How to Find Out How Long an Electrician Has Been Registered

Find out an electrician's license longevity by seeking out the state's electrician directory.

To work as an electrician, most states require a license. Licensing is generally administered by a state-level licensing department under authority of state law. To ensure consumer safety, most states maintain comprehensive directories of licensed electricians available for public perusal. Individual licensees are usually registered in such directories automatically upon earning a license. Many directories include length of registration.

Instructions

1. Collect information on the electrician. Though each state directory is different, most allow you to search by name, license/registration number, locality and keyword.

2. Navigate to the website of your state's licensing authority or consumer protection department (see this article's Resources section for a nationwide directory). Access the license search page.

3. Conduct a search according to the methods made available in your state. A successful search will return all of the directory's information on the electrician. If length of registration is not included in the data, make a telephone call to the licensing office for further inquiry.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all states require electricians to register with a government body. In this case, you might contact local or state consumer protection agencies, or the Better Business Bureau.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Electricians

Resources

• LicensedElectrician.com: State Electrical Licensing Info