Pyrotechnic & Flame Effect Licensing

A person who assembles, conducts, and supervises the use of pyrotechnic devices in the presence of a proximate audience must obtain a state Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator's license. A "proximate audience" is defined as "spectators whose primary purpose is to view the performance," and may include non-professional actors (extras) and workers other than the film crew. Theatrical, musical, and indoor performing arts that include the use of pyrotechnics also fall into this category.

A person who assembles, conducts, or supervises flame effects before an audience must obtain a state Flame Effects Operator's license.

The licensing exam is held in Austin each Wednesday (except the first Wednesday of the month) at 9:00AM and 1:00PM. The examination application and a nonrefundable exam fee of $20.00 must be received no less than ten days prior to the examination date. The license application and $45.00 license fee should not be submitted until the examination has been successfully completed. Background checks are performed on all applicants, and the license will not be issued until the check is satisfactorily completed. The background check will take longer if the applicant has not been a Texas resident for the past ten years.

Further Information
Applications are available on the Texas Department of Insurance's Web site, or you may contact:

State Fire Marshall's Office
Fireworks Licensing Technician
(512) 305-7900
www.tdi.state.tx.us