Dear Citizens, Plumbing Industry and City Officials affected by Hurricane Harvey: The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) understands the serious situation that many of you are in with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. As soon as we have access, we will have our Field Representatives in the areas checking licenses, making public contact, and doing what we can to make sure that citizens in need of plumbing services are not being taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors. We will be investigating unlicensed individuals who offer regulated plumbing services on web sites, newspapers, and door to door around the state. Staff will also be focusing on persons offering to perform plumbing services and finding those actually performing plumbing work without a license in areas where a license is required. TSBPE will have extra personnel on hand to check sites where plumbing work is being performed. In coordination with the Governor’s proclamation, TSBPE will expedite the renewal procedures for all eligible TSBPE licensees and registrants in the affected counties to help them recover and return to work as quickly as possible. In addition, in an attempt to assist with the demand for licensed plumbers, TSBPE will offer an extended grace period for expired licenses. Licensees and Registrants in the affected areas with expiration dates beyond the usual expiration limits will be allowed to renew on a case by case basis by meeting certain requirements. This will allow those who have training in the plumbing industry, wishing to legally reenter the workforce, to possibly obtain employment and assist in the most devastated areas of our state. The following procedures are in effect for the duration of the declared disaster period and any extensions of that period: License expiration dates will be extended. All eligible licensees and registrants in the affected counties currently in their renewal period will have their license expiration dates extended by 60 days. Late fees and license replacement fees waived. TSBPE will waive renewal late fees and offer replacement licenses at no cost for all eligible licensees and registrants in the affected counties. Contact us at 512-936-5248 to order a duplicate license at no cost. Continuing education (CE) requirements temporarily waived: All eligible licensees and registrants in the affected counties may renew without completing continuing education requirements at this time. However, continuing education credits will be required to be made up no later than January 15th, 2018. This is subject to revision based on need and class availability in the affected areas. HOW TO CONTACT TSBPE TSBPE Licensees and Registrants in the affected counties can email us at: info@tsbpe.texas.gov to receive expedited assistance with questions regarding license renewals or replacement pocket cards. Please include in the email your full name, license number, rank, date of birth and address of record which must be in the affected counties. You may also call us at 512-936-5200 from 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Please have your license number ready and identify yourself as residing in the affected area. REBUILDING The TSBPE welcomes licensed Plumbers and Apprentices from other states wishing to assist in the recovery of our coastal area. However, a provisional license issued by the TSBPE will be required to perform plumbing within the State of Texas. We are happy to offer an expedited process for a provisional license for those who hold a license in another state. Those wishing to obtain a provisional license or assist in the installation of plumbing, must at a minimum obtain a Plumber’s Apprentice registration. Registrations can be obtained through our online services program on this site: www.tsbpe.texas.gov. Therefore we request that each applicant set up an account, register as an Apprentice, and then begin the quest for the provisional license. Doing so will help expedite the processing of all applications you may wish to make. Please retain your receipt as it will be needed later in the provisional process. Please review our license types from our website located at: www.tsbpe.texas.gov. Requirements vary by the license type we offer and based on the requirements you met when you obtained a license in another state. However, at a minimum each applicant will need a letter on their state’s letter head confirming the license type held, length of time held (minimum two years), the scope of work permitted by the license in the issuing state and confirmation that you are currently licensed in good standing with your issuing state. In addition, each applicant will need a good quality copy of a valid government issued photo ID and birth certificate. The provisional license will be valid for a period of 6 months. Within that time period you must take and successfully pass the applicable examination if you wish to obtain an initial non-provisional license. If you do not take the examination then the license will no longer be valid and cannot be renewed after the six month period. There are many organizations and groups looking for additional qualified Plumbers and Apprentices to work directly with established Texas plumbing companies.