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Permits, violations & licenses

Get an Electrical Contractor License

Service overview

You need this license to do electrical work in Philadelphia. This includes low-voltage wiring.

Who

Individuals who perform electrical work can apply for this license.

Requirements

Other licenses and registrations

Insurance

You must provide a Certificate of Insurance that includes these minimum amounts:

  • General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
  • Automobile Liability Insurance: $300,000
  • Worker’s Compensation:
    • $100,000 each accident
    • $100,000 each employee
    • $500,000 policy limit

Experience

To qualify, you must have a minimum of four years employment doing electrical work for a company licensed through a local or state jurisdiction.

Completion of two years of education in the electrical field is equal to one year practical experience. Education can substitute for up to two years of practical experience.

Proof of experience must be submitted in the form of one or more of the following:

  • Tax records reflecting employment by a licensed electrical contractor
  • Proof of licensure through a local or state jurisdiction, subject to approval by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)

Testing and certification

You must have proof of successful completion of the Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination. This exam is administered by the International Code Council.

The exam must reference the current version of the Philadelphia Code and associated standards or your application must be submitted within 12 months of successful completion of the exam.

Continuing education credits

You must provide proof of completion for at least eight hours of coursework in the current or later edition of NFPA 70. The exam provider must be approved by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.

You must complete these courses within the 12 month period preceding application.

Proof of employment

If you are not self-employed, submit a statement of current or prospective employment. This statement must be on company letterhead and signed by the employer.

Photo identification

2 in. x 2 in., color

Tax compliance

You must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.

Where and when

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

In person

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Cost

License fee
$262

A non-refundable application fee of $60 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.

Renewal fee
$202

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

How

You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center. 

Online

1
Upload all required documents.

Applications are reviewed within five business days.

2
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center.

Applications are reviewed within five business days.

2
If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Renewal requirements

This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

To renew your license, you must:

  • Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
  • Have proof of at least eight hours of coursework in NFPA 70, earned during the previous license period.
  • Have proof of active insurance policy.

Forms & instructions


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