Tennessee electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Tennessee electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for state licenses; many cities/counties license electricians locally), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,278 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Tennessee?
| Who licenses them | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for state licenses; many cities/counties license electricians locally |
|---|---|
| License types | Contractor license - Electrical (CE), Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) |
| When a license is required | Contractor license (CE electrical) required for electrical work of $25,000 or more; LLE required for work under $25,000 only where the state Division of Fire Prevention issues permits/inspections |
Many Tennessee cities and counties have their own electrical licensing and permits, so check with your local codes office for smaller jobs. Verify any state license at verify.tn.gov.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Tennessee?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Tennessee electrical license lookup run by Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for state licenses; many cities/counties license electricians locally.
- 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 Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for state licenses; many cities/counties license electricians locally.
What electrical licenses does Tennessee issue?
- Contractor license - Electrical (CE)
- Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
How do you get a electrical license in Tennessee?
Licenses are issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for state licenses; many cities/counties license electricians locally. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for state licenses; many cities/counties license electricians locally source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Tennessee city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in Tennessee?
The Census Bureau counted 1,278 electrical contractors with employees in Tennessee in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Davidson County | 173 |
|---|---|
| Shelby County | 146 |
| Knox County | 107 |
| Rutherford County | 69 |
| Hamilton County | 62 |
| Sumner County | 54 |
| Williamson County | 53 |
| Montgomery County | 39 |
What do Tennessee homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Tennessee was built in 1986, 33% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 31% of homes heat with utility gas and 63% with electricity.
How do you choose an electrician in Tennessee?
- 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: Tennessee licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.