New York electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
New York electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DOB), how to check one online, the license types, and 5,230 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in New York?
| Who licenses them | local (city/county); no statewide electrical license. In New York City: NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Some counties (e.g. Westchester County Electrical Licensing Board) and cities license electricians locally. |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Electrician, Special Electrician |
New York State does not license electricians; licensing is local. In NYC, only a DOB-licensed Master Electrician may do electrical work as an independent contractor. Outside NYC, check your city or county licensing board, and make sure permits are pulled.
How do you look up an electrician's license in New York?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New York electrical license lookup run by DOB.
- 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 DOB.
What electrical licenses does New York issue?
- Master Electrician
- Special Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in New York?
Licenses are issued by the local (city/county); no statewide electrical license. In New York City: NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Some counties (e.g. Westchester County Electrical Licensing Board) and cities license electricians locally.. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DOB source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which New York city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in New York?
The Census Bureau counted 5,230 electrical contractors with employees in New York in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Suffolk County | 838 |
|---|---|
| Queens County | 641 |
| Kings County | 593 |
| Nassau County | 498 |
| Westchester County | 390 |
| New York County | 215 |
| Bronx County | 168 |
| Erie County | 162 |
What do New York homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in New York was built in 1958, 46% of households rent and 47% of homes are single-family houses. 59% of homes heat with utility gas and 14% with electricity, and 17% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in New York?
- 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 York licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.