District of Columbia electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
District of Columbia electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DLCP), how to check one online, the license types, and 22 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in District of Columbia?
| Who licenses them | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades |
|---|---|
| License types | Apprentice Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor (Regular Voltage), Electrical Contractor (Low Voltage) |
| When a license is required | License required for electrical work; no dollar exemption found |
Electrical contractor companies must name a DC-licensed master electrician and carry surety bonds (regular voltage: $4,000 company / $2,000 master; low voltage: $2,000 / $1,000). Verify the individual or company license in DLCP's professional license portal.
How do you look up an electrician's license in District of Columbia?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the District of Columbia electrical license lookup run by DLCP.
- 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 DLCP.
What electrical licenses does District of Columbia issue?
- Apprentice Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Contractor (Regular Voltage)
- Electrical Contractor (Low Voltage)
How do you get a electrical license in District of Columbia?
Licenses are issued by the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DLCP source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which District of Columbia city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in District of Columbia?
The Census Bureau counted 22 electrical contractors with employees in District of Columbia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| District of Columbia | 22 |
|---|
What do District of Columbia homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in District of Columbia was built in 1957, 59% of households rent and 33% of homes are single-family houses. 49% of homes heat with utility gas and 46% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in District of Columbia?
- 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: District of Columbia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.