Colorado electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Colorado electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DORA), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,213 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Colorado?
| Who licenses them | Colorado State Electrical Board, Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) |
|---|---|
| License types | Residential Wireman, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor (registration) |
| When a license is required | License required for electrical work regardless of job size |
Electrical companies must register as electrical contractors and work under a licensed master electrician; journeymen cannot sign for a company. Ask whether the job needs an electrical permit and inspection.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Colorado?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Colorado electrical license lookup run by DORA.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DORA.
What electrical licenses does Colorado issue?
- Residential Wireman
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Contractor (registration)
How do you get a electrical license in Colorado?
Licenses are issued by the Colorado State Electrical Board, Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DORA source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Colorado?
The Census Bureau counted 2,213 electrical contractors with employees in Colorado in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Jefferson County | 270 |
|---|---|
| Arapahoe County | 220 |
| El Paso County | 210 |
| Adams County | 191 |
| Denver County | 158 |
| Weld County | 146 |
| Larimer County | 143 |
| Douglas County | 112 |
What do Colorado homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Colorado was built in 1987, 34% of households rent and 69% of homes are single-family houses. 67% of homes heat with utility gas and 25% with electricity.
How do you choose an electrician in Colorado?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: Colorado licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.