Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

1. New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors — Electrical Contractor Business Permit

   An electrical contracting business in New Jersey must hold a Business Permit from the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Law and Public Safety) — not the Department of Labor. The business must be qualified by an individual holding a valid Electrical Contractor license, which requires passing the Board examination and certified work experience. The permit application must be accompanied by a $1,000 surety bond in the business or firm name, a certificate of general liability insurance (or bank letter of credit) of at least $300,000, and a pressure seal application. Business permits run on a three-year cycle expiring March 31.

   Official government source

   Business permit fee under N.J.A.C. 13:31-1.6, prorated within the three-year permit cycle: $150 if issued in the first year, $100 in the second year, $50 in the third year — plus a $25 pressure seal fee. Separate checks or money orders payable to the State of New Jersey are required for each fee.·4–8 weeks

   Business permit fee under N.J.A.C. 13:31-1.6, prorated within the three-year permit cycle: $150 if issued in the first year, $100 in the second year, $50 in the third year — plus a $25 pressure seal fee. Separate checks or money orders payable to the State of New Jersey are required for each fee.

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

3. City of Paterson UCC Construction/Buildings — Electrical Permit (per project)

   An electrical permit must be obtained from the City of Paterson's UCC Construction/Buildings division for each electrical project. Paterson's building, electrical, plumbing and fire inspectors are licensed by the NJ Department of Community Affairs and issue permits and inspections under the Uniform Construction Code; Passaic County has no construction-permitting role. A final inspection is required upon completion.

   Official government source

   Paterson construction permit and certificate fees are set by city ordinance — confirm the current amount with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.·Depends on plan review and inspection scheduling — confirm current timing with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

   Paterson construction permit and certificate fees are set by city ordinance — confirm the current amount with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

   Depends on plan review and inspection scheduling — confirm current timing with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

Official Sources

• New Jersey Department of Labor — Electrical Contractor Business Permit
• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration

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