proof of the certification you are using in place of the test to:
Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office
P.O. Box 149221
Austin, TX 78714-9221
License renewals
You can renew licenses online. If your license is set to expire in March or April, TDI will:
- Extend the renewal deadline by two months.
- Waive late fees.
- Extend the deadline to take the exam.
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