Trades by State
We are an independent site, not a government office, and this is not legal advice. Every number links to the official page it came from and shows when we last checked it.

Electrical license requirements by state

What your state asks of a electrician before the first paid job. Pick a state below for the license and what it costs, the least insurance you must carry, whether you need a bond, when to charge sales tax, and the deadlines that protect your right to be paid.

Most recent check by the Trades by State editor 2026-09-16 7 states so far. More are being added, biggest first.

Electrical in Arizona

License you need
R-11 Electrical (residential) Renew Every two years. You can choose to renew each year instead at half the two-year fee
Insurance you must carry
No state minimum customers usually ask for $1,000,000
Workers' comp
Required as soon as you hire anyone

Electrical in California

License you need
C-10 Electrical Contractor Renew Every two years for an active license. An inactive license renews every four years
Insurance you must carry
No state minimum customers usually ask for $1,000,000
Workers' comp
Required as soon as you hire anyone

Electrical in Florida

License you need
Certified Electrical Contractor Renew Every 2 years
Insurance you must carry
$100,000 plus $500,000 for property damage
Workers' comp
Required as soon as you hire anyone

Electrical in Michigan

License you need
Electrical Apprentice registration Renew Every year
Workers' comp
Required as soon as you hire anyone
Credit score
None found

Electrical in North Carolina

License you need
Limited (L) electrical contracting license Renew Every year. The license expires one year after the day it was issued, and the board sends a renewal notice about 60 days before
Insurance you must carry
No state minimum customers usually ask for $1,000,000
Workers' comp
Required as soon as you hire anyone

Electrical in Texas

License you need
Apprentice Electrician Renew Every year
Insurance you must carry
$300,000 liability, at least
Workers' comp
Your choice not required in this state

Electrical in Washington

License you need
General Electrical Contractor License (01) Renew Every 2 years (the license expires 24 months after the day it is issued)
Insurance you must carry
None. L&I encourages an electrical contractor to carry liability insurance but does not require it and keeps no record of it liability, at least
Workers' comp
Required as soon as you hire anyone

A state appears here the day a person has checked every figure on its electrical page. Not seeing yours yet? It is on the list.