Hiring an Electrician

Idaho electrical licenses

In Idaho, electrical contracting and electrical work for others require a license from Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) under Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10 (Electrical Contractors and Journeymen). Businesses hold an electrical contractor license, and the people doing the work are licensed electricians or registered apprentices working under supervision. Homeowners working on their own residence are the main exception.

How to verify a license

• Ask for the contractor’s business name and Idaho license number.
• Look it up in the DOPL online license search on dopl.idaho.gov, or call DOPL at 208-334-3233.
• Check that the name matches the business you are hiring, that the license is active and that it covers electrical contracting.
• Ask whether the business carries liability insurance and request a certificate; DOPL does not show insurance in every case.

Questions to ask before you hire

• Who will pull the permit, and will the price include permit fees?
• Which inspections will the job need, and who will be there for them?
• Will the work be done by a licensed electrician or a supervised apprentice?
• Does the job need Idaho Power to disconnect or reconnect service?
• What warranty applies to labor and to parts?
• How will hidden problems found after walls are opened be priced?

Comparing estimates

Ask each contractor for a written estimate with the same scope: the panel size or circuit rating, number of outlets or fixtures, who supplies fixtures or the EV charger, wall and drywall repair, permit fees and cleanup. A low price that leaves out the permit or patching is not cheaper. Ask how changes will be approved and billed before work starts.

Warning signs

• Suggests skipping the permit or asks you to pull a homeowner permit for work they will do.
• Cannot give an Idaho license number, or the name in the DOPL search does not match.
• Asks for full payment before work starts or cash only with no written estimate.
• Pressures you to decide on the spot.
• Wants to cover wiring before the rough-in inspection.

Sources

• Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
• DOPL electrical FAQ
• Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10 (Electrical Contractors and Journeymen)
• Idaho Code § 54-1016 (exemptions)

General information, not legal advice.