Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Massachusetts Master Electrician License

   Required to perform or supervise electrical work in Massachusetts. Issued by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure (DPL), Board of State Examiners of Electricians. To operate a contracting business, the qualifying individual must hold a Master Electrician license. Requires 4 years of experience, passing a state exam, and maintaining continuing education.

   Official government source

   $200 application fee + $100 exam fee; $150/year renewal·6–12 weeks

   $200 application fee + $100 exam fee; $150/year renewal

   6–12 weeks

2. Massachusetts Electrical Contractor License

   The contracting business must also register separately as an Electrical Contractor with the DPL Board of State Examiners of Electricians. The business must designate a Licensed Master Electrician as its qualifier.

   Official government source

   $100/year (contractor license)·2–4 weeks

   $100/year (contractor license)

   2–4 weeks

3. Massachusetts Business Entity Registration

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.

   Official government source

   $500 (LLC filing fee)·3–5 business days

   $500 (LLC filing fee)

   3–5 business days

1. City of Boston Business Certificate

   All businesses conducting business in Boston under a trade name must file a Business Certificate with the Boston City Clerk. LLCs and corporations file with the state.

   Official government source

   $65 (valid for 4 years)·Same day (in person at Boston City Hall)

   $65 (valid for 4 years)

   Same day (in person at Boston City Hall)

2. City of Boston Inspectional Services — Electrical Contractor Registration

   Electrical contractors must register with the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). The Massachusetts Licensed Electrician (Master or Journeyman) must be on file. A separate permit is required for each electrical job in Boston.

   Official government source

   Permit fees vary by job scope ($75–$1,000+); no separate registration fee·1–3 days for registration

   Permit fees vary by job scope ($75–$1,000+); no separate registration fee

   1–3 days for registration

Official Sources

• Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
• City of Boston Inspectional Services Department

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