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Electrical licensing basics

Already have what you need to complete an application or renewal? Visit iMS, the department’s online application and renewal system, to get started. 

The information below will help you complete the application or renewal successfully.

Who can perform electrical work in Minnesota?

You can perform electrical work* in Minnesota if you are:

  • At least 17 years old.

  • Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) or registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed electrician.

  • A W-2 employee of a licensed electrical contractor or registered electrical employer, or the owner of a licensed electrical contractor.

You can perform electrical work* without a license if:

  • You are registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed electrician.

  • Your work falls under the scope of the work your employer is authorized to perform.

  • Your work is directly supervised at all times by a licensed journeyworker or master electrician.

  • You and the licensed electrician supervising you must be employed by the same licensed electrical contractor or registered electrical employer.

    • A licensed employee of one company cannot supervise the unlicensed employees of another company.

  • A licensed electrician may not supervise more than two unlicensed individuals.

How do I become a registered unlicensed electrician in Minnesota?

  • Apply online and pay the $14 initial application fee.

  • You will be assigned a registration number beginning with the letters “RE.”

  • Your registration will be valid for one year from the end of the month in which you become registered.

To renew your registration:

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process.

How do I become licensed as an electrician in Minnesota?

Journeyworker electrician license

Credit for work experience will be granted if you:

  • Were actively registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed electrician while working in Minnesota after Jan. 1, 2009.

  • Were employed by an electrical contractor actively licensed by DLI, or an employer who is registered with DLI as a “registered employer.”

  • Performed verifiable work experience while working for a licensed electrical contractor in another state.

You can apply online to take the exam. The exam fee is $50. Once approved you will receive instructions about how to schedule the exam. View more information about exams.

Journeyworker licenses expire every two years at the end of the month in which the license was originally issued.

To renew your license:

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process. 

Master electrician license

You must pass a written exam before you can apply for a master electrician license. To take the exam, provide evidence of sufficient electrical work experience. When applying online, you can upload any completed work experience forms you have not yet submitted.

To qualify to take the master exam you must have:

  • A degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university, or

  • One year of experience working as a journeyworker electrician, or

  • Five years of experience in planning for, laying out, supervising and installing wiring, apparatus or equipment for electric light, heat and power.

You will receive instructions about how to pay for your license after you pass the exam. View more information about exams.

Master electrician licenses expire on the last day of February of each odd-numbered year.

To renew your license:

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process. 

Contractor licensing requirements

View information about contractor electrical licensing requirements.

Questions?

Contact us at dli.license@state.mn.us or 651-284-5034.

*NOTE:  Electrical work is defined as the installing, altering, repairing, planning, or laying out of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical light, heat, power, technology circuits or systems, or other purposes.