What you need to do to get your Massachusetts electrical license back
To reinstate your Massachusetts electrical license, you must contact the Board of Electricians (part of the Department of Public Safety), pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any conditions that caused the suspension or lapse in the first place. The exact steps depend on whether your license expired, was suspended for a violation, or was revoked — each has a different path back.
Massachusetts does not have an automatic reinstatement process. You must take action yourself, and the board will review your request based on your specific situation. If your license was suspended due to unpaid fines, incomplete continuing education, or a disciplinary action, you will need to resolve those issues before the board will consider reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Board of Electricians directly at 617-727-3200 or through their office in Boston to find out why your license is inactive and what you must do to restore it.
- If your license expired, you typically need to pay the reinstatement fee plus any back renewal fees and provide proof of current continuing education hours.
- If your license was suspended for a violation or disciplinary action, you must resolve the underlying issue — such as paying fines, completing remedial training, or meeting probation conditions — before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement fee varies depending on your license type (journeyman, master, or specialty) and how long the license has been inactive.
- Processing time for reinstatement requests typically ranges from two to four weeks after the board receives a complete process.
Expired license versus suspended or revoked license
Massachusetts treats these situations differently. An expired license means you did not renew it before the expiration date — usually a straightforward reinstatement if you pay the fee and meet current requirements. A suspended license means the board took action to stop you from working, usually because of a violation, unpaid fines, or failure to meet a requirement like continuing education. A revoked license is permanent removal and is much harder to reverse.
If you are unsure which category applies to you, call the Board of Electricians at 617-727-3200. They can tell you the status of your license and what caused it to become inactive. This is the fastest way to learn exactly what you need to do next.
Steps to reinstate an expired license
If your license straightforward expired because you did not renew it on time, follow these steps:
- Contact the Board of Electricians and request a reinstatement process form.
- Verify that you have completed the required continuing education hours for the renewal period you missed. Massachusetts requires a set number of hours depending on your license type.
- Complete the reinstatement form and include proof of continuing education (course certificates or transcripts).
- Pay the reinstatement fee plus any back renewal fees for the years your license was not active.
- Submit the completed form and payment to the board by mail or in person at their Boston office.
- Wait for the board to process your request, which typically takes two to four weeks.
The board will mail you a new license once reinstatement is approved. You cannot legally work as an electrician in Massachusetts until you receive it.
Reinstatement after suspension for violations or unpaid fines
If your license was suspended because of a disciplinary action — such as working without a license, failing an inspection, or violating safety codes — you must first resolve the underlying issue. This might mean paying fines, completing a remedial training course, or serving a probation period set by the board.
Contact the board and ask for a copy of the disciplinary order or suspension notice. This document will list exactly what you must do before reinstatement is possible. Do not skip this step; the board will not consider your reinstatement request until you have completed every requirement listed.
Once you have met all conditions, submit a written request for reinstatement to the board along with proof that you have satisfied each requirement. Include copies of receipts, course completion certificates, or other documentation the board asked for. The board may approve reinstatement when ready or may schedule a hearing to review your case.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
Massachusetts requires electricians to complete continuing education hours to keep their license current. If your license expired or was suspended, you must show proof of these hours before reinstatement.
The number of hours required depends on your license type and how long your license has been inactive. For example, a journeyman electrician may need to complete a certain number of hours per renewal cycle. If you missed multiple renewal periods, you may need to make up hours for each year.
Approved courses are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and private training providers. Contact the board for a list of approved course providers, or ask your training provider whether their courses meet Massachusetts requirements before you enroll.
Reinstatement fees and payment
The reinstatement fee depends on your license type and how long the license has been inactive. Massachusetts does not publish a single flat fee; instead, the board calculates the fee based on your specific situation.
When you contact the board, ask for the exact amount you owe. This will include the reinstatement fee itself plus any back renewal fees for years your license was not active. Payment is typically made by check or money order sent with your process, though some offices may accept credit card payment by phone.
Do not send cash by mail. Keep a copy of your payment receipt and any correspondence with the board for your records.
Where to send your reinstatement request
The Board of Electricians is located in Boston and is part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. You can reach them by phone at 617-727-3200 during business hours to ask questions or request forms.
Mailing address for reinstatement requests:
Board of Electricians Department of Public Safety One Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108
You can also visit their office in person if you prefer to submit your process and payment directly. Call ahead to confirm office hours and to ask whether you need an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an electrician while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally work in Massachusetts as an electrician if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. Working without a valid license is a violation and can result in fines or further disciplinary action. Wait until you receive your reinstated license in the mail before you return to work.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the Board of Electricians at 617-727-3200 and ask them to explain the status of your license. They can tell you whether it expired, was suspended for a specific reason, or was revoked. Ask them to send you a copy of any suspension or disciplinary order so you have the details in writing.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing time is typically two to four weeks after the board receives a complete process. If the board needs more information from you, the timeline will be longer. Call the board after two weeks to check on the status of your request if you have not heard back.
Can a revoked license be reinstated?
Revocation is permanent removal of your license. In rare cases, you may be able to petition the board for reinstatement after a set period of time, but this requires a formal hearing and is not may provide. If your license was revoked, ask the board whether reinstatement is possible in your situation and what the process would be.
Do I need to retake the electrician exam to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the licensing exam. You only need to pay the reinstatement fee, complete any required continuing education, and resolve any outstanding violations or fines. The exam is only required if you are obtaining a license for the first time or upgrading to a higher license level.