Electrical Contractor Licensing — by State
Compare electrical contractor license requirements across the top 10 US states. Fees, exam structure, experience requirements, bond minimums, insurance, and reciprocity — all in one place.
Electrical contractor licensing varies wildly by state. Some (California, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan) require a state-issued license with experience, exam, and bond. Others (Texas for roofing, New York and Pennsylvania for HVAC) have no state license — only local registration. Pick your state below for the full breakdown.
California
State licenseContractors State License Board (CSLB)
Application: $450Renewal: biennialExam: YesTexas
State licenseTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electrical Safety and Licensing
Application: $50Renewal: annualExam: YesFlorida
State licenseFlorida Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (within DBPR)
Application: $215Renewal: biennialExam: YesNew York
Local rulesNo state-level electrical license. NYC requires Department of Buildings (DOB) Master Electrician license. Other localities have their own requirements.
Application: $525Renewal: triennialExam: YesPennsylvania
Local rulesNo state-level electrical license. Cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh have their own electrical contractor licensing.
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: YesIllinois
Local rulesNo state-level electrical license. Cities (Chicago especially) and home-rule municipalities have their own electrical licensing.
Application: $130Renewal: biennialExam: YesOhio
State licenseOhio Construction Industry Examining Board (OCIEB)
Application: $25Renewal: annualExam: YesGeorgia
State licenseGeorgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors
Application: $30Renewal: biennialExam: YesNorth Carolina
State licenseNorth Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
Application: $100Renewal: annualExam: YesMichigan
State licenseMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
Application: $50Renewal: triennialExam: Yes
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