Electrician License from New York to Oregon: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services ↗
A electrical license transfers from New York to Oregon by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services, verify your New York license, and meet Oregon's endorsement requirements. Oregon waives its General Journeyman exam for applicants who hold an equivalent license from a reciprocal state and passed that state's exam with 75 percent or better; applicants from non-reciprocal states must qualify for and pass the Oregon exam.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Oregon publishes no reciprocity list covering New York, but the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services licenses out-of-state electricians by endorsement, so this move runs on the board's case-by-case judgment rather than an automatic waiver. If you hold a master license this is usually your route regardless — master electricians typically endorse rather than transfer through journeyman reciprocity. Ask the board, in writing, exactly which exam or experience requirement it will waive before you rely on it.
What changes, New York → Oregon
| New York (current) | Oregon (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | — | 8,000 |
| Application fee | No statewide license; municipal fees vary and are not published on a single state page. NYC Master/Special Electrician fees set by the Department of Buildings were not captured from an official page here. | $100 ($100 nonrefundable reciprocal electrical license application fee; same fee for General Journeyman (J) and General Supervising/Master (S)) |
| Processing time | No statewide process; timelines are set by each municipality. | BCD does not publish a processing time for reciprocal license applications |
| Licensing authority | No statewide electrician board — municipal licensing (e.g., New York City Department of Buildings) | Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Oregon sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Oregon's current requirements on the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Hold an equivalent or higher electrical license from a reciprocal state, current and active with no violations or conditions within the past 3 years.
- Have qualified for and passed that state's licensing exam with a score of 75 percent or better.
- Have worked at least 1,000 hours (6 months) under the reciprocal-state license.
- Not have failed the Oregon licensing exam for that license type within the past 2 years.
- Submit a completed License Verification Form and Affidavit of Employment Experience.
- Pay the fees ($100 ($100 nonrefundable reciprocal electrical license application fee; same fee for General Journeyman (J) and General Supervising/Master (S))) and allow BCD does not publish a processing time for reciprocal license applications.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Oregon accept a New York electrician license?
A electrical license transfers from New York to Oregon by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services, verify your New York license, and meet Oregon's endorsement requirements. Oregon waives its General Journeyman exam for applicants who hold an equivalent license from a reciprocal state and passed that state's exam with 75 percent or better; applicants from non-reciprocal states must qualify for and pass the Oregon exam.
Which exam will I take moving from New York to Oregon?
Oregon waives its General Journeyman exam for applicants who hold an equivalent license from a reciprocal state and passed that state's exam with 75 percent or better; applicants from non-reciprocal states must qualify for and pass the Oregon exam.
What does the New York-to-Oregon move cost and how long does it take?
$100 ($100 nonrefundable reciprocal electrical license application fee; same fee for General Journeyman (J) and General Supervising/Master (S)); processing BCD does not publish a processing time for reciprocal license applications.
Does this route work for a master electrician?
Usually yes — master electricians typically move by endorsement rather than journeyman reciprocity. Confirm the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — Department of Consumer and Business Services's master-level experience and exam requirements, which are separate from the journeyman track this site's grid tracks.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Oregon BCD — Reciprocal licenses ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Oregon BCD — Reciprocal Electrical License Application (form 440-4794e: states, $100 fee, OAR 918-030-0045 qualifications) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYC Department of Buildings — Master Electricians & Special Electricians (license types; no journeyman) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYC Department of Buildings — Obtain a Master & Special Electrician License (experience and exam requirements) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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