Why Licensing Matters
Every U.S. state requires LP gas tank installations to be performed by a licensed LP gas dealer or contractor. This is a separate license from a general contractor license or a plumber's license — it is a specific credential issued by the state's LP gas regulatory agency, requiring training, testing, and ongoing compliance with safety standards.
Using an unlicensed installer creates three serious problems: your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to the system, your permit application will be rejected (the license number is required), and you have no regulatory recourse if the installation is defective. The cost of verifying a license takes two minutes. The cost of discovering your installer wasn't licensed after a fire can be catastrophic.
Two Types of LP Gas Professionals
LP Gas Dealer / Supplier
A licensed propane supplier — a company that delivers propane and typically provides and installs tanks as part of a lease arrangement. Major LP gas suppliers (AmeriGas, Ferrellgas, Suburban Propane, and regional suppliers) are licensed dealers in every state they operate. If you lease a tank from a licensed supplier, their installation crew handles the permit and installation. This is the most common residential arrangement.
LP Gas Contractor / Installer
An independent licensed contractor who installs LP gas systems but does not supply propane. If you own your tank outright and need independent installation, you hire a licensed LP gas contractor. This is less common for residential tank installation but more common for gas piping work (connecting the tank to appliances).
How to Verify a License — By State Agency
| State | Licensing Agency | License Lookup |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) | rrc.texas.gov — LP Gas Dealer search |
| Louisiana | Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) | sfm.dps.louisiana.gov |
| Tennessee | Division of Fire Prevention | tn.gov/commerce/fire-prevention |
| Ohio | Ohio State Fire Marshal | com.ohio.gov/fire |
| Pennsylvania | PA Dept. of Labor and Industry | dli.pa.gov |
| Virginia | DHCD | dpor.virginia.gov |
| Georgia | Safety Fire Commissioner | sfm.georgia.gov |
| Florida | FDACS | fdacs.gov/lp-gas |
| Michigan | LARA | michigan.gov/lara |
| Minnesota | Dept. of Labor and Industry (DLI) | dli.mn.gov/business/propane |
| All other states | Search "[state name] LP gas contractor license lookup" | State agency varies |
What to Ask Your Installer Before Signing
- "What is your state LP gas dealer or contractor license number?" — Write it down.
- "Will you be pulling the required permits for this installation?" — Confirm which permits (tank and gas piping).
- "Will you schedule and be present for the required inspections?" — Confirm their role in the inspection process.
- "Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?" — Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- "Have you done residential LP gas installations in this county before?" — Local familiarity with the permit process is a plus.
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
- Installer refuses to provide their license number or says licensing "isn't required" in your county — it is required statewide everywhere
- Installer suggests proceeding without pulling permits to "save time"
- Significantly lower bid than other licensed contractors with no explanation
- No verifiable business address or established presence in your area
- License number check shows lapsed or suspended license
For any tank connected to your home's gas distribution system, no. In virtually every state, this requires a licensed LP gas dealer or contractor. Small portable cylinders (the type used for grills) are exempt. For permanent residential LP gas systems of any size, homeowner self-installation is not permitted and permits will not be issued to unlicensed homeowners for this work.
Yes. Propane suppliers must hold a valid state LP gas dealer license to sell, deliver, and install LP gas systems. All major national and regional propane suppliers maintain their licenses. You can verify your supplier's license through your state's LP gas regulatory agency. When a licensed supplier installs a leased tank, they pull the required permits and handle inspections as part of their standard service — but always confirm this in writing before your installation date.