Sign Contractors & Operators

The licensing and registration requirements for sign contractors are different based upon the type of work that will be performed.

State Sign & Master Sign Contractor Registration

State Sign Contractor/Electrical Application (PDF)

To receive a permit, you will need to register your State Sign Contractor License. To register your license, you will need the following:

  • Government issued photo identification and Master of Record must also be present
  • State Sign Contractor License
  • State Master Electrical License or State Master Sign License (a State Sign Contractor must be mastered by either)
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of San Antonio listed as the Certificate Holder, certifying that:
    • The applicant is insured to the limits insurance for bodily injury liability insurance of at least $300,000.
    • Property damage liability insurance of at least $300,000 for both general liability and completed operations insurance.
    • This amount shall equal the same amount as the state, should requirements be changed by the state.

State Electrical Contractor Registration

Before performing any electrical work or sign work, you must register with the City. To register your license, you will need the following:

  • State Sign Contractor’s license & State Master Electrician’s license
  • Government issued photo identification and photo identification of Master of Record
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of San Antonio listed as the Certificate Holder certifying that:
    • The applicant is insured to the limits insurance for bodily injury liability insurance of at least $300,000.
    • Property damage liability insurance of at least $300,000 for both general liability and completed operations insurance.
    • This amount shall equal the same amount as the state, should requirements be changed by the state.

City Sign Master License & Registration

The City no longer issues Sign Master Contractor licenses. If you have an existing City-issued license, the City will honor your license.

To renew your license you will need the following:

  • Government issued photo identification
  • Registration Fee: $250 every two years
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of San Antonio listed as the Certificate Holder certifying that:
    • The applicant is insured to the limits for bodily injury liability insurance of at least $300,000.
    • Property damage liability insurance of at least $300,000 for both general liability and completed operations insurance.
    • This amount shall equal the same amount as the state, should requirements be changed by the state.

On-Premises (Commercial) Sign Operator

Commercial/Billboard Sign Operator License Registration (PDF)

To receive a permit, you will need to register your On-Premises Sign Operator License. To register your license you will need the following:

  • Proof of successful completion of approved ICC exam (initial registration only)
  • Government issued photo identification
  • Annual registration fee: $100
    • Registrations expire each year on September 30.
  • Annual $45,000 bond
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of San Antonio listed as the Certificate Holder.
    • Workers Compensation and Employer’s Liability $500,000
    • Comprehensive general liability $1,000,000
    • Bodily injury or property damage $1,000,000

Off-Premises (Billboard) Sign Operator

Commercial/Billboard Sign Operator License Registration (PDF)

To receive a permit, you will need to register your Off-Premises Sign Contractor License. To register your license with the City of San Antonio, you will need the following:

  • Proof of successful completion of approved ICC exam (initial registration only)
  • Government issued photo identification
  • Annual registration fee: $375
    • Registrations expire each year on September 30.
  • Annual $45,000 bond
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of San Antonio listed as the Certificate Holder.
    • Workers Compensation and Employer’s Liability $500,000
    • Comprehensive general liability $1,000,000
    • Bodily injury or property damage $1,000,000