All Star Electric

Yes — electrical contractors and the electricians they employ should hold the appropriate licenses, registrations or certifications required by the state or local jurisdiction. In Texas many electricians are registered or licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and some cities (including San Antonio) also require contractor registration or permits for certain work. Ask the contractor for their license or registration number and proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation (if applicable). You can verify a license or registration on the TDLR website or the City of San Antonio contractor lookup, and you should also confirm they will pull required permits and arrange inspections.

Most electrical work requires a permit and inspection. Typical permit‑required projects include new circuits, service upgrades, panel changes, meter work, major rewiring, and additions for HVAC or EV chargers. Small repairs like swapping a single receptacle or replacing a light fixture may not always need a permit, but requirements vary by project and by local code. A licensed electrician should obtain the permit, schedule inspections with the city, and ensure the work complies with the National Electrical Code and San Antonio’s local amendments.

Look for warning signs such as frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, use of fuses instead of breakers, warm or buzzing panels, or an inability to add new circuits. Homes in San Antonio often have high cooling loads because of the climate, so older panels (commonly 60–100 amp service) can be inadequate for modern HVAC systems, whole‑house AC replacements, EV chargers, or major appliance additions. A licensed electrician will perform a load calculation, recommend a suitable service size (for many homes that means upgrading to 200 amps or another capacity based on the calculation), coordinate any required work with the utility, pull permits, and arrange inspections. Ask for a written estimate that lists scope, timeline, and permit/inspection responsibilities; also discuss weatherproofing and surge protection for outdoor equipment given Texas storms and heat.