Electrician licenses in
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania you'll see one of these on an electrician's card, bid or truck:
- Electrical Contractor License (Philadelphia)
- Individual who passed the Philadelphia electrical exam; needed for any electrical work in the city including low-voltage.
- Electrical Trade License (Pittsburgh)
- Individual performing electrical work in the city; trade licenses are issued to individuals, not companies.
Hiring a company, not a person?
No state electrical license; the city or township sets licensing, and any contractor doing $5,000 or more of home improvements per year must register with the Attorney General as a Home Improvement Contractor.
City and county licenses
Pennsylvania leaves electrician licensing to local governments. These are the largest with an online search.
-
City of Philadelphia
Department of Licenses and Inspections
Not listed? Call the building department for the city or county where the work is.
Before you hire
- Contractor licensing in Pennsylvania (small-job limits, bonds, permits)
- How to check a license in Pennsylvania, step by step
- Before-you-hire checklist (one page, free PDF)
- File a complaint about an electrician (opens official site)