West Virginia electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
West Virginia electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Regulatory and Licensing Division), how to check one online, the license types, and 257 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in West Virginia?
| Who licenses them | West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Regulatory and Licensing Division |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Specialty Electrician |
| When a license is required | A State Fire Marshal license is required for any electrical work done for pay; owners working on their own or immediate family's property are exempt |
Ask for the electrician's State Fire Marshal license and check it on the Fire Marshal's licensee search. Electrical contracting businesses also need a WV contractor license from the Contractor Licensing Board.
How do you look up an electrician's license in West Virginia?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the West Virginia electrical license lookup run by West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Regulatory and Licensing Division.
- 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 West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Regulatory and Licensing Division.
What electrical licenses does West Virginia issue?
- Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Specialty Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in West Virginia?
Licenses are issued by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Regulatory and Licensing Division. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Regulatory and Licensing Division source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in West Virginia?
The Census Bureau counted 257 electrical contractors with employees in West Virginia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Kanawha County | 41 |
|---|---|
| Monongalia County | 21 |
| Cabell County | 17 |
| Raleigh County | 16 |
| Putnam County | 16 |
| Wood County | 15 |
| Berkeley County | 14 |
| Marion County | 12 |
What do West Virginia homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in West Virginia was built in 1976, 26% of households rent and 73% of homes are single-family houses. 41% of homes heat with utility gas and 46% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in West Virginia?
- 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: West Virginia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.