Master Electrician License (NYC)

What This License Authorizes

The NYC Master Electrician license, issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), authorizes the holder to perform electrical work in or on any building, premises, or lot in New York City. Under NYC Administrative Code §28-429.1, electrical work must be performed by a licensed master electrician or under their direct and continuing supervision, unless a special electrician or low-voltage exception applies. A master electrician practices through a DOB-approved master electrician business, which receives a firm number used on permit applications.

Experience and Exam Requirements

Applicants must meet one of these experience tracks:

• Standard path: At least 7 years of hands-on electrical work within the 10 years prior to application, under direct supervision of a licensed master or special electrician, with at least 2 years in New York City.
• Engineering degree path: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology, plus at least 3 years of hands-on electrical work within the 5 years prior to application, with at least 2 years in NYC.
• Apprenticeship path: Completed NYS DOL-registered electrical apprenticeship program, plus at least 5 years of hands-on electrical work within the 10 years prior to application, with at least 2 years in NYC.
• Inspection experience: Electrical inspection work is credited at 50%, capped at 2.5 years, with the balance of 7 years under supervision.

Before submitting a background application, pass both a written exam ($585) and a practical exam ($530) through DOB NOW. The written exam is multiple-choice, covers NYC Electrical Code, requires a 70% passing score, and permits no reference materials. After passing the written exam, candidates have 24 months to pass the practical exam.

Required documents: passing Examination Score Report, LIC62 Physical Exam Form (physician-signed within 90 days), Experience Verification Form (signed by all supervisors), Social Security earnings history for claimed years, government-issued photo ID, and Social Security card. Submit the background application through DOB NOW within 1 year of your practical exam notification. The initial license fee is $310.

Business and Insurance Requirements

Applicants must be an officer, partner, or sole proprietor of a business with an NYC place of business in a commercially zoned location. Corporations must maintain active NYS Division of Corporations status — inactive status blocks renewal.

All electrician businesses must carry:

• General liability: minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Disability insurance

Renewal: $90 Every 3 Years

Since Local Law 128 of 2024 took effect on December 21, 2025, the electrician license falls under Title 28, Chapter 4 of the Administrative Code, and DOB states that an electrician license is valid for 3 years. The renewal fee is $90 ($60 license fee + $30 seal fee), submitted through DOB NOW: Licensing. Renewals also require a completed LIC62 Physical Exam Form (physician-signed within 90 days prior) and proof of 8 hours of DOB-approved continuing education — submit the original CE certificate from an approved school.

Code §28-401.12 treats a renewal filed within 30 days before expiration as late. Late renewal fee: $400, which the DOB fee rule describes as the initial fee plus the renewal fee. Late filers must also submit a notarized affidavit on the electrician's letterhead bearing their DOB-issued seal explaining why the renewal is late.

Practical Takeaway

Pay exam fees through DOB NOW: $585 for the written exam first, then $530 for the practical after passing. Once you have both scores, gather your supervisor-signed EVF, order your Social Security earnings history, schedule your LIC62 physical, and submit your background application within 1 year of your practical exam notification. For renewals, file 30 to 90 days before expiration and book your 8-hour CE course and LIC62 physical ahead of time — the $400 late fee plus the required notarized affidavit make late renewal significantly more burdensome than filing on time.