Illinois Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. Instead, licensing for electrical professionals is handled by local cities and counties, each with their own requirements and exams. Because electrical work affects safety and building integrity, municipalities across the state regulate who may perform it. This guide explains the electrical license landscape in Illinois, including typical experience requirements, license types, business and insurance requirements, renewals, and how key cities and counties manage licensing.

Do You Need an Electrical License in Illinois?

Yes. You generally must hold a local electrician license to legally perform electrical work in Illinois. Because the state does not have a single statewide license, the specific requirements depend on the city or county where the work will be performed. Municipalities regulate electrical work to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local safety standards.

Licensing requirements can include:

• Documented on-the-job experience (often 4–8 years of apprenticeship or supervised work).
  
• Passing a local or municipal electrical exam.
  
• Minimum age and education requirements (often 18+, high school diploma or GED).
  
• Business registration, insurance, and bonding for contractor status.
  

Because regulations vary, always confirm requirements with the local building or licensing department where you plan to work.

Common Illinois Electrical License Types

Journeyman Electrician

A Journeyman Electrician License is typically the first level of independent electrical practice in many Illinois jurisdictions. Once you have completed the required training and experience, you can work unsupervised and perform routine electrical work, wiring, installations, and repairs.

Typical requirements include:

• Completion of a multi-year apprenticeship or supervised work experience (often about 4,000–8,000 hours).
  
• Passage of a journeyman electrical exam covering NEC and local codes.
  
• Minimum age and documentation of experience.
  

Journeyman licenses allow you to perform electrical work independently but often do not allow you to pull permits or operate as a licensed contractor without additional licensing or contractor registration.

Electrical Contractor or Supervising Electrician

Most Illinois municipalities also require a contractor or supervising electrician license for businesses or individuals who will:

• Pull electrical permits
  
• Operate an electrical contracting business
  
• Supervise journeymen and apprentices
  
• Take legal responsibility for electrical projects
  

In Chicago, for example, you must hold a Supervising Electrician License (general or low-voltage) and have a supervising electrician on staff in order to obtain a local electrical contractor license.

Typical requirements include:

• Several years of electrical experience (often additional to the journeyman level).
  
• A passing score on a contractor-level or supervisory exam.
  
• Proof of liability insurance and business registration.
  

Electrical contractor licenses allow you to bid jobs, sign contracts, and perform work under your business name, subject to local permitting and inspection requirements.

Experience, Education, and Training

Across Illinois, aspiring electricians typically start with:

• Apprenticeship programs sponsored by trade schools, unions, or electrical associations.
  
• On-the-job training under licensed electricians (often thousands of supervised hours).
  
• Classroom instruction in electrical theory and code standards.
  

Completion of an apprenticeship and documented experience is usually required before sitting for a municipal licensing exam.

Insurance, Bonding, and Business Requirements

Because licensing is local, insurance and bonding requirements vary by municipality, but many require:

• General liability insurance for contractors.
  
• Workers’ compensation insurance, if you employ others.
  
• Surety bonds or financial responsibility documentation.
  

You may also need to register your business with the city or county where you operate, and meet any local contractor registration requirements.

Permits and Inspections

Most electrical work will still require local permits and inspections regardless of your license. Cities and counties enforce inspections to ensure electrical installations meet the NEC and local code amendments. Failure to obtain permits or inspections can result in fines, stop-work orders, or invalidated insurance coverage.

Local and County Licensing Requirements

Because Illinois lacks a statewide electrician license, your obligations depend heavily on where the work is located. Here are sections for major cities and counties.

Chicago, IL

In Chicago, electrical licensure and contractor registration are managed by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings:

• An Electrical Contractor License is required to install, alter, or maintain wiring or electrical equipment under the Chicago Electrical Code.
  
• Contractors must employ at least one licensed Supervising Electrician to qualify.
  
• Two types of contractor licenses exist: General (all electrical work) and Low Voltage (limited to signaling and communications circuits).
  
• Permit applications require proof of insurance, supervising electrician credentials, and compliance with local rules.
  

Chicago’s electrical licenses must be renewed annually, and supervising electricians may have specific continuing education or renewal requirements.

Aurora, IL

In Aurora, electrical licensing is overseen by the City’s Development Services Department and typically requires:

• Completion of supervised work experience (often 4 years for journeyman, 6+ years for master or contractor).
  
• Passing a city-specific exam based on the NEC and local codes.
  
• Proof of experience and liability insurance for contractor status.
  

Aurora may recognize ICC electrical certifications as part of its licensing process.

Springfield, IL

Springfield requires an Electrical License issued by the City’s Building & Zoning Department. Typical prerequisites include:

• Several years of field experience under supervision.
  
• Passing a local electrical licensing exam.
  
• Compliance with local permit and inspection procedures.
  

Peoria, IL

Peoria’s Building Safety Department issues Electrical Contractor Licenses with requirements such as:

• Experience (often 6+ years, including supervisory roles).
  
• Passing an exam based on NEC and local policy.
  
• Proof of insurance and registration before permits are issued.
  

County Licensing (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will)

In counties surrounding major cities, electrical licenses and contractor registrations may also be required — especially in unincorporated areas. Counties typically adopt the National Electrical Code and enforce permit and inspection requirements similar to nearby cities. Check with each county’s building or permitting office for specific licensing and permit rules before starting work.

Reciprocity & Working Across Jurisdictions

Because Illinois licensing is local, reciprocity between cities or counties is decided by the issuing jurisdiction. In many cases, passing a recognized exam (such as an ICC certification) may allow you to qualify for a license in another locality without retesting. Always verify reciprocity policies with the local licensing authority.

Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work

Performing electrical work without the appropriate local license or contractor registration can lead to:

• Fines and administrative penalties.
  
• Stop-work orders.
  
• Liability for damages or unsafe installations.
  

Staying properly licensed protects you and your clients while maintaining compliance with local safety standards.

Tips for Succeeding as an Electrician in Illinois

To grow your electrical career or business in Illinois:

• Track the specific licensing requirements for each city or county where you plan to work.
  
• Complete an apprenticeship program with documented hours before applying for licensure.
  
• Keep detailed records of work experience and education.
  
• Use professional business tools to manage permits, inspections, estimates, and compliance.