How to become a travel agent in Texas

No. Texas has no seller of travel registration law that we could find in the Texas statutes, and no travel agent license, so you can start selling travel without a state travel filing. You still follow Texas consumer protection law, register your business name, and meet the rules of the states where your travelers live.

Here is what applies in Texas, how to set up your business, and the steps from zero to your first booking.

Do you need a license to be a travel agent in Texas?

No. Texas has no seller-of-travel registration law that we could find in the Texas statutes; a 1997 bill to create one (H.B. 2048) didn't pass. It would have barred anyone from acting as a seller of travel or a travel counselor in this state without a certificate of registration. Its last action was a referral to committee on March 6, 1997.

There is no federal travel agent license either. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says some states require a business license, state registration or other conditions, and requirements vary by state. How to get a travel agent license covers the states that do require registration.

What still applies in Texas

No travel license doesn't mean no rules. This is a summary, not legal advice.

The Attorney General also tells travelers what to expect from you. Its travel page advises them to get any offer in writing, read the fine print and check the cancellation and refund policies. It also suggests they confirm reservations independently.

What this means for advisors: put every quote in writing, with the supplier's cancellation terms attached. It's what Texas travelers are told to ask for.

Selling to travelers in other states

Your Texas address doesn't settle which rules apply. California treats you as doing business there if you solicit buyers located in California. Florida's seller of travel definition covers any resident or nonresident. Washington and Hawaii have their own rules too, and Maryland passed a registration law in 2026 that isn't open yet. If you market to travelers in those states, check how to get a travel agent license before you sell.

Setting up your business in Texas

You don't need a travel license, but you do need to register the name you sell under. The filing depends on how you're set up. As checked October 2026:

Since September 1, 2019, entities no longer file assumed names at the county level, only with the Secretary of State. An assumed name certificate lasts up to 10 years and can be renewed.

Sales tax. The Texas Comptroller says you need a sales and use tax permit if you sell taxable services in Texas, and it points to Tax Code Section 151.0101 for the full list. Ask the Comptroller whether anything you charge for is on it.

Local licenses. What you need from a city or county depends on your activities and location. Check with your city before you open. An EIN is free from the IRS. The rest of the setup is in how to start a travel agency.

Steps to become a travel agent in Texas

1. Choose your route. Work for an agency, join a host agency, or go independent. How to become a travel agent compares all three.
2. Get trained. A course shortens the learning curve, but The Travel Institute says certification isn't a legal requirement. See travel agent certification.
3. Register your business name in Texas. File an assumed name with your county clerk, or form an LLC with the Secretary of State.
4. Check the states your travelers live in. Texas has no travel filing that we could find. California, Florida and others may still apply when you sell to their residents.
5. Pick a host or plan for accreditation. A host lends you its accreditation and supplier deals. Going independent means your own, starting with IATA codes.
6. Choose a niche. Pick what you already know and love to plan, so a friend can repeat your pitch in one sentence.
7. Find your first clients and book. Start with people who trust you, put every quote in writing, and collect a deposit before you commit to the supplier.

Travel agent jobs and pay in Texas

Texas had 4,310 travel agents employed in May 2025, with an annual median wage of $49,500, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for SOC 41-3041. Those figures cover employees only. The survey excludes the self-employed, so advisors who work for themselves aren't in these numbers.

Nationally, travel agents held about 61,500 jobs in 2025, and about 12% were self-employed. Your income depends on your niche, clients and split. Travel agent income explains how the money works.

Training and community in Texas

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) lists three chapters covering Texas: Greater Houston, Greater Austin and Greater Dallas-Ft. Worth. A chapter is a practical way to meet suppliers and other advisors near you. For courses and credentials, see travel agent certification.

How Tripdash helps advisors in Texas

Tripdash is a host agency platform that certifies travel advisors, sends qualified leads and includes flight and hotel booking systems. You keep 80%+ of every booking. See how Tripdash works for advisors.

Sources

1. Texas Legislature Online. H.B. 2048, 75th Legislature (1997), introduced text and bill history, accessed October 2026.
2. Texas Legislature. Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 17, Subchapter E: Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, accessed October 2026.
3. Texas Legislature. Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 71: Assumed Business or Professional Name, accessed October 2026.
4. Office of the Texas Attorney General. Consumer Protection and Travel Scams and Tips, October 2026.
5. Texas Secretary of State. Instructions for Form 205, Certificate of Formation (LLC) and Instructions for Form 503, Assumed Name Certificate, accessed October 2026.
6. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Sales and Use Tax FAQ: permits, accessed October 2026.
7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Travel Agents, last modified August 27, 2026. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Texas, SOC 41-3041 (series OEUS480000000000041304101 and OEUS480000000000041304113), and OEWS scope.
8. American Society of Travel Advisors. Chapters and Committees, accessed October 2026.
9. California Attorney General. Seller of Travel laws, Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17550–17550.59. Florida Legislature. Section 559.927, 2026 Florida Statutes.
10. U.S. Small Business Administration. Apply for licenses and permits. IRS. Get an employer identification number.
11. The Travel Institute. Start your travel career, October 2026.