New Hampshire electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
New Hampshire electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (OPLC), how to check one online, the license types, and 682 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in New Hampshire?
| Who licenses them | New Hampshire Electricians' Board (OPLC) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Apprentice Electrician, High/Medium Voltage Electrician |
| When a license is required | License required for electrical installations of any voltage; plugging in portable appliances and incidental electrical work by handymen are excepted, RSA 319-C:2-3 |
Journeyman electricians must work for a New Hampshire licensed master electrician. Local building officials and state inspectors can ask to see the electrician's license card.
How do you look up an electrician's license in New Hampshire?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New Hampshire electrical license lookup run by OPLC.
- 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 OPLC.
What electrical licenses does New Hampshire issue?
- Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
- High/Medium Voltage Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in New Hampshire?
Licenses are issued by the New Hampshire Electricians' Board (OPLC). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official OPLC source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in New Hampshire?
The Census Bureau counted 682 electrical contractors with employees in New Hampshire in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Hillsborough County | 182 |
|---|---|
| Rockingham County | 156 |
| Merrimack County | 85 |
| Strafford County | 67 |
| Grafton County | 47 |
| Belknap County | 45 |
| Cheshire County | 36 |
| Carroll County | 33 |
What do New Hampshire homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in New Hampshire was built in 1978, 27% of households rent and 69% of homes are single-family houses. 21% of homes heat with utility gas and 11% with electricity, and 41% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in New Hampshire?
- 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: New Hampshire licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.