How to hire an electrician

What electricians do in homes

• Panel upgrades and replacements, often to add capacity for an EV charger, a heat pump or a remodel.
• EV charger installation: usually a new 240-volt circuit to a wall charger in the garage or driveway.
• Backup power: standby generators, portable generator inlets and transfer switches, and home batteries.
• New circuits and outlets, for a kitchen, workshop, hot tub or home office.
• Lighting: recessed lights, fixtures, dimmers and outdoor lighting.
• Repairs: tripping breakers, dead outlets, flickering lights, and old or damaged wiring.

How electrical licensing usually works

Electrical work is one of the most widely licensed trades in the U.S. Most states license electricians at the state level, usually at more than one level (for example apprentice, journeyman and master), and many also license the electrical contracting business itself. In a handful of states, licensing is left to cities and counties instead.

What that means for you:

• Ask for the license number and look it up on your state's licensing board website. Check the status is active and the name matches the business you're hiring.
• Ask who will do the work. On bigger jobs a licensed master electrician or contractor may supervise, and the rules on who must be on site vary by state.
• Expect a permit for most work beyond like-for-like swaps. The electrician usually pulls it, and an inspector checks the work before walls are closed or the job is signed off.

We show the license details we found in public records with the date we checked. Licenses change, so confirm with the state before you hire.

Questions to ask

1. What's your license number, and is the license in the business's name?
2. Will you pull the permit and schedule the inspection?
3. Does my panel have room for this, or will it need an upgrade or a load calculation?
4. For an EV charger or generator: does the utility need to be involved, and who handles that?
5. Is the quote for the whole job, including permit fees, patching and cleanup?
6. Are you insured for liability and, if you have employees, workers' compensation? Can I see the certificate?
7. What's the warranty on your work?

Red flags

• No license number, or one that doesn't match the business name.
• “We don't need a permit for this” on a new circuit, panel or charger.
• A large payment up front, or cash only.
• No written quote, or a quote with no description of the work.

Typical steps

1. A visit or a call with photos. Many electricians want to see the panel and the route for any new wiring.
2. A written quote describing the work, the parts, the permit and the price.
3. The permit, pulled by the electrician.
4. The work, then the inspection. Keep the inspection record with your house papers.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

Usually, yes, for anything beyond swapping a fixture, switch or outlet like for like. New circuits, panel work, EV chargers and generators almost always need a permit and an inspection from your city or county. A licensed electrician normally pulls the permit.

Can a handyman do electrical work?

Small like-for-like swaps, sometimes. Anything that adds or changes wiring generally needs a licensed electrician in most places. Check your state's rules before you hire.

How do I check an electrician's license?

Look it up on your state's licensing board website by name or license number, and check that the status is active and the name matches the business. In a few states licensing is handled by cities or counties instead.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026. License rules change and differ by state; confirm details with your state's licensing board and your local building department.