New Jersey electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
New Jersey electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs)), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,639 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in New Jersey?
| Who licenses them | New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor (license plus business permit), Registered Qualified Journeyman Electrician |
| When a license is required | License and valid business permit required to do electrical contracting; no dollar threshold |
The Board licenses electrical contractors, who must also hold a business permit renewed every three years, and registers qualified journeyman electricians. Electrical work generally needs a local construction permit.
How do you look up an electrician's license in New Jersey?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New Jersey electrical license lookup run by New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs).
- 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 New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs).
What electrical licenses does New Jersey issue?
- Electrical Contractor (license plus business permit)
- Registered Qualified Journeyman Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in New Jersey?
Licenses are issued by the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in New Jersey?
The Census Bureau counted 2,639 electrical contractors with employees in New Jersey in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Bergen County | 357 |
|---|---|
| Ocean County | 249 |
| Monmouth County | 245 |
| Morris County | 242 |
| Middlesex County | 191 |
| Passaic County | 182 |
| Union County | 161 |
| Essex County | 134 |
What do New Jersey homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in New Jersey was built in 1969, 36% of households rent and 63% of homes are single-family houses. 73% of homes heat with utility gas and 16% with electricity, and 7% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in New Jersey?
- 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: New Jersey licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.