Minnesota electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Minnesota electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DLI), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,527 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Minnesota?
| Who licenses them | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician, Journeyworker Electrician, Registered Unlicensed Electrician (registration, not a license) |
| When a license is required | Contractor license required to contract for electrical work; $25,000 surety bond and liability insurance ($100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate) required |
Every electrical contractor must have a master electrician as its responsible licensed individual, and unlicensed workers must be supervised by a licensed electrician. Electrical work needs a state or local permit and inspection.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Minnesota?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Minnesota electrical license lookup run by DLI.
- 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 DLI.
What electrical licenses does Minnesota issue?
- Electrical Contractor
- Master Electrician
- Journeyworker Electrician
- Registered Unlicensed Electrician (registration, not a license)
How do you get a electrical license in Minnesota?
Licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DLI source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Minnesota?
The Census Bureau counted 1,527 electrical contractors with employees in Minnesota in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Hennepin County | 201 |
|---|---|
| Anoka County | 109 |
| Dakota County | 67 |
| Ramsey County | 66 |
| Wright County | 51 |
| Washington County | 50 |
| Stearns County | 50 |
| Scott County | 49 |
What do Minnesota homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Minnesota was built in 1978, 28% of households rent and 74% of homes are single-family houses. 65% of homes heat with utility gas and 19% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Minnesota?
- 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: Minnesota licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.