Wisconsin electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Wisconsin electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DSPS), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,448 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Wisconsin?
| Who licenses them | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Residential, Journeyman Electrician, Residential, Registered Electrician |
| When a license is required | Business must hold an Electrical Contractor license and the individual an electrician license or registration; work under a master electrician, Wis. Stat. 101.862 |
Both the electrical business (Electrical Contractor) and the person doing the wiring must be credentialed by DSPS, with a master electrician responsible for the work. Homeowners may wire their own owner-occupied home unless a local ordinance says otherwise.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Wisconsin?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Wisconsin electrical license lookup run by DSPS.
- 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 DSPS.
What electrical licenses does Wisconsin issue?
- Electrical Contractor
- Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician, Residential
- Journeyman Electrician, Residential
- Registered Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in Wisconsin?
Licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DSPS source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Wisconsin city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in Wisconsin?
The Census Bureau counted 1,448 electrical contractors with employees in Wisconsin in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Waukesha County | 156 |
|---|---|
| Dane County | 133 |
| Milwaukee County | 94 |
| Outagamie County | 71 |
| Brown County | 54 |
| Washington County | 51 |
| Rock County | 48 |
| Winnebago County | 45 |
What do Wisconsin homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Wisconsin was built in 1975, 32% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 65% of homes heat with utility gas and 17% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Wisconsin?
- 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: Wisconsin licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.