Vermont electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Vermont electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Department of Public Safety), Electricians' Licensing Board), how to check one online, the license types, and 322 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Vermont?
| Who licenses them | Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Department of Public Safety), Electricians' Licensing Board |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Electrician (EM), Journeyman Electrician (EJ), Electrical Specialist (ES, limited categories) |
| When a license is required | Vermont law exempts from licensing any electrical work in a residential building with no more than two dwelling units, and owner work in the owner's own freestanding single-unit home. Larger and non-residential buildings require licensed electricians. |
State law does not require a licensed electrician for work in one- and two-family homes, so homeowners should still ask for a Vermont master or journeyman license and check it on the state master list. Some towns also run their own electrical inspections.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Vermont?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Vermont electrical license lookup run by Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Department of Public Safety), Electricians' Licensing Board.
- 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 Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Department of Public Safety), Electricians' Licensing Board.
What electrical licenses does Vermont issue?
- Master Electrician (EM)
- Journeyman Electrician (EJ)
- Electrical Specialist (ES, limited categories)
How do you get a electrical license in Vermont?
Licenses are issued by the Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Department of Public Safety), Electricians' Licensing Board. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Department of Public Safety), Electricians' Licensing Board source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Vermont?
The Census Bureau counted 322 electrical contractors with employees in Vermont in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Chittenden County | 78 |
|---|---|
| Windham County | 34 |
| Rutland County | 32 |
| Windsor County | 29 |
| Washington County | 26 |
| Orange County | 23 |
| Addison County | 21 |
| Franklin County | 18 |
What do Vermont homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Vermont was built in 1976, 27% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 18% of homes heat with utility gas and 8% with electricity, and 40% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Vermont?
- 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: Vermont licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.