TDLR grades administrative violations into penalty classes, each with a fine range. A Class B violation carries a penalty of $1,000 to $3,500 per violation and/or up to a 1-year full license suspension. The full ladder:
- Class A: $500–$1,500
- Class B: $1,000–$3,500
- Class C: $2,000–$5,000
- Class D: $3,500–$5,000, up to revocation
The Class B tier is where expired-license practice lands: performing or offering to perform licensed work with an expired license is explicitly a Class B violation (for electricians, 16 TAC §73.22(b)). Working with no license at all is the higher Class C tier — $2,000–$5,000 plus a probated suspension up to revocation.
Penalties are assessed per violation, so each job or instance can count separately — a few weeks of work on an expired license can multiply into a five-figure exposure. Repeat violations also escalate penalties within the class.
What it means for your renewal
Compare the numbers: a late renewal costs tens of dollars; a single Class B violation starts at $1,000 and can suspend the license you earn your living with. If your license has expired, stop working until the renewal is processed — it is never worth finishing "one more job" on an expired license.