Electrician License from Virginia to Kentucky: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet ↗
Yes — Kentucky has a reciprocity arrangement covering Virginia license holders. Apply to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.
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Verdict
Reciprocity agreement
Virginia is on Kentucky's journeyman reciprocity list, which puts this move on the fast track: Kentucky waives its journeyman exam for electricians who earned a qualifying Virginia license by examination, held it at least a year, and meet the experience hours. Two conditions decide whether you actually qualify — your Virginia license must have come from an exam, not a grandfather clause, and it must be current. The list is also revocable; the verification date on this page is when we last confirmed Virginia on it, and the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet is the live source.
What changes, Virginia → Kentucky
| Virginia (current) | Kentucky (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | — | 8,000 |
| Application fee | $171.75 (Reciprocity or examination method fee is $171.75 (includes the 2026 HB 30 $7.25/year technology fee); card exchange is $131.75; if the exam is not waived the PSI exam sitting fee is charged separately) | $100 (Electrician (journeyman) license is $100 for the 24-month term (prorated by application/birth month); Master Electrician is $200 and Electrical Contractor $400 (DHBC EL-3 fee schedule; 815 KAR 35:060). No separate reciprocity fee.) |
| Processing time | DPOR does not publish a processing timeframe on the tradesman application | DHBC does not publish a processing time for electrical license applications. |
| Licensing authority | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) - Board for Contractors | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Kentucky sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Kentucky's current requirements on the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the reciprocity application to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold an active Virginia or West Virginia electrician license (submit a copy).
- Submit a letter of good standing from the licensing state.
- Submit the completed EL-3 electrical license application, application fee, and a passport-style color photo.
- Non-reciprocal applicants must document 8,000 hours in the electrical trade (16,000 for master) and pass the exam.
- Pay the fees ($100 (Electrician (journeyman) license is $100 for the 24-month term (prorated by application/birth month); Master Electrician is $200 and Electrical Contractor $400 (DHBC EL-3 fee schedule; 815 KAR 35:060). No separate reciprocity fee.)) and allow DHBC does not publish a processing time for electrical license applications..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Kentucky accept a Virginia electrician license?
Yes — Kentucky has a reciprocity arrangement covering Virginia license holders. Apply to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Electrical Licensing, Public Protection Cabinet under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.
Which exam will I take moving from Virginia to Kentucky?
Kentucky waives its Journeyman's Electrical Exam for a reciprocal applicant holding an active Virginia or West Virginia journeyman/master electrician license (with a letter of good standing); applicants from any other state must pass the Journeyman's Electrical Exam administered by PROV, NASCLA, or Pearson VUE.
What does the Virginia-to-Kentucky move cost and how long does it take?
$100 (Electrician (journeyman) license is $100 for the 24-month term (prorated by application/birth month); Master Electrician is $200 and Electrical Contractor $400 (DHBC EL-3 fee schedule; 815 KAR 35:060). No separate reciprocity fee.); processing DHBC does not publish a processing time for electrical license applications..
What could disqualify me even though Virginia is on Kentucky's list?
A Virginia license you were grandfathered into rather than earning by exam, a license held less than a year, or falling short of the experience-hour minimum — Kentucky's reciprocity is conditional, not automatic.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Kentucky DHBC — Electrical New Application Checklist (2.4.25): reciprocity states + experience hours ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Kentucky DHBC — Form EL-3 Electrical License Application with fee schedule (Oct 2024) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 815 KAR 35:060 — Licensing of electrical contractors, master electricians, and electricians (fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- VA DPOR Board for Contractors - Reciprocal Licensing/Examination Agreements with Other Jurisdictions ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- VA DPOR - Tradesman Exam & License Application (A501-2710EXLIC) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]