Hawaii electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Hawaii electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DCCA), how to check one online, the license types, and 363 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Hawaii?
| Who licenses them | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Board of Electricians and Plumbers (individuals); Contractors License Board (C-13 electrical contractors) |
|---|---|
| License types | Journey Worker Electrician, Supervising Electrician, Journey Worker Industrial Electrician, Supervising Industrial Electrician, Journey Worker Specialty Electrician, Supervising Specialty Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, C-13 Electrical Contractor |
| When a license is required | A license is required for any person who performs electrical work; electrical permits required for work over $500 in a 12-month period |
Electrical contractors (C-13) must use licensed electricians to do the actual wiring; even small jobs like installing ceiling fans, outlets or low-voltage landscape lighting need a licensee per DCCA guidance. Only licensees can obtain electrical permits.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Hawaii?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Hawaii electrical license lookup run by DCCA.
- 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 DCCA.
What electrical licenses does Hawaii issue?
- Journey Worker Electrician
- Supervising Electrician
- Journey Worker Industrial Electrician
- Supervising Industrial Electrician
- Journey Worker Specialty Electrician
- Supervising Specialty Electrician
- Maintenance Electrician
- C-13 Electrical Contractor
How do you get a electrical license in Hawaii?
Licenses are issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Board of Electricians and Plumbers (individuals); Contractors License Board (C-13 electrical contractors). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DCCA source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Hawaii?
The Census Bureau counted 363 electrical contractors with employees in Hawaii in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Honolulu County | 234 |
|---|---|
| Maui County | 57 |
| Hawaii County | 48 |
| Kauai County | 24 |
What do Hawaii homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Hawaii was built in 1979, 37% of households rent and 63% of homes are single-family houses. 3% of homes heat with utility gas and 41% with electricity.
How do you choose an electrician in Hawaii?
- 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: Hawaii licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.