How to check an electrician's license in Suffolk or Nassau

What New York State and federal rules say

• The state's Division of Building Standards and Codes does not handle electrician licensing, but licensing for electricians who install security and fire alarm systems goes through the Department of State.
• When an electrician is paid for work that disturbs painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home, the EPA's lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires certification.

In Suffolk County

• Master Electrician and Restricted Electrical are both license types issued by Suffolk County Consumer Affairs.
• Every master and restricted electrician licensed in Suffolk must complete the continuing education hours the county requires.
• Suffolk's combined master license application, which covers electrical and plumbing, asks for documented proof of 7 of the last 10 years with a licensed employer in the field.
• Applicants for a Suffolk master electrical license pay a non-refundable $200.00 application fee.

1. 1Step 1Pick Master Electrical License or Restricted Electrical License in Suffolk's License and Complaint Violation Look Up, then search by license number or business name.
2. 2Step 2Suffolk Consumer Affairs verifies an electrician's license over the phone at (631) 853-4600.

In Nassau County

• According to Nassau County Consumer Affairs, electricians operating in the county get their licenses from its cities, towns and villages.
• An electrician acting only within the scope of a current electrical license is outside Nassau's home improvement license law.

Towns with a license of their own

• Town of Hempstead: The Town's Building Department links to the Town's online permit portal for electrician and plumber licensing information.
• Town of Oyster Bay: Any electrician working in the Town must hold a Town license, and residents can call to find out whether an electrician they are considering is licensed.
• City of Long Beach: The City bars homeowners from doing their own electrical work, which must be done by an electrician holding a City of Long Beach license.
• City of Long Beach: New electrician applicants must submit seven years of W-2 forms and take a preliminary exam in person before the City's electrical board. Anyone licensed and tested in the Town of Hempstead submits a copy of that license and its Certificate of Competency.
• City of Long Beach: The City charges $530.00 for an initial electrician license application, $30.00 per test and $400.00 for a two-year renewal. Renewals received after December 1 owe a $30.00 late fee, and licenses expire November 30 of their second year.
• City of Long Beach: Long Beach charges $530.00 for an initial electrician's application, $400.00 for a two-year renewal and $30.00 for each test, paid in advance.
• City of Long Beach: Electricians licensed and tested in the Town of Hempstead apply to Long Beach with copies of that license and Hempstead's Certificate of Competency.
• Town of Shelter Island: Shelter Island's notice to contractors says every contractor or subcontractor working on the island, landscapers included, needs a town license.

Beyond the license

• Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you by the insurer, naming you as the certificate holder.
• Ask who files the permit and books the inspections, and get it in the contract.
• Get the price, the scope, the start and finish dates and the payment schedule in a written contract.