SPEC SHEET · NY · ELECTRICIAN
New York electrician license requirements
The answer
New York has NO statewide electrician license — licensing is by city and county. In New York City (shown here as the largest jurisdiction) the DOB licenses Master Electricians: 7 years of supervised experience in the last 10 (2 in NYC) — or an EE degree + 3 years, or a NYS-registered apprenticeship + 5 years — plus written ($585) and practical ($530) exams and a $310 license.Your paths to the license
7 years supervised (2 in NYC)
At least 7 years within the last 10 working with your tools under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master or special electrician in the US — at least 2 of them in New York City. Supervisors sign the Experience Verification Form.
EE degree + 3 years
A bachelor's in electrical engineering (or appropriate engineering technology) + 3 years of supervised tool experience within the last 5 (2 in NYC).
Registered apprenticeship + 5 years
Completing a NYS Department of Labor-registered electrical apprenticeship cuts the requirement to 5 years within the last 10 (2 in NYC).
Outside New York City
Buffalo, Yonkers, White Plains, Long Island towns and most upstate cities/counties license electricians locally with their own boards — check the jurisdiction where you'll work. Out-of-state licenses don't transfer; they document experience.
License levels in New York
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / helper | Work under a licensed master/special electrician; NYS-registered apprenticeships shorten the NYC experience requirement. | — |
| NYC Special Electrician | Licensed for electrical work on SPECIFIC buildings; same exam and fees as master. | $310 |
| NYC Master Electrician | Independent contractor license for electrical work anywhere in NYC; 7-year experience routes + exams. | $310 |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Written exam application (LIC41) | $585 |
| Practical exam application (LIC42) | $530 |
| License fee | $310 |
| Renewal (annual) | $60 |
| Original seal | $50 |
The exam
| Provider | NYC DOB (via exam vendor) |
| Fees | Written exam application $585 (LIC41) + practical exam $530 (LIC42) |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No reciprocity — each NY jurisdiction licenses separately; NYC credits US supervised experience toward its requirements. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: NYC master/special electrician licenses run 1 year; renewal $60 (late = $310). Unpaid OATH/ECB penalties block issuance and renewal (Local Law 47 of 2016).
Watch out: Requirements shown are New York CITY's — every other NY jurisdiction has its own rules. · City-agency inspection experience credits at 50%, capped at 2.5 years.
Official sources for this page
New York electrician licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed electrician in New York?
New York has no statewide electrician license, so there is no state hour requirement — training runs through apprenticeships (typically 4–5 years) and any licensing happens at the city/county level.
What does the New York electrician license cost?
Published fees: Written exam application (LIC41) $585 · Practical exam application (LIC42) $530 · License fee $310 · Renewal (annual) $60 · Original seal $50. Exam-vendor fees may be extra — see the sources below.
Does New York have electrician license reciprocity?
No reciprocity — each NY jurisdiction licenses separately; NYC credits US supervised experience toward its requirements.
How often does the license renew?
NYC master/special electrician licenses run 1 year; renewal $60 (late = $310). Unpaid OATH/ECB penalties block issuance and renewal (Local Law 47 of 2016).
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