Tool50 states · Updated Feb 2026

Which States Accept Your Electrical License?

Where can you work with your license? Select your home state below to see which other states have reciprocity agreements for electrician licenses. Reciprocity means you may transfer your license without retaking the full exam, though additional requirements often apply.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reciprocity agreements change frequently and may have conditions not shown here (background checks, additional documentation, fees, waiting periods). Always contact the destination state's licensing board directly to confirm current transfer requirements before applying. Data shown is based on publicly available state records as of February 2026.

Full reciprocity reference table

This table shows all known electrician license reciprocity agreements across the states we track. Select any state above for interactive details.

StateReciprocity WithCE Hours
AlaskaAR, CO, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, SD, UT16 hrs / 2 yr
AlabamaGA, LA, MS, NC, VA14 hrs / 2 yr
ArkansasAK, CO, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WYNone
ArizonaNone listedNone
CaliforniaAZ, LA, NV, UT32 hrs / 3 yr
ColoradoAK, AR, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WY24 hrs / 3 yr
ConnecticutNone listed4 hrs / 1 yr
DelawareNone listedNone
FloridaNone listed11 hrs / 2 yr
GeorgiaNone listedNone
HawaiiNone listedNone
IowaMT, ND, NE, SD18 hrs / 3 yr
IdahoAK, AR, CO, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WYNone
IllinoisNone listedN/A
IndianaNone listed12 hrs / 2 yr
KansasNone listedN/A
KentuckyNone listed6 hrs / 1 yr
LouisianaNone listed7 hrs / 1 yr
MassachusettsNH21 hrs / 3 yr
MarylandNone listed10 hrs / 2 yr
MaineNone listed20 hrs / 3 yr
MichiganNone listed8 hrs / 3 yr
MinnesotaAK, AR, CO, IA, ID, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, SD, UT, WY16 hrs / 2 yr
MissouriNone listedN/A
MississippiNone listedN/A
MontanaAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WY16 hrs / 2 yr
North CarolinaNone listed8 hrs / 1 yr
North DakotaAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, MT, NE, NH, NM, OK, SD, UT, WY16 hrs / 3 yr
NebraskaAK, AR, CO, IA, ID, MN, MT, ND, NH, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY12 hrs / 2 yr
New HampshireAK, AR, CO, ID, MA, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, UT, WY15 hrs / 3 yr
New JerseyNone listedNone
New MexicoAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, OK, SD, UT, WY8 hrs / 1 yr
NevadaNone listed4 hrs / 1 yr
New YorkNone listedNone
OhioNone listedN/A
OklahomaAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, SD, UT, WY14 hrs / 2 yr
OregonAR, CO, ID, MT, NE24 hrs / 3 yr
PennsylvaniaNone listedN/A
Rhode IslandNone listed10 hrs / 3 yr
South CarolinaNone listed8 hrs / 2 yr
South DakotaAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, UT, WY8 hrs / 1 yr
TennesseeNone listed4 hrs / 2 yr
TexasAK, AR, IA, ID, LA, MT, NC, NE, NM, OK, SD, WY4 hrs / 1 yr
UtahAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, SD, WY16 hrs / 2 yr
VirginiaNone listed3 hrs / 3 yr
VermontNone listed15 hrs / 3 yr
WashingtonNone listed24 hrs / 3 yr
WisconsinNone listed24 hrs / 4 yr
West VirginiaNone listed8 hrs / 2 yr
WyomingAK, AR, CO, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, OK, SD, UT16 hrs / 3 yr

Frequently asked questions

What is electrician license reciprocity?

Reciprocity is an agreement between states that allows a licensed electrician from one state to obtain a license in another state without retaking the full trade examination. Requirements vary but typically include proof of current licensure, experience verification, and payment of application fees.

Which states have the most reciprocity agreements?

Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, and Idaho are part of a western reciprocity compact that recognizes licenses from 15+ states. Texas has reciprocity with 12 states for journeyman electricians. States like California, Florida, and New York have limited or no statewide reciprocity.

Can I work in another state without reciprocity?

Without a formal reciprocity agreement, you typically need to apply for a new license in the destination state, which may require passing their exam. Some states accept years of licensed experience as a partial substitute for their normal requirements. Contact the specific state board for options.

Is reciprocity always bidirectional?

No. Reciprocity is not always mutual. State A may accept licenses from State B, but State B may not accept licenses from State A. The reciprocity shown here is directional: it shows which states may accept YOUR license. If you are moving to a new state, check the destination state's requirements separately.

Important: For reference only. Not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Electrical work can cause serious injury, death, fire, or property damage if performed incorrectly. Always hire a licensed electrician for electrical work, especially for service upgrades, panel work, and 240V circuits. Values are derived from NFPA 70 (NEC) for educational purposes. Always verify against your locally adopted NEC edition and amendments - local jurisdictions may enforce stricter requirements. WireRef provides reference information only and is not responsible for work performed based on this content. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association. Free NEC access via NFPA · OSHA Electrical Safety · Terms of use.

NEC 2023 references verified April 2026

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