Electrician License Requirements in District of Columbia
| Licensing Authority | Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (BIT/DLCP) |
| License Type | Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours (4 years) as apprentice for Journeyman. Master requires Journeyman license plus 4 additional years as licensed Journeyman. Alternatively, EE degree plus 2 years practical experience certified by a licensed Master. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited electrical engineering degree substitutes for apprenticeship; must still have 2 years practical experience under a licensed Master |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $52 |
| Initial License Fee | $110 |
| Est. Initial Total | $162 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master initial license | $120 |
| Master renewal | $155 |
| Contractor renewal | $180 |
Renewal: $110 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in District of Columbia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in District of Columbia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Apprentice Electrician
Entry level — must work under licensed Journeyman or Master
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (4 years) as apprentice or degree + 2 years practical
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Journeyman license plus 4 years as licensed Journeyman
Exam: Required
Master Electrician Limited (Low Voltage)
8,000 hours (4 years) in low-voltage systems
Exam: Required
Notes
- Licenses renewed in odd years
- DC does not require continuing education for electricians
You're licensed in District of Columbia as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issues the Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician; the business that invoices District of Columbia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
District of Columbia requires a $5,000 surety bond. $5,000 surety bond for electrical contractors. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
District of Columbia requires general liability insurance for this license. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $110.
Other licenses in District of Columbia
- General Contractor license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $655 in initial government fees · DLCP
- Plumber license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $162 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- HVAC Technician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- Roofing Contractor license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $295 in initial government fees · DLCP
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide electrician license through the Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How much does an electrician license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $162, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in District of Columbia?
8,000 hours (4 years) as apprentice for Journeyman. Master requires Journeyman license plus 4 additional years as licensed Journeyman. Alternatively, EE degree plus 2 years practical experience certified by a licensed Master. Education substitute: Accredited electrical engineering degree substitutes for apprenticeship; must still have 2 years practical experience under a licensed Master
What exams are required for an electrician license in District of Columbia?
You must pass the Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for an electrician license in District of Columbia?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. $5,000 surety bond for electrical contractors
How long does it take to get an electrician license in District of Columbia?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in District of Columbia?
No, District of Columbia does not currently require continuing education for electrician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in District of Columbia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BIT/DLCP