LP-Gas and CNG Plumber & ACR Contractor Exempt Registration FAQs

Yes. The Commission mails each current registrant a reminder letter around March 1 each year.

Any renewals processed after May 31 will incur a $20 late fee in addition to the $20 renewal fee. We recommend the $40.00 payment be made online at the Alternative Fuels payment portal; email the receipt (and your renewal letter or a copy of your exemption card) to [email protected]

No, as long as it remains in effect.

Not at this time. However, you can click here to make a renewal payment online. A copy of the online payment receipt and the renewal letter or a copy of your exemption card MUST be submitted to the Commission in order to process the renewal.
Email the required documents to [email protected].

Individuals who hold a current master or journeyman plumber’s license issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or a current Class A or Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor’s license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation are eligible to register with the Railroad Commission. Individuals issued an exemption are eligible to perform LP-gas activities that would otherwise require a Railroad Commission Category D LP-gas license or CNG activities that would otherwise require an employee-level service and installation certification.

For LP-gas, the exemption allows the individual to sell, service, and install LP-gas containers, except motor fuel containers; service, install and repair LP-gas piping and certain LP-gas appliances as defined by rule, excluding recreational vehicle appliances and systems and motor fuel and recreational vehicle systems; and sell, service, install and repair LP-gas containers, systems and appliances in manufactured homes. The exemption is equivalent to a Category D license.

For CNG, the exemption allows the individual to perform all CNG activities related to stationary CNG systems, including CNG containers, piping, and equipment. However, the individual must work for a Category 2 or 3 licensee.

No. An exemption is specific to the individual named on the registration card.

The Railroad Commission issues licenses only to companies, including sole proprietors. The Commission registers individuals who meet the qualifications for exempt registration and wish to perform LP-gas/CNG activities in Texas.

The requirements for exempt registration are in rule. See TAC:

• LPG - §13, General Installer and Repairman Exemption, or
• CNG - 13.70(g), Examination and Exempt Registration Requirements and Renewals. 

To register submit a Form 16B or Form 1016B, a copy of your master or journeyman plumber’s license issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or your Class A or Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor’s license issued by the TDLR, a copy of your Texas driver’s license or state ID and the required application fee

To update your personal mailing address, please email a copy of your card along with your updated address to
[email protected].

Send your full name and the last four-digits of your Social Security number to [email protected] requesting a new card. If your personal mailing address has changed provide your current mailing address.

Resend the correct form with a check or money order for the correct fee.

Yes. Credit card payments can be made online by clicking here.

No. For security reasons, we do not accept credit card information over the phone, fax or mail.

For LPG, the initial application fee is $50. For CNG, the initial application fee is $30.

For LP-gas, a Category D license is required if your company has one or more employees who hold a Railroad Commission LP-gas certification (e.g., service and installation) and perform LP-gas activities, but do not hold an LPG exempt registration .

For CNG, a Category 2 or 3 license is required for CNG exempt registrations.

For LPG, the license number field on Form 16B applies only if your company holds a Railroad Commission Category D LP-gas license. If this does not apply to you, simply leave the field blank.

For CNG, the license number field on Form 1016B must be completed with your employers RRC Category 2 or 3 license number.

Applications are processed within 10 business days. If all of the required documentation and payment has been submitted, it should take no longer than three weeks with mailing time. During our peak annual renewal period (March-June) it may take up to 5 weeks.

No. The Commission does not have any vehicle identification requirement for exempt registrants.

No. However, you must comply with the insurance requirements set out by TDLR and the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

For applications submitted via mail, email or fax the application will be processed within 10 business days and the card mailed out; temporary cards are not available for these submissions. Individuals that bring their completed application, required documentation and proof of online payment to AFS headquarters in Austin may receive a temporary card if all criteria have been met.

All registrations expire at midnight on May 31 each year and must be renewed before that date to remain in force.

The renewal fee is $20 per year.