The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is the state's umbrella occupational regulatory agency, responsible for the regulation of 22 occupations and industries. The regulated industries are diverse, ranging from boxing to electricians, from elevators to auctioneers.
Robert Roda, Investigator, Enforcement Division with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation stopped by the KPRC studios for a chat with Homework Houston host, Marc McCoy. In a live radio interview, Mr. Roda talked about the importance of the license number and the ease of checking up on licensed companies.
“That license number is very important,” said Roda. “With it, you can verify the license and look up any complaints that have been filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation,” Roda said.
Checking out the license is easy. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains a website at www.license.state.tx.us. The “Online Services” area on the right hand side of the home page has links for several different types of searches. Simply enter the license number of the business on which you’d like to do some homework. The number can be verified along with its current status. You can also find information on past complaints that have been filed on that company. Complaints can be filed online as well in the same manor.
Is license abuse or fraud common? “My docket is full,” said Investigator Roda. “Far too many companies are trying to use phony numbers to mislead consumers. My job is to find them and help them come into compliance or stop them from doing business,” said Roda.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issued thirteen cease and desist orders against ten unlicensed individuals to prevent them from acting as licensed air conditioning or electrical contractors. The orders were issued in February 2007. All actions are the result of investigations into illegal activities.
Web link: www.license.state.tx.us