In the United States, electrician contractor licensing requirements differ by state. Some states license electricians to register at the state level, while others require electricians to apply locally (city/county). The application process can then range from simple to complex and involve anything from exams, submitting W-2s, business registration, or obtaining additional licenses.
Why do I need an electrical contractor license?
You need an electrical contractor license to run your own business. This license protects the public by ensuring contractors are qualified and grants contractors the ability to hire other licensed electricians, bid on jobs, and apply for permits.
How do I apply for an electrical contractor license?
Every state is different, but you generally need to:
- Decide which license you need. For example, Georgia has three types of licenses: low voltage, single-phase systems under 200 amperes, and all electrical systems.
- Check that you meet any prerequisites, like age and experience.
- Gather any necessary documents or paperwork, like your state-issued ID or W-2s.
- Take any necessary exams and get approval to take these exams by your state board and pay exam fees when necessary.
- Check if there are any business requirements, like forming a business entity.
- Fill out an application and pay any required fees.
- Check requirements for renewal in case your renewal requires taking continued education before it can be re-issued.
How much does an electrical contractor license cost?
Electrical contractor license fees generally cost between $75 and $200. The application fee varies by state, requiring some contractors to show proof of insurance or take exams. Some states also require electricians to obtain a generic contractor or business license.
Electrical license renewals
You generally have a period of 1-3 years before electrical license renewals. A state licensing body at the local level would send you a postal or email reminder around eight weeks before time.
If you don’t renew your electrical license, work permits will not be issued, and the cost may increase or require additional work to renew.
Some electricians must have complete continued education to qualify for renewals. For example, the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors on renewal of an Alabama electrical license requirement consists of you completing 14-hour continuing education classes every two years, and seven must be on NEC/NFPA courses.
Electrical contractor license changes
The requirements to make changes to your license, like changing a phone number or address, vary from state to state. Most changes are free and can be done online. However, some states charge between $5 to $12 or ask you to renew your license altogether. Changes may consist of the following:
- Change your name
- Change mailing address
- Change physical address
- Change telephone number
- Change email address
Electrician licensing requirements by state
Below you’ll find more information on electrical contractor licensing in your state, including:
- State certification authority: The state website containing everything you need to know about obtaining an electrician contractor license with all available information
- License cost: The cost to obtain an electrical contractor license for the first time
- Requirements: Any requirements of the license, including exams and continuing education courses
- Application: A link to the state certification form
- Renewal: How often you need to renew your electrical contractor license
- Renewal cost: How much it costs to renew your electrical contractor license
- Changes: Where to make changes to your license, such as your name and address, and the price
- Replacement: How to replace your license and how much it would cost if your license were lost or stolen
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Alabama
State Certification Authority: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board
License Cost: $150.
Requirements: Completion of required Journeyman exam ($115) and hours as well as a contractor’s license exam ($165). For more info, check here.
Application: Contractor’s exam
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: Journeyman: $35. Electrical Contractor: $150.
Changes: You may change your company affiliation, address, or information here. Address changes are free.
Replacement: Replacements cost $25.
Alaska
State Certification Authority: Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development
License cost: The fee and specific license you need depend on the types of electrical work you’ll be doing.
Requirements: Pass an exam through the Alaska Craftsman Home Program (ACHP) and PSI AK Residential Contractor Endorsement Exam
Application: Electrical Administrators License Application
Renewal: Every 2 years. You can renew online here.
Renewal Cost: $50 – $200
Changes: To change your name, you’ll need to submit a notarized form for $5. Address changes are free.
Replacement: Submit a notarized form for $5.
Arizona
State Certification Authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
License Cost: The fee and specific license you need depend on the types of electrical work you’ll be doing.
Requirements: Four years of on-the-job experience and a two-part written exam ($66) administered by PSI Services, with additional fees depending on the specific license. You can find more exam information here. Note: Only some municipalities will issue electrical contractor licenses to journeyman electricians.
Application: PSI Exams Online
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: Corresponds to the specific license. $480 C-11, $540 R-11, $659 CR-11
Changes: To update address, phone number, or email, you can go here. Or for a change of name request here.
Replacement: You can obtain replacements through the Arizona department of revenue for $12 plus any applicable city fees.
Arkansas
State Certification Authority: Arkansas State Board of Electrical Examiners
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Five years of experience, have a master electrician’s license, and pass the Arkansas Business and Law Exam.
Application: Electrical Application
Renewal: One, two, or three-year cycle
Renewal Cost: $100
Changes: Change of address can be submitted here free of charge.
Replacement: N/A
California
State Certification Authority: Electrical Contractors’ State Licensing Board
License Cost: Application fee – $330, Initial activation fee – $150
Requirements: Need to pass a law/business test and an electrical contractor test. Applying for certification costs $75, and examination fees are $100.
Application: Department of consumer affairs contractors state licensing application
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $300
Changes: Apply to change business name or address here for $12.
Replacement: Replacement costs are also $12 and can be requested here.
Colorado
State Certification Authority: Colorado State Electrical Board
License Cost: $210
Requirements: When applying, you must submit an affidavit of work history. Applications are taken online through the Department of Regulatory Agencies. After which, you may apply for the exam, which costs $75. Exam information can be found here.
Application: PSI Online Exams Portal
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: N/A
Changes: You can update and change your license name and address information here.
Replacement: N/A
Connecticut
State Certification Authority: Electrical Board of Occupational Licensing
License Cost: $150
Requirements: Submit an Occupational Trade License Application to PSI Services, along with the required documents and application fee of $75. Must take an exam based on chosen classification. Examinations are administered by PSI Services LLC.
Application: Electrical Contractor – Candidate Information Bulletin & Application
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $150
Changes: Name and address changes can be made online here.
Replacement: N/A
Delaware
State Certification Authority: Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Electrical Examiners
License Cost: $187
Requirements: Prometric administers Delaware electrician exams. Each exam costs $100.
Application: Information, registration, dates, and application.
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: Renewal fees change depending on the date you received your license.
Changes: Change the name or address on your license here.
Replacement: N/A
Florida
State Certification Authority: State Board of Electrical Examiners and/or local jurisdictions
License Cost: Certified License- $300, Registered License- $155
Requirements: Contractors must complete the initial application for a Certified or Registered license and submit it to the Board along with all the required documents and fees ($327.50). There is also an additional fee of $67.50 paid to the testing vendor.
Application: Department of Business and Professional Regulation- Application Center
Renewal: Every year
Renewal Cost: $300 for Certified Licenses, $125 for Registered Licenses
Changes: You can change the name on your license or the address by creating an account on My Florida License.
Replacement: You can also replace your license via My Florida License.
Georgia
State Certification Authority: Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors
License Cost: $30.00
Requirements: There are two electrical contractor’s license exams: class I (single-phase systems) and class II (all types of electrical systems), which cost $133. Exam information can be found here.
Application: Electrical Examination Application
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $75
Changes: To change your license name, you must file a License Reissuance/Name Change Application and renew your license. Address changes are free here.
Replacement: Replacements cost $15 and can be requested here.
Hawaii
State Certification Authority: Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers
License Cost: Dependant on time of the year: $102, $204, or $306
Requirements: Must meet the Board’s requirements for experience and education, and pass a qualifying exam as well as obtain a contractor’s license if they plan to contract projects of $1,000 or more. Exam info is found here.
Application: Application and exam license for Electricians and Plumbers
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $306
Changes: Change of name and or address can be done via an MYPVL account. Or you can fill out the form here with a $10 fee.
Replacement: Print your license pocket ID and wall certificate online here with a $10 fee.
Idaho
State Certification Authority: Division of Building Safety (DBS)
License Cost: $90, $125
Requirements: Must take a qualifying exam ($75). For exam information, check here.
Application: Idaho Division of Building Safety- Electrical Forms & Applications
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: Master Electrician License – $90. Electrical Contractor License – $100
Changes: To change your company’s name on file, you can fill out this application ($15). Or, to change an address, use this application for no fee.
Replacement: N/A
Illinois
State Certification Authority: No state licensing
License Cost: Changes by city. Ranges from $25 to $200
Requirements: Examinations are administered by local municipalities in Illinois. Cost around $100 per exam. For more exam information, check here.
Application: Illinois Electrician Exam hub
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: Approximately $60
Changes: If you change your name or address or misplace your license card, contact your local electrical licensing board
Replacement: N/A
Indiana
State Certification Authority: No state licensing
License Cost: Differs by municipality.
Requirements: Differs by municipality
Application: Differs by municipality
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $247
Changes: Must contact the local municipality
Replacement: N/A
Iowa
State Certification Authority: Department of Public Safety, Electrical Licensing, and Inspection
License Cost: Changes depending on year and month, ranging from $41.64 to $375
Requirements: Must take Exam issued by PSI ($95)
Application: Application for Electricians License
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: Approximately $375, subject to change by month and year of expiration.
Changes: You can fill out a change of address submission form here or alter any information on your master records.
Replacement: N/A
Kansas
State Certification Authority: Kansas electrical licenses are issued from county to county.
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Each county has different application requirements and procedures. Generally, applicants must pass a county-regulated exam to get licensed.
Application: Search via Prometric for individual county exam information
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $100
Changes: If you changed your name or address or misplaced your card, contact your local Kansas licensing board.
Replacement: N/A
Kentucky
State Certification Authority: Kentucky Electrical Licensing
License Cost: Licensing Fee range for contractors, depending on their classification and the month they are applying. Approximately $50-$383.
Requirements: Must provide proof of experience (tax returns, official tax documents, employer affidavit). And to pass an exam administered by the International Code Council (ICC) ($100). For more exam information, check here.
Application: International Code Council
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: Electrical Contractor- $200, Master Electrician- $100, Electrician- $50
Changes: You can access the Change of Address form here by selecting candidate services and changing candidate information.
Replacement: Replacement wallet cards cost $30 and can be requested here.
Louisiana
State Certification Authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Licensing requirements vary based on the city and parish
Application: General Licensing and Application Questions
Renewal: Licenses are valid for 1 year. After which, contractors have the option of renewing for a 1, 2, or 3-year period
Renewal Cost: Dependant on how many years, minimum $100
Changes: You can go here to change your business name information or address or to request a duplicate license card.
Replacement: N/A
Maine
State Certification Authority: Maine Electricians Examining Board
License Cost: $150-$300
Requirements: Submit an application to the EEB ($25) proving you have the experience and schooling required for your chosen license. At which point, you may apply for the exam ($85).
Application: Electrician’s Examination Board Information, Contact, and Resources
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: Between $150-$300
Changes: Update contact information here, like the name on your license or your address.
Replacement: Request that a copy of your license is emailed to you here.
Maryland
State Certification Authority: Licenses are issued at the county level
License Cost: $20
Requirements: Submit a pre-approval application, then take an exam issued by PSI ($90)
Application: Maryland State Board of Examination Application
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $25
Changes: To change the name and or address information, you may contact the Department of Labor at no fee
Replacement: N/A
Massachusetts
State Certification Authority: State Examiners of Electricians
License Cost: $276
Requirements: Submit an Application for Examination and work experience/education forms to PSI Services, then take the 2-part exam
Application: Application for Examination and the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
Renewal: Good for three years
Renewal Cost: $117
Changes: You can change the name on your license or address here with no fee.
Replacement: Obtaining a duplicate license costs $17 and can be done via this form.
Michigan
State Certification Authority: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
License Cost: $50
Requirements: Complete an application and meet the Bureau’s requirements work experience. Then pass a qualifying exam via PSI ($100).
Renewal: Every Three Years
Renewal Cost: $50
Changes: To change information on your licenses like name and address, you must submit an “Amendment” using your Accela account. Check here for a step-by-step guide on this process.
Replacement: Duplicate licenses may cost $10. You can learn more at The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Minnesota
State Certification Authority: Minnesota Board of Electricity
License Cost: $168
Requirements: Must complete examination application detailing work experience and then complete an electrician exam ($50)
Application: Electrical License Examination Guide and Application
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $73
Changes: For information on how to change the name on your license or your business address on file, please check here
Replacement: If you need a replacement license, you need to show proof of identity to the state to get a new copy
Mississippi
State Certification Authority: Licensed at the local level, not by State
License Cost: $50-$400
Requirements: Submit qualifying application, followed by a two-part state electrical contractor exam ($240)
Application: MS State Board of Contractors Residential Application form
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $100-$400
Changes: Apply for a duplicate license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors to change your address OR name ($50 fee)
Replacement: N/A
Missouri
State Certification Authority: Licensed at the local level, not by state
License Cost: $200
Requirements: Varies by city/county, but there is a statewide electrical contractors license you can take an exam to work anywhere in the state.
Application: Office of State-Wide Application Forms
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: Approximately $200, varies by local government.
Changes: You can check here for a change of address application OR here to change name information.
Replacement: There is a duplicate license fee of $10
Montana
State Certification Authority: Montana State Electrical Board
License Cost: $240 /$300
Requirements: You must pass an examination ($80/$200) which needs to be approved by the State Electrical Board. And have proof of qualifying experience and hours.
Application: Licence Application Forms
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $135 / $275
Changes: To make changes to your license, you will need to contact the Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Replacement: N/A
Nebraska
State Certification Authority: State of Nebraska, State Electrical Division
License Cost: $125 / $250 (Even vs Odd Year)
Requirements: Proof of required experience and an examination via the NEL ($125)
Application: Electrician Licensing Application
Reciprocity Application: Licensing Applications
Renewal: Every other year (even-numbered)
Renewal Cost: $250
Changes: You can fill out a credential change form here to have information on your license edited.
Replacement: There is a $10 fee to reissue your license with or without changes
Nevada
State Certification Authority: Nevada State Contractors Board
License Cost: $600
Requirements: Must submit an application form ($300) with experience, references, background disclosure, a financial statement, and verification from your bank. Then, you must pass a two-part exam issued by PSI ($140).
Application: Contractors License Applications
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $600
Changes: To change your business name, you must fill out an application form with a $250 fee. Or you can also change your address by filling out this form sans fee.
Replacement: N/A
New Hampshire
State Certification Authority: New Hampshire Electricians Examining Board
License Cost: $270
Requirements: Must meet the EEB requirements for work experience, education, and training, then pass an examination ($50)
Note: Application fees determined by birth month and range from $90-$180
Application: Electrician’s Board Licensing Application
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $270
Changes: N/A
Replacement: Replacements cost $10, and you can fill out the application here
New Jersey
State Certification Authority: New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Provide proof of necessary experience. Apply for a business permit application here ($25- $75). Submit a pressure seal application ($25). Submit a copy of your trade name certificate from the County Court House in the county where you operate. Also, post a surety bond in the proper business or firm name. And then apply for a technical exam ($75).
Application: Application for Examination and Forms
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $100
Changes: Address changes can be made by making a MyLicenseOnline account.
Replacement: N/A
New Mexico
State Certification Authority: New Mexico Electrical Bureau
License Cost: $150
Requirements: Submit a Work Experience Verification form, take a Business & Law exam, a Technical Trade exam, and submit a license application. Exams cost between $100-$150 and are administered by PSI.
Application: PSI Contractor Application Information
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $75-$200
Changes: To change an address on a permit, you must submit a request in writing to the Santa Fe office of regulation and licensing.
Replacement: Check here for information on how to request a duplicate license.
New York
State Certification Authority: New York City requires licensing through the Department of Buildings
License Cost: Dependant on city
Requirements: Qualifying experience and pass two examinations ($525 / $350). And must also pass a background investigation ($500)
Application: Dependant on city
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $60
Changes: Dependant on city
Replacement: N/A
North Carolina
State Certification Authority: State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
License Cost: $75-$165
Requirements: Submit an application, complete an examination ($90) administered by PSI. Must meet the minimum bonding requirement and show required work experience
Application: New License Application
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $75-$165
Changes: To change your contact information on your license, you can fill out this form (address changes, phone number, etc.)
Replacement: Replacements cost $15. You can fill out the form here.
North Dakota
State Certification Authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board
License Cost: $50
Requirements: Must fulfill experience requirements and pass a qualifying exam.
Application: Application for Electricians License
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $40
Changes: Change personal information related to your license through the state Electrical Board here.
Replacement: N/A
Ohio
State Certification Authority: State of Ohio Department of Commerce
License Cost: $25
Requirements: Submit application ($25), pass a two-part exam from PROV inc ($75)
Application: License Qualification Process and Application
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $60
Changes: Change the name or address on your license here with a $25 fee.
Replacement: N/A
Oklahoma
State Certification Authority: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
License Cost: $330
Requirements: Verify work experience, submit the application to the Board, and take an exam issued by PSI.
Application: Construction Industry Board Electrician Application Information
Renewal: Every 36 Months
Renewal Cost: $200
Changes: Notice to the CIB is required. You can contact them here.
Replacement: N/A
Oregon
State Certification Authority: Construction Contractors Board
License Cost: $375
Requirements: Meet the Division’s requirement for work experience, complete and submit an application to the BCD, then pass a qualifying exam
Application: Contractor Business License Application
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $100
Changes: You can change the name or address on your license here.
Replacement: N/A
Pennsylvania
State Certification Authority: No statewide licensing, Changes by municipality
License Cost: Varies by city ($50-$150)
Requirements: Varies by location
Application: Varies by location
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: Varies by location
Changes: Must contact the local municipality.
Replacement: N/A
Rhode Island
State Certification Authority: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
License Cost: $240
Requirements: Submit an application to the Department, pass the qualifying exam ($75) related to National Electric Code, and attend 15 mandatory hours of continuing education courses every 2 years upon renewal
Application: Electrician Application
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $240
Changes: You can change the address on your license here, free of charge.
Replacement: You can order a certificate of existence from the Department of State for $22 here
South Carolina
State Certification Authority: South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
License Cost: $80-$160
Requirements: Complete required years of experience, fill out this application form ($25) and send it to the Municipal Association of South Carolina with your work experience, and take the applicable exam ($100)
Application: Contractor’s Licensing Board Forms and Applications
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $135- $160
Changes: You can change the name and address on your license via the Online Service Portal on the Licensing and Regulation website
Replacement: You can print off a copy of your license via the Online Service Portal as well
South Dakota
State Certification Authority: South Dakota State Electrical Commission
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Fulfill the Commission’s requirements for work experience, post a bond with the Commission, and pass a qualifying exam ($150)
Application: Electrical Commission Application Form
Renewal: Every other year (even-numbered)
Renewal Cost: $100
Changes: To change the name or address on your license, you must contact the South Dakota State Electrical Commission
Replacement: N/A
Tennessee
State Certification Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
License Cost: $250
Requirements: All contractors must submit an application, pass the TN Business & Law exam and Electrical Trade Exam administered by PSI Services LLC ($57). submit a work reference letter about their experience, provide proof of general liability and workers compensation insurance, and must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State. For projects $25,000+, you need a state contractor’s license with an electrical (CE) classification.
Application: Candidate Information Bulletin
Renewal Cost: $50
Changes: For contact change information, please check here
Replacement: You can request a Certificate of Existence from Business Services Online for a $20 fee
Texas
State Certification Authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations
License Cost: $45-$110
Requirements: Submit a work verification form and an application to the TDLR and pass a qualifying examination ($60-$78) by PSI Services
Application: Master Electrician License and Application Information
Renewal: Every year
Renewal Cost: $20-$75
Changes: To change contact information (name, address, phone number, etc.), you can fill out this form. Duplicate forms cost $25
Replacement: Replacements cost $25, and you can fill out applications here
Utah
State Certification Authority: Utah Department of Commerce
License Cost: $50
Requirements: Submit a Verification of Eligibility form to prove you meet the experience/training requirements, take the 3 part PSI issued exam (Code Exam- $72, Theory Exam- $86, Practical Exam- $72), and must pay a licensing fee and submit an application ($110) to DOPL
Application: Master Electrician License Application
Renewal: Every other year (even numbers)
Renewal Cost: $63
Changes: You can change the name on your license or your address by contacting The Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing or by logging into your eGov account
Replacement: Reprints of licenses cost $10. For more information, check here.
Vermont
State Certification Authority: Vermont State Electrical Licensing Board
License Cost: $150
Requirements: Complete required experience and hours, submit an application, and pass the exam issued by the International Code Council
Application: Utah Department of Commerce Licensing
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $63-$150
Changes: You can change your address by filling out an address correction request here, which costs $20
Replacement: Replacements also cost $20 and can be requested at the same link here
Virginia
State Certification Authority: Virginia Board for Contractors
License Cost: $90
Requirements: Must submit the application to the board along with documents and fees ($130), pass a PSI issued examination ($125), and complete Board-approved continuing education courses
Application: Individual License and Certification Information
Renewal: Every year
Renewal Cost: $75-$200
Changes: You can change the name and address your license is issued under here.
Replacement: You can also request a duplicate license certificate here
Washington
State Certification Authority: Washington Department of Labor and Industries
License Cost: $90
Requirements: Must meet work and education requirements by submitting an application to L&I ($306.10), submit documented proof of the proper insurance and bonding. And take a qualifying exam ($45-$105, based on hours it takes to complete) issued by PSI.
Application: Apply for Electrician Certification Online
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $84-$230
Changes: You can request a change of address for your license here.
Replacement: N/A
West Virginia
State Certification Authority: West Virginia State Fire Marshal
License Cost: $50
Requirements: Fulfill the required amount of work and schooling. Submit an exam application to the Office of the Fire Marshal, pass the exam ($25) based on chosen license classification, and submit a license application along with the appropriate license fee to the Office of the Fire Marshal
Application: 2021 Application for WV State Electrical Examination
Renewal: Yearly
Renewal Cost: $50
Changes: Must be submitted through the WV Fire Marshal Commission
Replacement: N/A
Wisconsin
State Certification Authority: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
License Cost: $200
Requirements: Complete required work experience and education, submit an application ($35) to the Department, pass a trades credentialing examination ($30).
Application: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Master Electrician Application
Renewal: Every four years
Renewal Cost: $200
Changes: You can change account contact information via the Department of Safety and Professional Services Online Portal
Replacement: Requires paying a $10 fee
Wyoming
State Certification Authority: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
License Cost: $400
Requirements: Complete required education and experience, submit work verification form along with the application, then pass qualifying exam ($100)
Application: Master Electrician Exam Application
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $50-$400
Changes: You can change your license contact information (address, phone number, etc.) via the Online License Renewal Portal
Replacement: N/A
