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Kentucky renewal guide

Electrical Contractor

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

See this alongside the other 8 Kentucky license pages we track.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$400.00

Late penalty

$50.00

Bond requirement

No

Insurance requirement

Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation

Continuing education

6 hours

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

  1. 1

    Finish the CE first

    Complete the 6 required hours before you start the renewal.

  2. 2

    Check the insurance certificates

    Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.

  3. 3

    File with the board

    File through Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Electrical Division and pay the $400.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.

    Renew online
  4. 4

    Leave room for processing

    Typical processing time is 30 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $50.00.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

Kentucky Electrical Contractor License


To bid, contract, and perform electrical work in Kentucky, your company must carry a DHBC Electrical Contractor license issued under KRS 227A and 815 KAR 35:060. The license is biennial — $400 to apply and $400 to renew every two years. At least one licensed Master Electrician must be affiliated with your company; their name and license number appear on your application.


Insurance Requirements


815 KAR 35:060 Section 6 requires two insurance policies at all times:


  • General liability: policy must name the DHBC as the certificate holder
  • Workers' compensation: required, or submit a notarized exemption statement

Continuing Education


Complete at least 6 hours of CE from a DHBC-approved provider before each biennial renewal, per 815 KAR 2:010. These hours must be your own — CE completed by an affiliated master electrician, journeyman, or electrical inspector does not count toward your contractor renewal.


Fees and Renewal


  • Initial application fee: $400
  • Biennial renewal fee: $400
  • Late renewal fee: $50 (applies to any renewal postmarked after the last day of the renewal month)

The license expires on the last day of your birth month every two years. File before that date to avoid the late fee.


Penalties


Operating without a valid DHBC license violates KRS 227A. The DHBC can revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew your license under 815 KAR 35:060 Section 7.


*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Kentucky DHBC Electrical Division.*

Official links

Check the board or agency directly.

Required documents

  • Proof of Insurance
  • exam_results

Source notes

Kentucky DHBC Electrical Division, 815 KAR 35:060, 815 KAR 2:010, KRS 227A . Verified June 2026. https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/035/060/

Rules move. Check Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Electrical Division again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.

Manage the next renewal.

Keep Electrical Contractor dates, proof, and official links with the rest of your license work.

Free to start. No credit card required.