License Classification and Scope

There are 10 different classifications of electrical contracting licenses.  Each license has a specific scope and limitation of work allowed.  The Limited (L), Intermediate (I), and Unlimited (U) classifications allow a licensee to perform residential, commercial and industrial work. The Residential dwelling license (SP-SFD) permits electrical contracting projects pertaining to single-family detached residential dwellings.  There are also six (6) special restricted electrical contracting classifications which allow only a limited phase of electrical contracting work:  Fire Alarm/Low Voltage (SP-FA/LV), Elevator (SP-EL), Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning (SP-PH), Groundwater pump (SP-WP), Electric Sign (SP-ES), Swimming Pool (SP-SP).

The scope for each of the special restricted classifications is listed in Section .0800 of the rules and regulations.

Requirements for Each Classification

After successfully passing a qualifying examination applicants for electrical contracting license in any of the license classifications must (1) submit a completed application for the license classification desired, (2) submit the appropriate annual license fee, and (3) furnish the name, signature and social security number of at least one person to serve as the listed qualified individual for the applicant's license. Applications may be obtained by calling the office (919) 733-9042 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

License Name Requirements

Pursuant to .0402 (a), the name in which a license is issued must be distinguishable from the name in which a license has already been issued. If the name requested, after deleting all spaces, punctuation marks, articles, prepositions, conjunctions and, whether abbreviated or not, "corporation," "incorporated," "company," or "limited," is not identical to the name in which a license has already been issued, it shall be distinguishable. The substitution of a numeral for a word that represents the same numeral shall not make the name distinguishable.

Check your desired name using the Active Licensee Database. Board staff is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to confirm any names.

Once a name is approved and a license issued, all electrical contracting business, including all business advertising and the submission of all documents and papers (including checks) must be in the exact name as listed on the electrical contracting license.

Change of Name

If you wish to change the name on your license, you must file a Request For Change of Name and/or Address form. If you incorporate your business, you must file a copy of your articles of incorporation, articles of organization (LLC), or certificate of authority (Out-of-State Corporations) from the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. Your current license certificate must be returned along with the form. A new certificate will be issued reflecting the requested changes.

Change of Address

You should keep the Board informed of any mailing or location address change. Written notification of address change should be filed within 30 days. You can verify the mailing address using the Active Licensee Database. If the address is incorrect, complete a Change of Address Form and mail or fax to the Board.

Lost or Misplaced License

Your current license certificate should be displayed in your place of business. If you have lost or misplaced your license certificate, mail or fax notification to the Board. Be sure to include your name, license number & mailing address. Your new license certificate will be replaced free of charge.

Bonding Ability

A statement of bonding ability is required to activate a license in both the Intermediate and Unlimited classifications.  Bonding Ability forms are available for download.

Intermediate must show bond ability in excess of $40, 000.00 .

Unlimited must show bond ability in excess of $110, 000.00.

Add/Drop Qualified Individual

To add or remove a qualified individual to your license, you must file a Request to Add/Remove a Qualified Individual form. Your current license certificate should be returned along with form. A new certificate will be issued reflecting the requested changes.

License Term

All licenses issued by the Board will expire one year after the date of issuance.  

Renewal applications are automatically mailed approximately 60 days prior to the license expiration date. If you have not received an application 30 days prior to your license expiration date, please notify us at (919) 733-9042.

Renewal applications and fees are due 30 days prior to the license expiration date. An administrative fee of $25.00 shall be imposed on all applications received after the expiration date.  Applications filed with the Board by mail shall be considered filed on the date such mail is postmarked.

Reciprocity

 Reciprocity Agreements currently exist between North Carolina and the following states: ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, OHIO, SOUTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, and WEST VIRGINIA

Reciprocity application packets are available for download or by calling the Board's office at (919) 733-9042.