Virginia electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Virginia electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DPOR), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,787 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Virginia?
| Who licenses them | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Class A/B/C Contractor with electrical specialty |
| When a license is required | Contractor license required for jobs over $1,000 (Class C over $1,000 to under $30,000; Class B $30,000 to under $150,000; Class A $150,000+) |
An electrical contracting firm must hold a contractor license backed by a master electrician, and its electricians need state tradesman licenses. Hiring a licensed contractor makes you eligible for the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Virginia?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Virginia electrical license lookup run by DPOR.
- 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 DPOR.
What electrical licenses does Virginia issue?
- Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Class A/B/C Contractor with electrical specialty
How do you get a electrical license in Virginia?
Licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors (Tradesmen Program). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DPOR source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Virginia?
The Census Bureau counted 1,787 electrical contractors with employees in Virginia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Fairfax County | 182 |
|---|---|
| Prince William County | 110 |
| Virginia Beach city | 97 |
| Chesterfield County | 91 |
| Hanover County | 85 |
| Chesapeake city | 83 |
| Loudoun County | 82 |
| Henrico County | 75 |
What do Virginia homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Virginia was built in 1984, 33% of households rent and 73% of homes are single-family houses. 32% of homes heat with utility gas and 57% with electricity, and 3% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Virginia?
- 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: Virginia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.