This ready‑to‑copy article explains who can pull electrical permits across the United States, compares homeowners vs licensed electricians, and summarizes local AHJ rules and exceptions. It includes a complete, populated 50‑state table with the permitter summary and the official source links you provided. Use this as a single canonical page or split into per‑state landing pages for SEO.
Executive summary
Licensed electrical contractors are the primary permit applicants in most states.
Homeowner exemptions exist in many states but are frequently limited to owner‑occupied single‑family residences and vary by local AHJ (city or county building department).
Local AHJs often control the final rule; when a state defers, the table notes “Local AHJs.”
Practical takeaway: Always verify with your local building department before starting electrical work.
Definitions and national patterns
Permit: Official authorization from an AHJ to perform electrical work subject to inspection. AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction): The entity (city, county, or state board) that issues permits and enforces code. Licensed electrical contractor: A person or business holding the required state or local electrical license to perform and sign off on electrical work. Homeowner permit (owner‑occupant exemption): A permit issued to a property owner who intends to perform the work themselves on their primary residence.
National patterns:
Licensed electricians can pull permits for contracted work, major service changes, commercial and multi‑family projects, and most complex installations.
Homeowners are often allowed to pull permits for work on their owner‑occupied single‑family residence if they perform the work themselves; rental properties and work for hire are usually excluded.
AHJ control: Many states explicitly defer to local building departments; where the state is silent, city/county rules govern.
Homeowner vs Licensed Electrician — practical comparison
Who can pull a permit
Homeowner: Usually only for owner‑occupied single‑family homes and limited scopes.
Licensed electrician: Broad authority for residential, commercial, and contracted work.
When homeowner permits are commonly disallowed
Service entrance/main panel upgrades.
Work on rental or commercial properties.
Work performed for compensation.
Why hire a licensed electrician anyway
Faster permitting in many AHJs.
Reduced risk of failed inspections, insurance issues, and resale complications.
Required for many specialty systems (solar, EV chargers, three‑phase equipment).
Checklist before starting electrical work
Identify your AHJ (city or county building department).
Confirm permit eligibility (who may apply: homeowner, licensed electrician, or both).
Check scope (what work requires a permit: panel, service, circuits, EV charger, solar).
Ask about inspections and fees.
Document approvals for insurance and resale.
50‑State Table — Who Can Pull Electrical Permits (Data + Official Sources)
| State | Permitter (Who Can Pull) | Official Source Link |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Typically licensed electrical contractors — homeowner exemptions vary by local authority. | See local building departments |
| Alaska | Local jurisdictions set rules; homeowners may pull permits in some boroughs. | Local AHJs |
| Arizona | Generally licensed electrical contractors; cities may allow homeowner permits for owner‑occupied work. | Local AHJs |
| Arkansas | Licensed electrical contractors pull permits; homeowner right varies locally. | Local AHJs |
| California | Homeowners may apply for permits from local building departments if work is on their own residence; licensed contractors also pull permits. | https://www.permitflow.com/blog/electrical-permit |
| Colorado | Homeowners and electrical contractors both can pull permits for residential work if homeowner performs the work. | https://dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical/PermitInspectionInfo |
| Connecticut | Licensed electricians/contractors required; homeowner permits vary by city. | Local AHJs |
| Delaware | Homeowners may obtain electrical permits for residential work under specific conditions; not allowed for commercial or non‑primary residences. | https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/electrician/homeowner-permit/ |
| District of Columbia | Permits issued through local Department of Buildings; homeowners permitted only in specific cases per local code. | DC Dept. of Buildings |
| Florida | Licensed electrical contractors pull permits; some counties allow homeowners to pull permits on single‑family dwellings. | https://www.permitflow.com/blog/electrical-permit |
| Georgia | Licensed contractors primarily issue permits; homeowner exceptions are local. | Local AHJs |
| Hawaii | Electrical permits usually must be pulled by licensed contractors; homeowner right is limited. | Local AHJs |
| Idaho | Homeowners can purchase permits for electrical work on their own primary/secondary residences. | https://dopl.idaho.gov/search-cateogry/electrical/ |
| Illinois | Permits depend on municipalities; homeowner ability varies widely. | Local AHJs |
| Indiana | Permits usually pulled by licensed contractors or electricians registered with local building departments; homeowners may pull in some jurisdictions for simple projects. | Local AHJs |
| Iowa | Permit authority usually local; in many cities licensed electricians/contractors pull permits. | Local AHJs |
| Kansas | Local authority issues permits; electricians or homeowners per local rules. | Local AHJs |
| Kentucky | Licensed electrical contractors required in many cities; some local homeowner exemptions. | Local AHJs & state building codes |
| Louisiana | Licensed electrical contractors pull permits; homeowner exceptions vary locally. | Local AHJs |
| Maine | Local building codes determine permit puller; licensed electricians usually pull permits. | Local AHJs |
| Maryland | Only licensed master electricians may pull electrical permits for major work beyond minor repairs. | https://haasandsons.com/how-to-get-an-electrical-permit-in-maryland/ |
| Massachusetts | Permits are generally pulled by licensed electricians; homeowner pull rules vary and may be denied locally. | https://zentrades.pro/zenelectrical/blog/how-to-get-massachusetts-electrical-license |
| Michigan | Homeowners and licensed electrical contractors may pull permits for residential work on owner‑occupied property. | https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/permit-section/permits/electrical-permit-information |
| Minnesota | Homeowners may obtain permits for residential work; licensed contractors also pull permits. | https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/electrical-contractors/electrical-permits-contractors |
| Mississippi | Permits generally pulled by licensed electrical contractors; homeowner exemptions vary. | Local AHJs |
| Missouri | Permit rules determined locally; licensed electricians usually required in many cities. | Local AHJs |
| Montana | Homeowners can obtain permits for their own residence wiring; all other permits are pulled by licensed contractors. | https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/electrical-permits/ |
| Nebraska | Permits usually pulled by licensed electricians; local AHJ can allow homeowner permits. | Local AHJs |
| Nevada | Licensed electrical contractors typically apply for permits; some county exceptions. | Local AHJs |
| New Hampshire | Permit rules often require licensed electricians; homeowner pull varies by town. | Local AHJs |
| New Jersey | Licensed electricians generally pull permits; homeowner exceptions limited. | Local AHJs |
| New Mexico | Permits issued via local building departments; licensed electrician normally required. | Local AHJs |
| New York | NYC requires permits pulled by licensed master electricians; other counties vary. | https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/property-or-business-owner/project-requirements-owner-electrical.page |
| North Carolina | Local building departments manage permits; licensed contractors commonly required. | Local AHJs |
| North Dakota | Permits typically pulled by licensed electrical contractors; homeowner exceptions can apply. | Local AHJs |
| Ohio | Permits normally pulled by licensed electrical contractors; local rules vary. | Local AHJs |
| Oklahoma | Licensed contractors usually pull permits; homeowner exemptions vary. | Local AHJs |
| Oregon | Most local jurisdictions require licensed electricians to pull permits; homeowner options vary. | Local AHJs |
| Pennsylvania | Permit rules set by local building departments; generally contractors pull permits. | Local AHJs |
| Rhode Island | Licensed electricians usually pull permits; some homeowner pull allowed in some towns. | Local AHJs |
| South Carolina | Permits typically pulled by licensed electrical contractors; local exceptions exist. | Local AHJs |
| South Dakota | Permits commonly issued to licensed electricians; local rules vary. | Local AHJs |
| Tennessee | Property owners may obtain electrical permits for residential work and contractors provide proof of licensure for commercial projects. | https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/permit/electrical/faq.html |
| Texas | Permits are generally pulled by licensed electrical contractors; local jurisdictions may require permits for most work. | https://www.permitflow.com/blog/electrical-permit |
| Utah | Licenses usually required for permit procurement; homeowner exemptions vary locally. | Local AHJs |
| Vermont | Local building departments issue permits; licensed electricians usually required. | Local AHJs |
| Virginia | Permits generally pulled by licensed contractors; homeowner exemptions vary. | Local AHJs |
| Washington | Homeowners or licensed contractors may pull permits for residential work if homeowner performs the work. | Local building departments & state codes |
| West Virginia | Licenses/permits pulled by licensed contractors; homeowner pull occasionally allowed. | Local AHJs |
| Wisconsin | Permits usually require licensed electricians; some codes allow homeowner pull for owner‑occupied work in certain municipalities. | Local AHJs |
| Wyoming | Permits typically pulled by licensed contractors; homeowner rules vary. | Local AHJs |
Top 20 States — priority analysis and verification checklist
For the most searched or populous states, verify these items first with the AHJ:
California — Confirm local building department rules; homeowner permits commonly allowed for owner‑occupied work.
Texas — Local jurisdictions control permitting; check city/county building department.
Florida — County rules vary; some counties allow homeowner pulls for single‑family dwellings.
New York — NYC requires licensed master electricians for permits; other counties vary.
Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Arizona, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, Wisconsin — Generally require licensed contractors for major work; homeowner exceptions vary locally.
Verification checklist for each top state:
Open the AHJ page for your city/county.
Confirm homeowner eligibility language and any owner‑occupant restrictions.
Check whether service changes, panel upgrades, or specialty systems require licensed installers.
Save the AHJ page or request written confirmation if the website is ambiguous.
Local AHJ rules and common exceptions
Owner‑occupied vs rental: Most homeowner permits are limited to owner‑occupied properties.
Service changes and major upgrades: Frequently require licensed electricians even where homeowner permits exist.
Special systems: Solar PV, EV chargers, and standby generators often have additional interconnection or licensed‑installer requirements.
Insurance and resale: Even permitted homeowner work can raise questions with insurers or buyers; licensed work is often preferred.
How to verify and document compliance
Find your AHJ: search “[City/County] building department electrical permit.”
Read the permit eligibility page and save a screenshot or PDF of the rule.
If unclear, call the building department and request the policy in writing or an email confirmation.
Apply for the permit in the name required (homeowner or contractor).
Schedule and pass inspections; keep inspection reports and final approvals.