Electrical License Guide for Every State in 2022

There are slight differences between each state’s electrical license regulations. For example, if you’ve only ever received your Ohio electrical license, you might not know the first thing about how to get your electrical license in Texas. And what reciprocity agreements exist between states?

This complete guide will provide you with:

  • A handy quick-reference guide to find each state’s electrical license issuing body.
  • A heads up on the exams potentially required for each state to issue a certificate or electrical license.
  • Links to reciprocity agreements between states and what that means for electrical licensing.
  • Cost required to receive your electrical license across the U.S., showcasing some large differences between states.

Electrical Licensing Requirements by State

State Issuing Body Exam Required Reciprocity Agreement Costs
Alabama Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors Yes N/A Journeyman $115
Electrical Contractor $315
Alaska Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development Yes N/A Exam Fee: $50
Certificate Biennial Fee: $200
Arizona Arizona Registrar of Contractors Yes N/A Application: $80 – $200
License: $270 – $580 depending on class
Arkansas Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing Yes Yes N/A
California Department of Consumer Affairs – Contractors State License Board Yes N/A Application Fee: $450
License Fee $200 – $350
Colorado Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Electric Board Yes N/A Online Portal
Connecticut Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection Yes N/A $90 – $150 depending on class
Delaware Division of Professional Regulation Yes Yes $40 – $187 depending on class
Florida Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Yes No Exam Fees: $78.75 – $308.25
License Fees: $151 – $296
Georgia Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors Yes Yes $30 – $50
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division Yes N/A $102 – $306
Idaho Idaho Division of Building Safety Yes Yes $15 – $65
Illinois No state-wide electrical licensing* N/A N/A N/A
Indiana No state-wide electrical licensing* N/A N/A N/A
Iowa State Fire Marshal Yes N/A $6.64 – $375
Kansas No state-wide electrical licensing* N/A N/A N/A
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction Yes N/A $50 – $100
Louisiana Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors Yes N/A $400 ($800 out-of-state applicants)
Maine State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation Yes N/A $25 – $150
Maryland Maryland Department of Labor – Board of Master Electricians Yes N/A $20
Massachusetts Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians Yes Yes $78 – $117 every three years
Michigan Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Yes N/A $40 – $50 (Not including exam cost)
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Yes Yes $43 – $73
Mississippi Mississippi State Board of Contractors Yes N/A Residential: $50
Commercial: $400
Missouri No state-wide electrical licensing* N/A N/A N/A
Montana Montana Department of Labor & Industry – State Electrical Board Yes Yes $240
Nebraska Nebraska Electrical Division Yes Yes Application Fee: $60
License Fee: $25 – $50
Nevada Nevada State Contractors Board Yes N/A Application Fee: $300
New Hampshire New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – Electricians’ Board Yes N/A $30 – $270 depending on class
New Jersey New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Yes No $50 – $150
New Mexico New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department – Electrical Bureau Yes Yes N/A
New York No state-wide electrical licensing* N/A N/A N/A
North Carolina NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors Yes Yes $95 – $190 depending on class
North Dakota North Dakota State Electrical Board Yes Yes $25 – $50 depending on class
Ohio Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Yes N/A Application Fee: $25
Oklahoma Oklahoma Construction Industries Board Yes Yes $75 – $330 depending on class
Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division Yes Yes $100
Pennsylvania No state-wide electrical licensing* N/A N/A N/A
Rhode Island Development of Labor and Training, Professional Regulations Unit, and Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety Yes N/A Application Fee: $100
License Fee: $72 – $240
South Carolina South Carolina Residential Builders Commission Yes N/A Application Fee: $100
License Fee: $80 – $160
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – South Dakota Electrical Commission Yes N/A Application Fee: $60
License Fee: $80 – $200 depending on class
Tennessee Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors Yes N/A Application and License Fee: $250
Exam Fee: $55
Texas Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Yes Yes Application Fee: $30
Utah Utah Department of Commerce – Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Yes Yes N/A
Vermont Vermont Department of Safety – Division of Fire Safety Yes N/A $115 – $150 depending on class
Virginia Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Yes Yes $130
Washington Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Yes Yes $95.20
West Virginia West Virginia State Fire Marshal Yes Yes Exam Fee: $25
License Fee: $50 annually
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Yes N/A $35
Wyoming Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety Yes N/A $100

For the states without state-wide electrical licensing, you’ll still need a license. The issuer would be a regional or local office within that state where you intend to operate.

Also, if you’re looking to fill out your team with licensed electricians, download our FREE Electrician Hiring Guide for all of the best recruiting tips!

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