Electrician licenses in
New York
New York has no statewide license for electricians. Cities and counties license them.
There's no state search to run. Check the license with the city or county where the work is (see below).
What the license should say
In New York you'll see one of these on an electrician's card, bid or truck:
- Master electrician (NYC)
- Individual licensed by NYC DOB to perform electrical work as an independent contractor anywhere in the city.
- Special electrician (NYC)
- Individual licensed by NYC DOB for electrical work at specific buildings or lots.
- Master or restricted electrician (Suffolk County)
- Individual licensed by Suffolk County Consumer Affairs.
Hiring a company, not a person?
No state electrician license; licensing is by city or county, for example NYC DOB master electrician, Suffolk County master electrician, and City of Rochester electrical licensing.
City and county licenses
New York leaves electrician licensing to local governments. These are the largest with an online search.
-
New York City
NYC Department of Buildings
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Suffolk County
Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs
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City of Rochester
Neighborhood and Business Development, Licensed Trades
Not listed? Call the building department for the city or county where the work is.
Before you hire
- Contractor licensing in New York (small-job limits, bonds, permits)
- How to check a license in New York, step by step
- Before-you-hire checklist (one page, free PDF)
- File a complaint about an electrician (opens official site)