How to Become a Travel Agent in Texas (2026): Steps, Costs, Laws and Income

Quick Answer

How To Become a Travel Agent in Texas!

Becoming a travel agent in Texas is actually quite easy! Most beginners start by choosing a host-agency or independent-business path, completing travel-agent training, and following the state and local requirements for your location.

1. Learn the Texas rules (spoiler: there’s no license).
2. Choose a business model, usually a host agency.
3. Get trained.
4. Set up your client process, policies, and business tools.
5. Choose a niche and start marketing to potential clients.

Important: Travel-business rules can change. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate state authority and your host agency before you begin selling travel.

See the Full Step-by-Step Process

Key Takeaways

• No license needed: In Texas, you do not need a travel agent license, Seller of Travel registration, or a bond.
• Quick start: Most new agents join a host agency and begin booking trips in just a few weeks.
• Low cost: Most people get started for less than $1,500, and many spend even less.
• Business setup: Setting up a Texas LLC costs $300. A county DBA usually costs between $17 and $35.
• Annual requirement: Texas LLCs need to file a Public Information Report with the Comptroller by May 15 each year, even if no tax is owed.
• Income: Salaried travel agents in Texas earn a median of $49,500 per year, and commission-based agents can earn even more.
• Biggest local advantage: Galveston is one of the country’s busiest cruise ports, and DFW is among the world’s busiest airports.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including travel. In 2025, visitors spent a record $98.7 billion here. Galveston sends out hundreds of cruise ships each year, and DFW Airport handles about 86 million passengers annually. The best part? Texas makes it easy for travel agents, with almost no red tape.

Imagine your week as a Texas travel agent. A family in Katy asks for a Galveston cruise. A couple in Plano wants an all-inclusive trip to Cancún. Your coworker in Austin dreams of Italy for her 10th anniversary. You can earn a commission on each of these trips, all while working from your kitchen table.

Here’s how you can get started!

What a Travel Agent Does These Days

If you still imagine a travel agent printing tickets at a desk, things have changed. Today’s travel advisors are planners, problem-solvers, and trip designers. Most work from home, choose their own hours, and specialize in trips they enjoy.

A typical week might include:

• Matching a family with the right cruise ship, cabin, and drink package
• Building a Disney or Universal vacation with park tickets, hotels, and dining
• Comparing all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Planning honeymoons, anniversaries and destination weddings
• Organizing group trips for churches, schools, sports teams or family reunions
• Offering travel insurance and explaining what it covers
• Fixing problems such as canceled flights, missed connections, or hurricane changes
• Posting tips and trip ideas on social media
• Following up with past clients about their next vacation

How Agents Get Paid:

Most travel agents earn money through commissions from cruise lines, resorts, hotels, and tour companies. For example, if you book a $6,000 cruise, the cruise line pays part of that amount to the agency, and the agent gets a share. Usually, clients pay the same price as if they booked on their own.

Some agents also charge planning fees for complicated trips, like multi-country tours or big group events. These fees pay for their time and expertise, especially when a trip pays little or no commission. I recommend not charging planning fees except for certain things (large booking parties, complicated bookings); it tends to turn potential clients away.

Why People Still Use Travel Agents:

Booking websites can’t make decisions for you. They won’t warn you about a cabin under a noisy pool deck, suggest the best Cancún resort for toddlers, or help if your flight is canceled late at night. That personal touch is why people still want travel advisors.

Step 1: Understand Texas Travel Agent Requirements

Here’s some good news to start: Texas doesn’t require you to have a travel agent license!

There’s also:

• No Seller of Travel registration
• No state bond
• No required certification or exam
• No required college degree
• No general state business license

You don’t need special permission from the state to sell travel in Texas. All you need is a regular, properly registered business, which you’ll learn about in Step 3.

The Out-of-State Catch

California, Florida, Washington, and Hawaii have Seller of Travel laws. Sometimes, these rules depend on where your client lives, not where you are based.

For example, if your Houston business books a client in San Diego, you may need to follow California’s rules. If you book someone in Orlando, Florida’s rules could apply.

There’s an easy solution. Many host agencies are already registered in these states and cover their agents. Some may ask you to sign a yearly form to confirm you work under their registration.

Before joining a host agency, ask:

• “Are you registered in California, Florida, Washington, and Hawaii?”
• “Am I covered when I sell to clients in those states?”
• “Is there any paperwork I need to file each year?”

The IATA Number Myth

You might see some websites claim you “must have an IATA number to be a travel agent in Texas.” This isn’t true under Texas law. An IATA number is just an industry ID that suppliers use to recognize agencies and pay commissions. There are other similar IDs, like the ARC Verified Travel Consultant program for agencies that don’t issue airline tickets.

Most new agents start out by booking under their host agency’s IDs. You only need your own ID if you decide to become fully independent later on.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Model

Before you sign up for anything, think about how you want to run your business. You have three main options.

Option 1: Join a Host Agency (Best for Most Beginners)

A host agency is a bigger company that allows independent agents to work with them. You run your own business, and the host gives you:

• Booking access and supplier relationships
• Higher commission rates negotiated by the host
• Training and mentoring
• Technology such as a CRM, booking tools and commission tracking
• Support when something goes wrong
• Coverage under its industry IDs and often its out-of-state Seller of Travel registrations

In exchange, you share your commissions, usually keeping 70% to 90%. You might also pay a monthly or yearly fee, which is often between $30 and $100 per month. Some hosts do not charge a fee but keep a bigger part of your commission.

Questions to ask any host:

• What commission split do I keep?
• Are there monthly, yearly or startup fees?
• What training is included?
• How fast are commissions paid?
• Is there a minimum sales requirement?
• Do you support my niche (cruises, Disney, luxury, groups)?
• Can I leave easily, and do I keep my clients if I do?

Option 2: Work for a Travel Agency as an Employee

Some travel agencies in Texas, especially corporate ones in Houston and Dallas, hire employees. This option gives you a steady paycheck and a clear structure. However, you have less freedom, fixed hours, and usually earn a smaller share of your sales.

Option 3: Go Fully Independent

Independent agents keep all of their commissions, but they have to manage everything on their own, including supplier contracts, industry IDs, technology, insurance, and compliance. This can be rewarding for experienced agents, but it is a lot to handle for beginners.

Step 3: Register Your Texas Business

You don’t need a general business license in Texas, but you still have to set up your business the right way. Here are your main options.

Option A: Sole Proprietor (Simplest)

If you’re a sole proprietor, there’s no legal separation between you and your business. This is the simplest way to get started.

If you use your own name, such as “Jessica Ramirez Travel,” you probably don’t need to file extra paperwork. But if you want to use a brand name like “Lone Star Getaways,” you’ll need an Assumed Name Certificate, also known as a DBA.

Sole proprietors file with the county clerk in every county where they have a business office. If you work from home, file in your home county.

Typical county fees:

• Harris County: about $17
• Dallas County: about $23
• Travis County: about $23
• In most other counties, fees are usually between $17 and $35. There may be small extra charges for additional owners or certified copies.

A DBA is good for up to 10 years. To keep your business name, just re-file before it expires.

Option B: Form an LLC (Most Popular)

An LLC, or limited liability company, keeps your personal assets separate from your business. If there’s a problem with a booking or a dispute, your home and savings are better protected. Having an LLC can also make you look more professional to clients and suppliers.

How to form a Texas LLC:

1. Make sure your business name is different from any other Texas business. If you’re not ready to file yet, you can reserve your name for 120 days for $40.
2. Pick a registered agent. This is someone or a company with a Texas address who can accept legal documents for your LLC. You can be your own registered agent, but your LLC can’t act as its own agent.
3. File Form 205, called the Certificate of Formation, with the Texas Secretary of State using the SOSPortal.
4. Pay the $300 filing fee. If you pay online with a card, there’s a small processing fee added.
5. Make an operating agreement. Texas doesn’t require you to file it, but it’s a good idea to have one for your records.

If you want to use a brand name that’s different from your LLC’s legal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Secretary of State for $25. After your LLC is registered with the state, you don’t need to file with the county too.

After Your Business Is Registered

• Get an EIN from the IRS. It’s free and only takes a few minutes online. You’ll use this number instead of your Social Security number on paperwork for hosts and suppliers.
• Open a business bank account so you can keep your travel income and expenses separate right from the start.
• You can skip the BOI report. Federal beneficial ownership reporting no longer applies to companies formed in the U.S.

Step 4: Handle Texas Taxes and Yearly Filings

Many new Texas agents find taxes confusing, so here’s what you need to know.

No State Income Tax

Texas does not have a personal state income tax. You will still pay federal income tax and self-employment tax on your profits, but you do not owe the state anything on your personal income. This gives you an advantage compared to agents in many other states.

Franchise Tax (For LLCs)

Texas LLCs are subject to the state franchise tax, but most new travel agents do not end up paying it.

• No-tax-due threshold for 2026 and 2027 reports: $2.65 million in annual revenue
• If you’re under it: You owe $0 in franchise tax

Some older websites may still show $2.47 million as the threshold, but that was the old amount. The Texas Comptroller has confirmed the $2.65 million threshold for 2026 and 2027.

The Yearly Filing You Can’t Skip

Every Texas LLC must file a Public Information Report with the Texas Comptroller by May 15 each year, even if you do not owe any tax. If May 15 is a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day.

If you miss the deadline, you could face a $50 late penalty and your LLC could lose its right to do business in Texas. It’s a good idea to set a yearly reminder.

Sole proprietors do not have to file this report. This is one reason some new agents choose to start as sole proprietors.

Sales Tax

The state sales tax in Texas is 6.25%, and local taxes can increase it to 8.25%. Here’s what travel agents should know:

• Commissions from suppliers generally aren’t subject to sales tax
• Planning fees are usually considered non-taxable in Texas, but tax rules can change. Check with a tax professional before you start charging fees.

Deductions That Save You Money

You can lower your federal tax bill by deducting common business expenses such as:

• Host agency fees
• Training and certification costs
• Website, software, and marketing
• A share of your phone and internet
• A home office, if it qualifies
• Business-related travel, including many FAM trips

Track receipts from your first day. A simple spreadsheet or bookkeeping app works great!

Step 5: Understand Travel Insurance Rules in Texas

Travel insurance helps your clients avoid costly problems, such as illness, hurricanes, or canceled flights. You can also earn extra income by offering it. In Texas, there are two legal ways to provide travel insurance.

Route 1: Sell Under a Licensed Insurer’s Program

In Texas, you can offer and process travel insurance without your own license if you work under a licensed supervising entity. The insurer or supervising entity keeps a list of approved travel sellers, and you must follow their rules and training.

Many host agencies arrange this for their agents. For most beginners, this is the easiest route!

Route 2: Get Your Own Specialty Travel Insurance License

If you prefer to have your own license, you can apply for a specialty travel insurance license through the Texas Department of Insurance.

• Application fee: $50
• Where to apply: Online through Sircon
• Required: A signed appointment form from the insurance company you’ll represent
• Training: Provided by the insurer or agency
• Fingerprints: Not required
• Continuing education: Not required
• Renewal fee: $50

Important Rule

Do not quote, sell, or explain coverage details until you have completed one of these steps. On your first day, ask your host agency how they handle travel insurance.

Step 6: Pick Your Niche

New agents often struggle if they try to sell everything to everyone. Those who focus on a specialty tend to grow faster, since people remember “the cruise person” or “the Disney expert.”

Strong Niches for Texas Agents

• Galveston cruises: There is strong local demand, the port is a short drive away, and many people cruise more than once.
• Mexico and the Caribbean: Cancún is the top international destination from DFW, and many Texans enjoy all-inclusive resorts.
• Disney and Universal: Families plan these trips every year, and now Texas even has its own Universal park.
• Destination weddings and honeymoons: High-value trips with built-in group bookings
• Group travel: This includes trips for churches, schools, sports teams, quinceañeras, and family reunions.
• Spanish-speaking clients: There is a large market in Houston, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and El Paso.
• Luxury travel: Wealthy clients live in places like Austin, The Woodlands, Highland Park, and Southlake.
• Military travel: San Antonio, Killeen, and El Paso all have large military communities.
• Corporate travel: Houston’s energy industry and Dallas’s many corporate headquarters create steady business travel demand.

How to Choose

Ask yourself three questions:

1. What kind of travel do I already love and know?
2. Who do I already know that travels this way?
3. Is there steady demand for it where I live?

Step 7: Get Trained

You don’t need any training to get started in Texas, but taking good training can boost your confidence and help you make more sales.

Host Agency Training

Most host agencies include training when you join. It’s the quickest way to learn booking systems, commissions, and the basics.

Supplier Training (Free)

Cruise lines, theme parks, resort brands, and tour companies all offer free online courses for agents. These come with several benefits:

• Expert knowledge of their products
• Certificates you can show clients
• Access to agent rates and FAM trips
• Better commission levels from some suppliers

If you plan to specialize in Galveston cruises or theme parks, begin with training from those suppliers.

Industry Certifications

Professional certifications, such as the Certified Travel Associate (CTA), add credibility. Training and certification programs typically cost $200 to $600.

Texas Training Options

Texas State University has an online travel agent training program through its continuing education department. This program helps you get ready for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) exam.

Ongoing Learning

Great agents keep learning. You can join industry webinars, follow trade news, and connect with other agents in online groups.

Step 8: Set Up Your Tools and Brand

You don’t need an office or pricey gear. Here’s what you really need to get started.

The Basics

• A reliable laptop and smartphone
• A professional email address, such as yourname@yourbusiness.com, looks more polished than using a free email service.
• Set up a business phone number or use a different line for work calls.
• A quiet workspace for client calls

Your Online Presence

• A simple website with your niche, services, contact form, and reviews
• A Google Business Profile so locals can find you in searches like “travel agent near me”
• Focus your social media on your niche. Facebook and Instagram are great for families and cruises, while TikTok and YouTube are better for sharing tips and destination videos.

Business Tools

• Use a CRM to keep track of clients, trips, birthdays, and anniversaries. Many host agencies provide one for you.
• An itinerary builder helps you send professional-looking trip proposals to your clients.
• Bookkeeping software makes it easy to track your income and expenses.

Your Brand

Keep your brand simple and consistent. Use one name, one logo, one color palette, and one clear message. For example: “Galveston Cruise Experts Helping Texas Families Sail Stress-Free.”

Step 9: Market Yourself and Book Your First Trip

Chances are, your first clients are people you already know.

Start With Your Warm Network

1. Let people know about your new business. Share it on your social media and send a quick text to friends and family.
2. Spread the word in your community. Groups like your church, PTA, gym, coworkers, and neighbors all need to travel at some point.
3. Offer to plan one trip. Many first bookings come from someone saying, “Well, we were thinking about a cruise.”

Build Local Visibility

• Join local Facebook groups such as “Katy Moms,” “Frisco Families,” or “Round Rock Community.”
• Host a free cruise or Disney planning night at a local coffee shop or library.
• Partner with local wedding venues, photographers and bridal shops
• Consider sponsoring a youth sports team or a school fundraiser to get your name out there.

Create Helpful Content

Sharing short, helpful tips helps build trust with potential clients:

• “3 Things to Know Before Your First Galveston Cruise”
• “Best Cancún Resorts for Texas Families”
• “How to Do Universal Kids Resort in One Day”
• “Cheapest Times to Fly Out of DFW to Mexico”

Grow With Groups and Referrals

• Group trips: Booking just one group cruise can bring in as much as ten individual bookings.
• Referrals: After a client is happy with their trip, ask them, “Who else do you know who’d love a trip like this?”
• Follow-up: Send a welcome-home message and a “where to next?” note a few months later

Why Texas Is a Great Place to Be a Travel Agent

Texas offers travel agents large markets, major airports, a busy cruise port, and very little regulation. Here’s how you can make the most of each region.

Houston and Galveston: Cruise Country

Galveston is the fourth-busiest cruise home port in the U.S., with about 446 sailings and roughly 3.9 million passenger movements expected in 2026. The port opened a fourth cruise terminal in late 2025, and talks are under way for a fifth!

What’s coming:

• Disney Magic returns for seasonal sailings in November 2026
• Liberty of the Seas begins short cruises starting October 2026
• Carnival Horizon begins 4- and 5-night cruises in May 2027
• Icon of the Seas arrives in August 2027
• Margaritaville at Sea begins homeporting in October 2027

How to use it: Families in the Houston area can easily drive to the port, making cruises both affordable and simple to sell. Focus on first-time cruisers, family reunions, group cruises, and new ship launches. Try to write about each new ship before your competitors.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) also has great connections to Latin America and Europe, giving you opportunities to offer international trips.

Dallas–Fort Worth: Airport Powerhouse

DFW Airport serves about 86 million passengers a year, with nonstop flights to 193 U.S. and 77 international destinations. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world.

How to use it: With nonstop flights, destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Hawaii are easy to sell. Cancún is the most popular international spot from DFW, so beach and all-inclusive trips are a great fit. The many corporate headquarters in the area also mean there’s demand for business and incentive travel.

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco: Universal’s first park for families with young children opened on July 1, 2026. It features seven themed lands and a 300-room hotel. If you focus on families in North Texas, this gives you a local theme park to promote, and it’s a great way to introduce clients to Universal Orlando or Disney trips later on.

Austin: Growth and Luxury

Austin is growing quickly and has a young, well-off, and well-traveled population. Some salary data even lists Austin as one of the best-paying cities for travel agents.

How to use it: Focus on luxury travel, honeymoons, adventure trips, wellness retreats, and travel for remote workers. People in Austin usually care more about unique experiences than just finding the lowest price.

San Antonio: Families, Groups and Military

San Antonio is known for its strong family ties, faith communities, and military presence.

How to use it: Focus on group travel, trips for big families, Disney vacations, and travel options that are friendly for military families. Since many people in San Antonio speak both English and Spanish, trips to Mexico and Latin America are also a great fit.

Rio Grande Valley and El Paso: Bilingual Markets

These areas have many bilingual families and close connections to Mexico.

How to use it: If you offer services in both English and Spanish, you’ll stand out right away. Focus on family trips, destination weddings, and quinceañera celebrations.

Statewide Advantages

• Visitor spending in Texas reached $98.7 billion in 2025
• Texans take tens of millions of overnight trips within their own state every year
• No state income tax means you keep more of what you earn
• No travel agent license means you can start fast

How Much Travel Agents Make in Texas

Here’s what recent government data shows about salaried travel agents:

• Texas median salary: $49,500 a year (about $23.80 an hour)
• Top 10% in Texas: Over $70,000 a year
• Bottom 10% in Texas: About $31,700 a year
• U.S. median: $50,160 a year
• Texas employment: About 4,310 salaried agents

These figures only include employees. Most independent and hosted agents, who work on commission, are not counted here.

Commission-Based Income

If you work from home as a travel agent, your income depends on your sales, what types of trips you book, and how many hours you put in. Industry data shows:

• Full-time advisors in their first 3 to 5 years average about $44,000
• Experienced full-time advisors often earn $66,000 to $79,000
• Top agents in luxury, groups or corporate travel can earn $100,000 or more
• Part-time agents usually earn less, but it’s still possible to make a good side income.

A Simple Example

For example, if you book a $5,000 cruise and the cruise line pays a 12% commission, the agency earns $600. With an 80% split from your host agency, you keep $480. If you book three trips like this each month, you’d make about $1,440 monthly, not counting planning fees, insurance commissions, or group bonuses.

How to Earn More

• Specialize in higher-value trips like luxury, groups and weddings
• Offer travel insurance on every trip
• Charge planning fees for complex itineraries
• Build repeat clients who book every year
• Book group trips, where commissions add up quickly

How Much It Costs to Start

Most new Texas agents get started for less than $200, and many spend even less!

Typical startup costs:

• Host agency fees: $0 to $100+ a month/year
• Texas LLC: $300 (or a county DBA for about $17 to $35)
• State DBA for an LLC brand name: $25 (optional)
• Training and certifications: $0 to $600
• Website and domain: $0 to $300
• Business cards and marketing: $50 to $200
• Specialty travel insurance license: $50 (optional)
• EIN: Free

For a lean start, you could get a county DBA for $23, use a no-fee host agency, take free supplier training, and build your website for free. That keeps your total under $100.

If you want a full professional setup, you might form an LLC for $300, join a host agency with fees, get certified, and invest in a custom website and branding. This usually costs about $1,000 or less. This includes a hosting domain, a website builder like WordPress, a domain name, etc.

FAM Trips: The Best Perk in the Business

FAM trips, which stands for “familiarization trips,” are discounted or sometimes free trips that suppliers offer to agents. These trips let you experience their products firsthand, so you can sell them with confidence.

Common Types of FAM Trips

• Ship inspections: Tour a cruise ship on embarkation day, often with lunch included
• Short cruises: Discounted sailings so you can experience a ship firsthand
• Resort tours: Stay at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Theme park events: Preview events and agent education days
• Destination tours: Hosted trips through countries or regions

How to Qualify

1. Finish supplier training programs
2. Build a booking history, since many FAMs require proof of sales
3. Watch your host agency’s announcements and supplier newsletters
4. Join agent groups where FAM opportunities get shared
5. Apply early, because popular FAMs fill fast

How to Get the Most Out of a FAM

Remember, FAMs are work trips, not free vacations. Approach them professionally:

• Take photos and videos of rooms, restaurants and activities
• Take notes on which room types and areas fit which clients
• Collect contacts from resort and ship sales teams
• Turn what you learn into blog posts, videos and social content
• Follow up with interested clients right after you return

The Texas FAM Advantage

If you’re in the Houston area, Galveston ship inspections are just a short drive away, so you can tour new ships without needing to fly. Agents in DFW and Houston also have easy nonstop flights to Mexico and Caribbean resort FAMs, which saves both money and time.

Tax tip: You can often deduct many FAM trip expenses as business costs. Be sure to keep your receipts and notes that show the business reason for each expense.

Common Mistakes New Agents Make

If you steer clear of these mistakes, you’ll be ahead of most new agents!

1. Some people wait for a license that isn’t needed. In Texas, you don’t need one, so don’t let confusion slow you down.
2. Don’t forget the May 15 Public Information Report. If you have an LLC, make sure to file it every year, even if you owe no tax.
3. Be careful not to use old tax numbers. For 2026 to 2027, the franchise tax no-tax-due threshold is $2.65 million, not $2.47 million.
4. Don’t overlook out-of-state rules. If you sell to clients in California, Florida, Washington, or Hawaii, you might need to follow their laws. Check that your host agency covers you.
5. Make sure you sell insurance the right way. Either use a licensed insurer’s program or get your own specialty license before you start.
6. Don’t try to sell everything. Choose a niche and work to become known for it.
7. Watch out for “get rich quick” programs. Be cautious with any program that focuses more on recruiting than on booking travel. Take time to compare host agencies before choosing one.
8. Keep your personal and business money separate. Open a business bank account as soon as you start.
9. Don’t forget to follow up. Many bookings happen after the second or third time you reach out.
10. Be careful about giving away free planning. Some clients might use your research and then book with someone else. For complex trips, think about charging a planning fee or deposit.
11. Don’t skip marketing. Posting just once a month isn’t enough to grow your business. Stay consistent with your efforts.
12. Make sure to track your expenses. If you miss deductions, you could end up paying more tax than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a license to be a travel agent in Texas?
No, you do not need a travel agent license, Seller of Travel registration, or bond to sell travel in Texas.

How long does it take to become a travel agent in Texas?
Most people begin booking trips just a few weeks after joining a host agency and finishing basic training.

How much do travel agents make in Texas?
Salaried travel agents in Texas typically earn about $49,500 per year. Agents who work on commission can make more, depending on their specialty, work hours, and clients.

Can I be a travel agent from home in Texas?
Yes, most travel agents in Texas work from home as independent agents with a host agency.

Do I need a degree or certification to be a travel agent in Texas?
No, you do not need a degree or certification, but training and certifications can help you feel more confident when selling travel.

How much does it cost to become a travel agent in Texas?
Most new agents get started for less than $1,500, and some spend under $100 to begin.

Should I form an LLC as a Texas travel agent?
Many agents do, for liability protection and a professional image. A Texas LLC costs $300 to form with the Secretary of State.

Do Texas travel agents pay franchise tax?
If your LLC earns $2.65 million or less, you will not owe franchise tax for the 2026 and 2027 reports. However, you still need to file a Public Information Report by May 15.

Do I need an IATA number to be a travel agent in Texas?
No, having an IATA number is not required by law. Most new agents use their host agency’s industry IDs when booking travel.

Can I sell travel insurance in Texas?
Yes, you can sell travel insurance in Texas. You can either sell under a licensed insurer’s registry program or get your own specialty travel insurance license for $50 from the Texas Department of Insurance.

What is the best travel niche in Texas?
Popular travel niches in Texas include Galveston cruises, trips to Mexico and the Caribbean, and family theme park vacations. Bilingual, group, and luxury travel are also in demand.

What is a host agency?
A host agency is a larger company that gives independent agents access to booking systems, training, technology, and supplier relationships. In return, the host agency takes a share of commissions and sometimes charges a fee.

Do I charge sales tax on travel planning fees in Texas?
In Texas, planning fees are usually considered non-taxable. However, you should check with a tax professional since rules can change.

Can a Texas travel agent sell to clients in other states?
Yes, you can sell to clients in other states. Keep in mind that California, Florida, Washington, and Hawaii have Seller of Travel laws that might apply if you sell to their residents.

Does Texas have a state income tax for travel agents?
No, Texas does not have a personal state income tax. You only need to pay federal taxes on your profit.

Where do I file a DBA in Texas?
If you are a sole proprietor, file your DBA with the county clerk. LLCs and corporations file with the Texas Secretary of State, which costs $25.

Can I be a part-time travel agent in Texas?
Yes, many agents begin part-time while keeping their regular job and later move into full-time work.

Do I need fingerprints for a Texas travel insurance license?
No, you do not need a fingerprint background check for the specialty travel insurance license.

Can I be my own registered agent for a Texas LLC?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent if you have a Texas address. However, the LLC itself cannot act as its own registered agent.

Are FAM trips tax-deductible?
Many FAM trip expenses may be tax-deductible if they have a clear business purpose. Be sure to keep receipts and notes, and consult a tax professional.

Wrapping Things Up

Texas makes it easy and rewarding to start a travel career. You don’t need a license, there’s no state income tax, and the market is thriving—from Galveston’s cruise terminals to DFW’s nonstop flights and Frisco’s new theme park!

Choose your specialty, register your business, get some training, and start spreading the word. Your first booking could be just one conversation away! You could be booking magical vacations in less than a week!