Idaho electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Idaho electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (DOPL), how to check one online, the license types, and 743 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Idaho?
| Who licenses them | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Idaho Electrical Board |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Apprentice, Provisional Journeyman, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor, Limited Electrical Contractor, Limited Electrical Installer, Limited Trainee |
| When a license is required | State electrical license required regardless of job size; no dollar exemption found |
Hire a licensed electrical contractor and confirm the license in DOPL's public search. DOPL is moving electrical licenses to a two-year renewal cycle, so expiration dates may shift.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Idaho?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Idaho electrical license lookup run by DOPL.
- 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 DOPL.
What electrical licenses does Idaho issue?
- Electrical Apprentice
- Provisional Journeyman
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Contractor
- Limited Electrical Contractor
- Limited Electrical Installer
- Limited Trainee
How do you get a electrical license in Idaho?
Licenses are issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Idaho Electrical Board. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DOPL source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in Idaho?
The Census Bureau counted 743 electrical contractors with employees in Idaho in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Ada County | 161 |
|---|---|
| Kootenai County | 97 |
| Canyon County | 94 |
| Bonneville County | 40 |
| Bonner County | 33 |
| Twin Falls County | 28 |
| Blaine County | 28 |
| Bingham County | 24 |
What do Idaho homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Idaho was built in 1990, 28% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 51% of homes heat with utility gas and 35% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Idaho?
- 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: Idaho licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.