California electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
California electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (CSLB), how to check one online, the license types, and 10,156 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in California?
| Who licenses them | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses electrical contractors; Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), DLSE Electrician Certification Unit certifies individual electricians |
|---|---|
| License types | C-10 Electrical Contractor, General Electrician (certified), Residential Electrician (certified), Fire/Life Safety Technician, Voice Data Video Technician, Non-Residential Lighting Technician |
| When a license is required | Contractor license required for jobs of $1,000 or more, or any job that needs a permit (most electrical work does), or where the worker uses employees. Electricians working for C-10 contractors must hold DIR certification or be registered trainees. Written contract required for home improvement jobs over $500; down payment capped at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. |
Check the company's C-10 license with CSLB and the electrician's certification with DIR's search tool (https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ECU/ElectCert/ElectCertSearch.asp). Contractors carry a $25,000 CSLB bond; electrical work typically requires a local permit and inspection.
How do you look up an electrician's license in California?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the California electrical license lookup run by CSLB.
- 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 CSLB.
What electrical licenses does California issue?
- C-10 Electrical Contractor
- General Electrician (certified)
- Residential Electrician (certified)
- Fire/Life Safety Technician
- Voice Data Video Technician
- Non-Residential Lighting Technician
How do you get a electrical license in California?
Licenses are issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses electrical contractors; Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), DLSE Electrician Certification Unit certifies individual electricians. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official CSLB source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which California city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in California?
The Census Bureau counted 10,156 electrical contractors with employees in California in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Los Angeles County | 2,286 |
|---|---|
| San Diego County | 958 |
| Orange County | 943 |
| Riverside County | 729 |
| San Bernardino County | 499 |
| Santa Clara County | 480 |
| Alameda County | 369 |
| Sacramento County | 353 |
What do California homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in California was built in 1976, 44% of households rent and 65% of homes are single-family houses. 62% of homes heat with utility gas and 29% with electricity.
How do you choose an electrician in California?
- 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: California licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.