How often do I need to renew my Journeyman Electrician in West Virginia?

The Journeyman Electrician in West Virginia must be renewed every 12 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Journeyman Electrician in West Virginia?

The renewal cost for a Journeyman Electrician in West Virginia is $50.00.

What happens if my Journeyman Electrician expires in West Virginia?

Performing electrical work without a valid license issued by the State Fire Marshal is a violation of WV Code §29-3B-8. First offense: misdemeanor, fined $100–$500. Second offense: $500–$1,000. Continued violations after notice carry escalating daily fines.

West Virginia renewal guide

Journeyman Electrician

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 11 West Virginia 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.

Issuing authority

West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal

Renewal period

Every 12 months

Renewal fee

$50.00

Late penalty

$50.00

Bond requirement

No

Insurance requirement

No

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
File with the board

File through West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal and pay the $50.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
2
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.

Supervision and Scope

West Virginia's Journeyman Electrician license, issued by the State Fire Marshal under WV Code Chapter 29-3B, authorizes wiring, installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. All work must be performed under the general supervision of a licensed Master Electrician — the Master need not be physically on-site but remains responsible for design, layout, and code compliance.

Qualifying for the License

Applicants must meet one of three paths:

1 year as an assistant/helper electrician under Master or Journeyman direction
Completion of a US Department of Labor registered electrical apprenticeship program
Completion of a WV Board of Education–approved electrical vocational program of at least 1,080 hours

All applicants must pass a 50-question exam drawn from the 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (2 points per question). A $25 application review fee is payable to the State Fire Marshal; a separate testing-vendor fee may also apply.

Fees and Renewal

The initial license and annual renewal each cost $50. Licenses expire June 30 each year. If you fail to renew by June 30, you can still renew within the same licensure year by paying both the $50 renewal fee and a $50 late penalty. Apply and renew through the State Fire Marshal's online portal at sfm-permit-public.wvoasis.gov.

Unlicensed Electrical Work

Performing electrical work without a valid license violates WV Code §29-3B-8 — a misdemeanor. First-offense fines run $100–$500; second offense $500–$1,000. Continued violations after notice carry escalating daily fines.

Official links