Electrical contractor licensing requirements by state: A comprehensive guide

If you want to run an electrical contracting business, you’ll need to meet your state’s specific electrician licensing and electrician insurance requirements. 

Each state has its own rules for contractor applications, exams, qualifying experience and mandatory coverage before you can legally advertise services, hire workers or work on residential or commercial projects. This guide walks through all 50 states to help you understand what license you need, how to qualify and what insurance contractors must carry.

(We also have state guides for other trades, including general contractors, handypersons, HVAC technicians, landscapers, roofing, painters and plumbers.)

Our list is in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the state you’re looking for. Some states have individual pages that can give you more details.

Jump ahead:

• States A-E
• States F-J
• States K-O
• States P-T
• States U-Z

Alabama

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Alabama Electrical Contractors Board

Alabama requires electricians who perform contracting work to hold an electrical contractor license through the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board. Licensed contractors can bid on projects, pull permits and supervise workers on residential, commercial or industrial jobs.

To qualify, applicants must document at least 8,000 hours (four years) of verifiable electrical experience in a supervisory or managerial role. Up to 2,000 hours may be substituted with approved electrical education. Candidates must pass the state licensing exam and meet all application and fee requirements.

Note on upcoming changes: Alabama has adopted new administrative rules for electrician licensing that take effect February 14, 2026, with updated application forms required beginning July 2025. These changes may affect licensing procedures, examinations and board requirements.

Required business insurance in Alabama:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with five or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors but is often required by project owners and recommended for customer protection.

Alaska

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development (Certificates of Fitness); Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (Contractor Licensing)

Alaska requires businesses that operate as electrical contractors to obtain a professional contractor license through the Department of Commerce and designate a licensed electrical administrator for the business. The administrator is responsible for code compliance and permit-level work, while individual electricians must hold the appropriate Certificate of Fitness.

To qualify for contractor-level licensing, applicants typically need two to four years of experience in an approved electrical category, pass the administrator exam and meet Alaska’s bonding, insurance and fee requirements.

Required business insurance in Alaska:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers, with very limited exceptions.
• General liability insurance is required for licensed electrical contractors in Alaska; state law sets minimum limits of at least $20,000 for property damage, $50,000 for injury or death to one person and $100,000 for injury or death to more than one person.

Arizona

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

Arizona requires electrical contractors to hold a state contractor license under one of three classifications: R-11 (residential), C-11 (commercial, under 600 volts) or CR-11 (dual residential/commercial). These licenses authorize contractors to install, repair and modify electrical systems within their approved scope, bid on projects and pull permits.

Applicants must document four years of relevant electrical experience and pass both a business management exam and a trade exam for their chosen classification. Contractors who install solar systems must also comply with Arizona’s solar installation warranty rules when applying for or renewing their license.

Required business insurance in Arizona:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated by the state for all contractors, but project owners often require general liability coverage.

Arkansas

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing; Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (for electrical contractors)

Arkansas requires electrical contractors to hold a contractor license through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board to operate independently. A master electrician license is generally required before applying for an electrical contractor license, which authorizes bidding, permitting and supervision of electrical work across the state.

To become a licensed electrical contractor, applicants typically must hold (or employ someone who holds) a master electrician, pass the business and law exam and submit references and a financial review. Contractors must also provide a surety bond and show proof of required insurance when applying.

Required business insurance in Arkansas:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors but is commonly required for commercial jobs, municipal permits and by project owners.

California

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: California Department of Consumer Affairs — Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

California requires anyone performing electrical work valued at $1,000 or more to hold a C-10 Electrical Contractor license. This license allows contractors to operate an electrical contracting business statewide, including bidding on jobs, pulling permits and installing or maintaining electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings.

Applicants must document four years of journeyman-level or supervisory experience, pass both the law and business exam and the C-10 trade exam, and submit a $25,000 contractor bond (or approved equivalent). Employers must carry workers’ compensation coverage, and all applicants must meet CSLB’s background, fee and application requirements.

Note on recent updates: California increased the small-work exemption threshold from $500 to $1,000 in 2025. The state also delayed mandatory workers’ compensation coverage for contractors without employees to January 1, 2028, giving licensees more time to comply.

Required business insurance in California:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all contractors with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by CSLB for most contractors, but many municipalities and project owners mandate it; CSLB recommends maintaining coverage to protect your business.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in California

Colorado

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), State Electrical Board

Colorado requires electricians to hold a state license to perform residential, commercial or industrial electrical work. Electrical contractors must also be licensed separately and must designate a master electrician who oversees permits and ensures compliance with the State Electrical Board’s regulations.

To become an electrical contractor, applicants must hold or employ a licensed master electrician, pass the required exam and register with the state, which includes meeting workers’ comp and other business requirements.

Note on recent updates: Colorado passed Senate Bill 25-165 in 2025, updating licensing requirements and clarifying how practical experience and training, including photovoltaic system training, count toward qualifying for residential wireman and journeyman licenses. The law also expands the Electrical Board’s oversight of solar work and requires certain PV installers to register with the board by December 31, 2026.

Required business insurance in Colorado:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but most municipalities and project owners require proof of coverage for permitting or contract approval.

Connecticut

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)

Connecticut requires electrical contractors to hold a state-issued license to bid on projects, pull permits and supervise journeypersons and apprentices.

To become an electrical contractor, applicants must already hold a valid journeyperson license and document two years of journeyperson-level experience. Candidates must pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam, and meet all DCP application and fee requirements.

Required business insurance in Connecticut:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated at the state level for electrical contractors, but it is often required for municipal permitting, commercial jobs and customer contracts.

Delaware

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Electrical Examiners

Delaware requires electricians to hold a state license for residential, commercial or specialty electrical work. Electrical contractors generally operate at the master electrician or master electrician special level, which authorizes them to contract for work, pull permits and supervise journeypersons and limited electricians.

To qualify as a contractor-level master electrician, applicants must document six years of supervised experience, or 8,000 hours of experience plus 576 hours of related instruction, or a blended combination of supervised work and technical training approved by the board. All applicants must pass the state exam and provide proof of required liability insurance when applying or renewing.

Required business insurance in Delaware:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for all Delaware electrician licenses and must meet the minimum coverage levels set by the Division of Professional Regulation.

Florida

License required: Yes (statewide for contractors; journeyman and master licensing is local)

Licensing authority: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Florida regulates electrical contractors at the state level, while journeyman and master electrician licensing is handled by local jurisdictions. A Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) license issued by DBPR allows you to contract for electrical work anywhere in the state, pull permits and supervise workers on residential, commercial and industrial projects.

To qualify, applicants must document four years of electrical experience, including supervisory experience, and pass the state’s trade exam and business and finance exam. Electrical contractors must also meet Florida’s insurance, financial stability and application requirements before becoming licensed.

Note on recent updates: Florida’s SB 1142 ended the long-running extension for local specialty contractor licenses on July 1, 2025, which means locally issued electrical or registered licenses that don’t match a state-recognized category may no longer remain valid. Contractors who want to keep working statewide will need to transition to a state-certified license through DBPR.

Required business insurance in Florida:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees in the construction industry.
• General liability insurance is required for licensed electrical contractors and must meet state minimums, which are at least $100,000 in public liability and $25,000 in property damage coverage, though many clients require higher limits.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Florida.

Georgia

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors

Georgia requires electricians who perform contracting work to hold a state-issued electrical contractor license. This license allows you to bid on projects, pull permits and oversee electrical work for residential, commercial and industrial jobs.

To qualify, applicants must document four years of experience under a licensed electrical contractor performing contracting-level duties. Candidates must pass the state trade exam, provide professional references and meet all application and financial responsibility requirements set by the board.

Required business insurance in Georgia:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is recommended and often required by project owners or municipalities, although the state does not mandate a specific coverage minimum for all electrical contractors.

Hawaii

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Board of Electricians and Plumbers

Hawaii requires electricians to hold a state license to perform electrical work in residential, commercial or industrial settings. Electrical contracting businesses must also hold a C-13 (or other appropriate) contractor license and designate a licensed supervising electrician who is responsible for permit-level work, project oversight and supervision of journey workers and maintenance electricians.

To qualify, contractor applicants must designate a properly licensed supervising electrician with several years of journey worker-level experience, complete any required coursework and pass the state board exam. All applicants must meet Hawaii’s training, experience and examination standards before they can advertise or operate as electrical contractors.

Required business insurance in Hawaii:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is not mandated at the state level for electrical contractors but is widely required by project owners and for commercial permitting.

Idaho

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

Idaho requires electricians to hold a state license to perform electrical work, and contractor-level electrical businesses must hold an electrical contractor license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. This license allows contractors to bid on projects, pull permits and supervise licensed electricians performing residential, commercial and industrial work.

To become an electrical contractor, applicants must hold or employ a licensed master electrician or journeyman electrician, pass the required exam and show proof of liability insurance and Idaho workers’ compensation coverage.

Note on recent updates: Starting July 1, 2025, Idaho streamlined its licensing system so a journeyman license may automatically renew when the supervising master electrician renews, reducing administrative steps for contractors. In addition, rule updates effective April 4, 2025, clarified experience pathways and supervision requirements, aligning licensing standards with current industry and regulatory practices.

Required business insurance in Idaho:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is required for electrical contractors in Idaho and must meet the minimum coverage levels established by the state.

Illinois

License required: At the local level only

Licensing authority: Local municipalities and jurisdictions

Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. Instead, licensing, permitting and competency requirements are handled by individual cities, towns and counties. Local jurisdictions determine which electrical classifications they recognize and whether contractors must hold a local license to bid on projects, perform electrical work or pull permits.

Required business insurance in Illinois:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide but is often required by municipalities for electrical permitting or contractor registration.

Indiana

License required: At the local level only

Licensing authority: Local cities, counties and building departments

Indiana does not issue a statewide electrician license. Electrical contractors must follow local licensing rules, which can vary by city or county and may include exams, registration, bonding or proof of insurance before performing residential or commercial electrical work.

Required business insurance in Indiana:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required statewide, but some jurisdictions may require it for contractor registration and most commercial clients expect coverage.

Iowa

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

Iowa requires electrical contractors to obtain a contractor-level license to hire electricians, pull permits and operate an electrical business.

To become an electrical contractor or residential electrical contractor, applicants must hold a Class A or Class B master electrician license (or a residential master electrician license), meet Iowa’s contractor registration requirements and provide proof of liability insurance.

Required business insurance in Iowa:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for electrical contractors and must meet the minimum coverage levels set by the State Fire Marshal Division.

Kansas

License required: At the local level only

Licensing authority: Local cities, counties and building departments

Kansas does not issue a statewide electrician license. Electrical contractors must meet the licensing or registration requirements set by the local jurisdiction where they plan to work, which may include exams, proof of experience, bonding or insurance.

Required business insurance in Kansas:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required statewide, but many local jurisdictions require coverage for contractor licensing and most commercial clients expect it.

Kentucky

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

Kentucky requires electrical contractors to obtain a contractor license to operate an electrical business, hire electricians and pull permits across the state.

To become an electrical contractor, applicants must hold or employ a licensed master electrician, pass the business & law exam and show proof of both liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

Required business insurance in Kentucky:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for electrical contractors in Kentucky and must meet the minimum limits set by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

Louisiana

License required: Yes, for commercial electrical work over $10,000 (otherwise local licensing may apply)

Licensing authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors

Louisiana requires contractors performing commercial electrical projects valued at more than $10,000 to hold a commercial contractor license with the appropriate electrical classification. This license allows contractors to bid on qualifying commercial jobs, pull permits and supervise electrical work.

To qualify, applicants must pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam, meet the state’s financial requirements, and document a minimum net worth of $50,000. Local jurisdictions may still require additional registration for smaller-scale or residential electrical work.

Required business insurance in Louisiana:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is not mandated for all electrical contractors statewide, but many commercial clients require proof of coverage as part of the contracting process.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Louisiana.

Maine

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR), Electricians’ Examining Board

In Maine, electrical contracting businesses operate through a master electrician who is responsible for permits and supervision; there is no separate contractor license category.

To qualify for a master electrician license, applicants must complete an approved 576-hour electrical study program and document either 4,000 hours of journeyman-level experience or 12,000 hours of electrical installation experience, then pass the state exam.

Required business insurance in Maine:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state but is strongly recommended and often required for commercial jobs and municipal permits.

Maryland

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Maryland Board of Master Electricians

Maryland issues a single statewide license classification — the Master Electrician — which authorizes permit-level work, supervision of other electricians and operation of an electrical contracting business. Local jurisdictions may still require a separate electrical contractor registration or license to pull permits, even if the business employs a state-licensed master electrician.

To qualify, applicants must document seven years of supervised electrical experience, with up to three years of approved education allowed as a substitute, and pass the state exam.

Required business insurance in Maryland:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for master electricians, but many counties and project owners require proof of coverage for permitting or contract approval.

Massachusetts

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Massachusetts requires electricians to hold a state license to perform electrical work. Master electricians may operate an electrical contracting business, pull permits and supervise journeymen and apprentices on residential and commercial projects.

To qualify for a master electrician license, applicants must complete a 150-hour master electrician education program, hold a journeyman license and document at least one year of journeyman-level experience, then pass the state exam.

Required business insurance in Massachusetts:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but most cities and commercial clients require proof of coverage for permitting or contract work.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Massachusetts.

Michigan

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Michigan requires electricians to hold a state license before performing residential, commercial or industrial electrical work. Electrical contractors must also obtain a contractor license through LARA, which authorizes them to operate an electrical business, pull permits and supervise licensed electricians.

To become an electrical contractor, applicants must hold a master electrician license and document at least one year of experience as a master electrician, then pass the contractor exam. 

Required business insurance in Michigan:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and project owners require it for permits or contract approval.

Minnesota

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

In Minnesota, contractor-level businesses generally operate through a Class A master electrician who is designated as the responsible person for permits and supervision.

To qualify as a Class A master electrician, applicants must document 60 months of varied electrical experience and pass the state exam. That credential is then used to support an electrical contractor business license or registration as required by DLI and local jurisdictions.

Required business insurance in Minnesota:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but many municipalities and commercial clients require it for electrical permitting or contract approval.

Mississippi

License required: Yes, for residential electrical work over $10,000 and commercial electrical work over $50,000

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)

Mississippi does not issue statewide electrician or journeyman electrician licenses, but electrical contractors performing projects above the state’s dollar thresholds must hold a state contractor license with the appropriate electrical classification. This license allows contractors to bid on qualifying residential or commercial electrical work, pull permits and operate legally within the state.

To qualify, applicants must pass the trade exam and the business and law exam, submit financial documentation and meet MSBOC’s application requirements.

Note on recent updates: Starting in 2026, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors will send all license renewal notices by email only, so electrical contractors must keep an up-to-date email address on file. 

Required business insurance in Mississippi:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with five or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but many municipalities and most commercial clients require coverage for electrical contractors.

Missouri

License required: At the local level only

Licensing authority: Local cities, counties and building departments

Missouri does not issue a statewide electrician license, so electrical contractors must follow the licensing or registration rules set by the city or county where they plan to work. Requirements can vary widely and may include exams, proof of experience, bonding or liability insurance for permits and contract approval.

Required business insurance in Missouri:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with five or more employees, or for all construction businesses regardless of size.
• General liability insurance is not required statewide, but many municipalities require it for contractor registration and most project owners expect coverage.

Montana

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Montana Department of Labor and Industry — State Electrical Board

Montana requires electrical contractors to obtain either a limited or unlimited electrical contractor license, which allows them to bid on projects, pull permits and employ licensed electricians.

To qualify, applicants must hold or employ a journeyman electrician (for a limited license) or a master electrician (for an unlimited license) and show proof of compliance with Montana’s workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance requirements.

Required business insurance in Montana:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and project owners require proof of coverage for permitting and commercial work.

Nebraska

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Nebraska Electrical Division

Nebraska requires electrical contractors to hold a contractor license issued by the Nebraska Electrical Division, which authorizes them to operate an electrical business, pull permits and supervise licensed electricians.

To qualify, applicants must either complete an accredited four-year electrical program and have one year of journeyman experience, or document five years of experience in planning, laying out, supervising and installing electrical wiring and equipment, and pass the state exam.

Required business insurance in Nebraska:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but many municipalities and commercial clients require it for contractor licensing or permitting.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Nebraska.

Nevada

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)

Nevada requires electrical contractors to hold a C-2 Electrical Contracting license to perform residential, commercial or industrial electrical work. This license authorizes permit-level work, project bidding and supervision of electrical installations statewide.

To qualify for a C-2 license, applicants must document four years of journeyman- or master-level experience within the past 15 years, pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam and meet Nevada’s financial responsibility and bonding requirements.

Required business insurance in Nevada:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated by the NSCB but is commonly required by project owners, and many municipalities require proof of coverage for electrical permitting.

New Hampshire

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Electricians’ Board

New Hampshire requires master electricians to be licensed at the state level in order to contract for electrical work, pull permits and supervise journeymen and apprentices.

To qualify for a master electrician license, applicants must first pass the journeyman exam, document 2,000 hours of journeyman experience and pass the master exam.

Required business insurance in New Hampshire:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities require it for permitting and most commercial clients expect coverage.

New Jersey

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs — Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors

New Jersey requires electricians to hold a state electrical contractor license to perform residential, commercial or industrial electrical work. Licensed electrical contractors may operate an electrical business, pull permits and supervise journeymen and apprentices statewide.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a high school diploma and pass the state licensing exam. They must also document five years of practical experience or follow an approved pathway such as completing a four-year apprenticeship, holding a journeyman license with one year of experience or earning an electrical engineering degree plus two years of experience.

Required business insurance in New Jersey:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for licensed electrical contractors in New Jersey, and coverage must meet the minimum limits set by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

New Mexico

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

New Mexico requires electrical contractors to obtain a contractor license to bid on projects, pull permits and operate an electrical business, and all electrical work must be performed under the appropriate journeyman classification.

To become an electrical contractor, applicants must hold a journeyman license in the relevant classification, show proof of financial responsibility, hold a current New Mexico tax ID number and pass both the business and law exam and the applicable electrical trade exam for their license classification.

Required business insurance in New Mexico:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and commercial clients require proof of coverage for permitting or project approval.

New York

License required: At the local level only

Licensing authority: Local cities, counties and building departments

New York does not issue a statewide electrician or electrical contractor license. Licensing and permitting requirements are set by individual cities and counties, which often have strict standards for contractor registration, exams, insurance and on-the-job experience.

Required business insurance in New York:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required statewide, but many municipalities require coverage for electrical contractor licensing and most commercial clients expect it.

North Carolina

License required: Yes for electrical contractors; journeyman-level licensing is local

Licensing authority: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (for contractors); local jurisdictions (for journeyman-level licensing)

North Carolina regulates electrical contractors at the state level, while journeyman or technician licensing is handled by local jurisdictions. State-issued electrical contractor licenses allow you to bid on projects, pull permits and supervise electrical work in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Contractors must apply for the correct classification based on the scope and voltage of work they plan to perform.

To qualify, applicants must meet the experience requirements for their classification — four years for Limited and six years for Intermediate. Unlimited classification requires at least five years of experience and two reference statements from licensees of equal or higher classification.

Required business insurance in North Carolina:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but most municipalities and commercial clients require coverage for permitting and contract approval.

North Dakota

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: North Dakota State Electrical Board

North Dakota requires electrical work to be supervised by a licensed contracting master electrician, who is the only license type authorized to operate an electrical business, pull permits and oversee installations.

To qualify as a master electrician, applicants must document 2,000 hours of journeyman-level experience under the supervision of a contracting master electrician and pass the state exam.

Required business insurance in North Dakota:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees. Because North Dakota is a monopolistic state, coverage must be purchased through Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), the state-run workers’ comp fund.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities require it for permits and most commercial clients expect coverage.

Ohio

License required: Yes, for commercial electrical contractors

Licensing authority: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB)

Ohio requires a state license for commercial electrical contractors. This license authorizes contractors to bid on commercial projects, pull permits and operate an electrical contracting business statewide. Residential and journeyman-level licensing is handled locally.

To qualify for the commercial electrical contractor license, applicants must document five years of experience as an electrician and three years of business experience in the construction industry, pass the state exam and provide proof of liability insurance, along with meeting OCILB’s financial responsibility requirements.

Required business insurance in Ohio:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees and must be purchased through the state-run fund, as Ohio is a monopolistic state.
• General liability insurance is required for state-licensed commercial electrical contractors and must meet OCILB’s minimum coverage limits.

Oklahoma

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB)

Oklahoma requires electrical contractors to hold the proper electrical contractor license to bid on projects, pull permits and run an electrical business. Contractor classifications include limited, unlimited and residential electrical contractor licenses, each tied to the scope of work and supervision responsibilities.

Applicants must meet substantial experience requirements — generally 8,000 hours for unlimited classifications and up to 16,000 hours for limited classifications — with some education allowed as a substitute.

Required business insurance in Oklahoma:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and commercial clients require coverage for permits or project approval.

Oregon

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD)

Oregon requires electricians to hold a state license and contractor-level businesses typically operate by designating a general supervising electrician or limited supervising electrician who is responsible for permits and code compliance.

Contractor businesses must designate a General Supervising Electrician (S) or Limited Supervising Electrician (LS), who must already hold a journeyman license, document 8,000 hours of journeyman experience and pass the supervising exam.

Required business insurance in Oregon:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but most municipalities and commercial clients require proof of coverage for permits or project approval.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Oregon.

Pennsylvania

License required: At the local level only

Licensing authority: Local cities, counties and building departments

Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide electrical contractor license. Licensing is handled by local jurisdictions, many of which have their own requirements for exams, registrations, insurance and bonding.

Required business insurance in Pennsylvania:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide but is often required by municipalities for electrician licensing and by commercial clients for contract approval.

Rhode Island

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit

Rhode Island requires electrical contractors to hold a contractor-level license to run an electrical business, pull permits and supervise journeypersons and apprentices.

To qualify, applicants must hold a valid Rhode Island journeyperson license for at least two years, document six years of electrical experience and pass the contractor exam.

Required business insurance in Rhode Island:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and commercial clients require proof of coverage for permits or contract approval.

South Carolina

License required: Yes, for electrical contractors; journeyman and master certification is local

Licensing authority: Municipal Association of South Carolina (journeyman and master); South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board (electrical contractors)

South Carolina certifies journeyman and master electricians at the local level, while electrical contractors must hold a state-issued contractor license to bid on projects, pull permits and run an electrical business.

Contractor licenses fall under either the mechanical classification for commercial work or the residential classification for residential projects. A mechanical contractor license with the electrical subclassification is required for commercial electrical projects costing more than $5,000.

To qualify for a mechanical electrical contractor license, applicants must document two years of relevant experience within the past five years, submit financial statements that match their intended project size and pass both the technical exam and the business and law exam. A residential electrical contractor license requires one year of work experience plus passing the same two exams.

Required business insurance in South Carolina:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with four or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but most municipalities and commercial clients require it for contractor licensing or project approval.

South Dakota

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Electrical Commission

South Dakota requires a state license for all electrical work. Electrical contractors must hold a contractor license, which authorizes them to run an electrical business, supervise journeyman and apprentice electricians and pull permits for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

To qualify as an electrical contractor, applicants must have two years (4,000 hours) of journeyman experience, including at least 2,000 hours of commercial work, and pass the state contractor exam.

Required business insurance in South Dakota:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but municipalities and commercial project owners often require proof of coverage for permitting and contract approval.

Tennessee

License required: Yes (state or local depending on project value and location)

Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance — Board for Licensing Contractors; local jurisdictions

Tennessee regulates electrical licensing at both the state and local levels. Contractors performing electrical work valued at $25,000 or more must hold a state Contractor–Electrical (CE) license, which authorizes them to bid on projects, pull permits and operate an electrical business. Smaller projects may fall under local licensing rules, or under the state’s Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) classification if the work is under $25,000 and no local licensing agency exists.

To qualify for a CE license, applicants must document three years of experience, pass the trade exam and the business and law exam and show proof of required business insurance in Tennessee.

Required business insurance in Tennessee:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with five or more employees, or for all employers in the construction industry regardless of size.
• General liability insurance is required for state-licensed electrical contractors and must meet the minimum limits established by the Board for Licensing Contractors.

Texas

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

Texas requires state licensing for all levels of electrical work. Electrical businesses that contract directly with customers must hold a Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) and designate a licensed master electrician as the Master Electrician of Record.

To operate as an electrical contractor, the designated master electrician must hold a current master license and meet TDLR’s business registration and insurance requirements.

Required business insurance in Texas:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is not required statewide, but businesses that opt out must notify TDLR and their employees; many commercial clients still require coverage.
• General liability insurance is required for licensed electrical contractors operating in Texas, and coverage must meet TDLR’s minimum insurance standards.

Learn more about electrician license and insurance requirements in Texas.

Utah

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)

Utah requires electrical contracting businesses to designate a licensed master or residential master electrician as the qualifier responsible for supervising work and pulling permits.

To qualify as a master electrician, applicants must document 8,000 hours of journeyman-level experience or combine an approved electrical trade degree with licensed experience, then pass the master exam. Residential master applicants must document 4,000 hours of residential journeyman experience or hold an electrical engineering degree plus licensed experience.

Note on recent updates: Beginning August 1, 2025, Utah is updating its electrician licensing exams — journeyman and residential electrician candidates will take a single combined Theory and Code exam, and master electricians will take a new Law and Rules exam under the revised Electrical Licensing Act Rule

Required business insurance in Utah:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electricians, but many municipalities, projects and clients require coverage for permitting or contract approval.

Vermont

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety

Vermont requires master electricians to be licensed at the state level to supervise journeymen and apprentices, pull permits and operate electrical contracting businesses.

To qualify for a master electrician license, applicants must hold a Vermont journeyman license for at least two years or document 16,000 hours of electrical experience and pass the state exam.

Required business insurance in Vermont:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for employers with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and commercial clients require it for permitting or contract approval.

Virginia

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors

In Virginia, electrical contractors must hold a contractor license through DPOR, and the qualifying individual for that license must be a licensed master electrician with the required experience. These credentials support the contractor license, which allows businesses to perform work, pull permits and supervise others.

To serve as the qualifying individual for an electrical contractor license, a master electrician must document one year of licensed journeyman experience or ten years of verified trade experience and pass the master exam.

Required business insurance in Virginia:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electricians, but DPOR requires liability coverage when applying for an electrical contractor license, and many municipalities and clients require it for permitting or contract approval.

Washington

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

Washington requires electrical contractors to be licensed by L&I. To become an electrical contractor, businesses must designate a certified electrical administrator or master electrician, obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and secure the required surety bond and, if hiring employees, workers’ compensation coverage.

The administrator or master electrician is responsible for supervising electrical work and ensuring it complies with state electrical code.

Required business insurance in Washington:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees. Because Washington is a monopolistic state, coverage must be purchased through the state-run fund.
• General liability insurance is required for electrical contractors, and contractors must carry a state-mandated surety bond to maintain licensure.

West Virginia

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: West Virginia Fire Commission — Regulatory and Licensing Division

West Virginia requires electrical contractors to hold a state-issued license to perform or supervise electrical work on residential, commercial and industrial projects. Electrical contractors must designate a licensed master electrician who is responsible for pulling permits, supervising electrical work and ensuring compliance with state code requirements.

To qualify, the designated master electrician must meet state experience requirements, including 4,000 hours of hands-on work across residential, commercial and industrial settings, and pass the master electrician exam. Contractor applicants must also meet all state application, fee and business registration requirements.

Required business insurance in West Virginia:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electricians, but many municipalities and commercial clients require it for permits or contract approval.

Wisconsin

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Wisconsin requires electrical contractors to hold a state electrical contractor license in order to operate an electrical business, pull permits and employ licensed electricians. This is a business credential, but the contracting entity must designate a properly licensed master electrician or residential master electrician who is responsible for supervising all electrical work.

To obtain an electrical contractor license, applicants must meet DSPS business requirements, including providing proof of workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, submitting the application and fees and ensuring a qualified master-level electrician is listed as the supervising professional.

Required business insurance in Wisconsin:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for contractors with three or more employees, or for businesses paying wages of $500 or more in any calendar quarter.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide for electrical contractors, but many municipalities and commercial clients require it for permits or contract approval.

Wyoming

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety

Wyoming does not issue a separate electrical contractor license; instead, electrical businesses must operate through a licensed master electrician, who is authorized to supervise electrical work, pull permits and ensure compliance with state electrical codes.

To qualify as a master electrician, applicants must document 16,000 hours (eight years) of electrical experience, including 8,000 hours as a licensed journeyman, complete 576 hours of electrical classroom education and pass the master electrician exam.

Required business insurance in Wyoming:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for any business with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide, but many municipalities and commercial clients require it for permits or contract approval.

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This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.