Idaho Electrical Contractor License

Expect to pay $15 to apply, $75 for the PSI contractor exam, and a $125 license issuance fee (total $215 first year). You must also maintain at least $300,000 general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Annual renewal is $100 (moving to a biennial cycle after October 30, 2026). Idaho Electrical Board fees; Contractor application; Exam bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-22

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Idaho Electrical Board. Board home. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))
Application fee	$15 application fee (nonrefundable). Fee schedule. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))
License issuance fee	$125 (paid after exam pass and insurance proof). Fee schedule; Application instructions. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))
Exam	Electrical Contractor exam via PSI; $75 per attempt; minimum passing score 75%; open-book per DOPL reference list. Program & Exams; DOPL Electrical Exams Bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/ele-program-exams/))
Experience / supervisor	Individual applicant must have 2,000 hours as an Idaho journeyman or hold an Idaho master license; business entity must employ a supervising Idaho journeyman (with 2,000 hours) or master. Application; supporting statute: Idaho Code § 54-1010. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))
Minimum age	No standalone age stated for the contractor credential; eligibility is tied to holding an Idaho journeyman (with required hours) or master license. Application. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))
Insurance / bond	Provide proof of $300,000 general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (unless exempt) after passing the exam. No statewide contractor license bond is listed in the Board’s application/rules. Application; IDAPA Electrical rules excerpt. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))
Renewal	$100 annually; current term 1 year. DOPL has announced a shift to biennial licensure beginning October 30, 2026 (fees adjust accordingly). Board fees and news. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))
Key forms	Electrical Contractor Application and Work Verification Form (for supervising journeyman pathway). Download (PDF). ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))

How to get your Idaho electrical contractor license (and what it costs)

1. Confirm eligibility. Decide whether you’ll apply as an individual (2,000 journeyman hours or Idaho master) or a business with a designated supervising electrician. See DOPL application. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))
2. Create your DOPL profile and apply. Submit the Electrical Contractor Application and pay the $15 application fee. Board fees & licensing portal. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))
3. Prepare for the PSI exam. Print DOPL’s Contractor Business & Law reference manual and permitted materials, then schedule the exam with PSI. Fee is $75 per attempt; passing score 75%. Program & Exams; Exam bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/ele-program-exams/))
4. Pass the exam. Exams are open-book with approved references; you’ll receive results at test completion. Exam bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ELE-Electrical-Exams-Information-Bulletin-2022.pdf))
5. Submit insurance. After passing, provide proof of at least $300,000 liability insurance plus workers’ compensation (unless exempt). Application instructions. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))
6. Pay the license fee. DOPL issues the license upon receipt of insurance and the $125 license fee. Fee schedule. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))
7. Operate and renew. Keep your supervising electrician designation current and renew each year for $100 (biennial cycle starts 10/30/2026). Board fees & news. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))

Electrical contractor license cost in Idaho — full breakdown

Idaho keeps the direct licensing costs straightforward: $15 to apply, $75 per PSI exam attempt, and $125 to issue the license. Ongoing, budget $100 for the annual renewal until the Board completes its shift to a two‑year cycle on October 30, 2026. Official fee table & Board news; Exam bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))

Idaho electrical contractor insurance requirements (and what’s not required)

Before DOPL issues your license, you must show proof of at least $300,000 in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (unless exempt). The contractor application and Board rules list insurance—not a statewide contractor license bond—as the licensing gate. Always check local project or right‑of‑way bond terms. DOPL application; IDAPA excerpt. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))

If you’re comparing trades, note how costs differ across Idaho credentials. For instance, HVAC contractors face different prerequisites and compliance steps; our Idaho HVAC contractor license guide explains those side‑by‑side so you can price multi‑trade operations realistically.

Experience and supervisor rules for Idaho electrical contractors

To qualify, an individual applicant needs either 2,000 hours as an Idaho journeyman or an Idaho master license. A business entity must designate a full‑time supervising Idaho journeyman (with 2,000 journeyman hours) or master. These supervisory requirements come from DOPL’s application and Idaho Code § 54‑1010. Application; §54‑1010. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))

Idaho electrical contractor exam: format, fee, and passing score

DOPL’s Electrical Contractor exam is delivered by PSI, open‑book with approved references, costs $75 per attempt, and requires a 75% passing score. DOPL’s bulletin also lists the allowed materials and logistics for test day. Program & Exams; Exam bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/ele-program-exams/))

Renewal timing and the 2026 biennial change

Today, contractor licenses renew annually for $100 and carry a one‑year term. The Board has announced a transition to biennial licensure effective October 30, 2026; expect renewal dates/fees to align with two‑year terms after that rollout. Monitor the Board’s news page for timing nuances. Board fees & news. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total first‑year cost to get an Idaho electrical contractor license?

Plan on $215 in state fees ($15 application + $75 PSI exam + $125 license). You must also carry at least $300,000 in liability insurance and workers’ compensation (unless exempt). Renewals are $100 annually until the biennial cycle begins October 30, 2026. Fees; Application; Exams. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/))

Is a surety bond required for an Idaho electrical contractor license?

The Board’s application and rules require proof of $300,000 general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, not a statewide contractor license bond. Individual projects (e.g., public works) may still require separate contract bonds per bid specifications. Application; IDAPA excerpt. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))

What experience is needed to qualify?

Individuals need 2,000 hours as an Idaho journeyman or an Idaho master license. Businesses must designate a full‑time supervising Idaho journeyman (2,000 journeyman hours verified) or master. See DOPL’s application and Idaho Code §54‑1010 for details. Application; §54‑1010. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Electrical-Contractor-Application.pdf))

How often is the Idaho electrical contractor exam offered, and what does it cover?

The exam is offered year‑round through PSI test centers. It’s open‑book, built around Idaho statutes/rules and the Contractor Business & Law reference. The fee is $75 per attempt, and the passing score is 75%. Program & Exams; Exam bulletin. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/ele/ele-program-exams/))

Do I also need to register with the Idaho Contractors Board?

If you hold an Electrical Contractor license and only contract within that scope, separate contractor registration isn’t required; registration applies when contracting beyond your licensed scope. DOPL Contractors guidance. ([dopl.idaho.gov](https://dopl.idaho.gov/search-cateogry/contractors/?utm_source=openai))

Next steps

Want a clean cost checklist for your company launch (fees, insurance, timing) and help tracking renewals as Idaho moves to biennial terms? License Navigator can map every requirement for your electrical business—and, if you’re expanding into other fields, compare costs with our Idaho security guard license cost guide and Idaho PI license cost breakdown.