Iowa electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Iowa electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DIAL), how to check one online, the license types, and 884 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Iowa?
| Who licenses them | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), Electrical Examining Board |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor, Class A Master Electrician, Class B Master Electrician, Residential Master Electrician, Class A Journeyman Electrician, Class B Journeyman Electrician, Residential Electrician, Apprentice Electrician |
| When a license is required | State license required for electrical work); contractors earning $2,000+ a year from construction must also register (Iowa Code 91C |
Iowa licenses electricians statewide; residential licenses only cover homes with up to four living units, and Class B licenses carry geographic and work limits. Electrical contractors must keep public liability insurance and a surety bond in force.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Iowa?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Iowa electrical license lookup run by DIAL.
- 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 DIAL.
What electrical licenses does Iowa issue?
- Electrical Contractor
- Class A Master Electrician
- Class B Master Electrician
- Residential Master Electrician
- Class A Journeyman Electrician
- Class B Journeyman Electrician
- Residential Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in Iowa?
Licenses are issued by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), Electrical Examining Board. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DIAL source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Iowa?
The Census Bureau counted 884 electrical contractors with employees in Iowa in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Polk County | 114 |
|---|---|
| Linn County | 54 |
| Johnson County | 38 |
| Scott County | 35 |
| Black Hawk County | 27 |
| Dubuque County | 22 |
| Woodbury County | 18 |
| Story County | 18 |
What do Iowa homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Iowa was built in 1971, 28% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 60% of homes heat with utility gas and 24% with electricity.
How do you choose an electrician in Iowa?
- 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: Iowa licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.