Short answer: In Washington, electrical work generally requires a permit and inspection, with limited exceptions. If you hire a contractor, the contractor buys the permit. Some cities handle their own electrical permits and inspections; everywhere else, the Department of Labor & Industries handles them.
When a permit is required
Washington requires a permit and inspection for most electrical work, with limited exceptions listed in the state's electrical rules (Chapter 296-46B WAC). New circuits, panel changes, EV charger circuits, generator hookups and rewiring are all typical permitted work.
Who pulls the permit
Under state guidance, permits must be purchased by the electrical contractor, or by the property owner who will actually be doing the work. When you hire a contractor, they obtain their own permits and request the inspection.
Which agency handles it
Some cities, including Seattle, run their own electrical permitting and inspection. If your property is in one of those cities, the permit comes from the city and not the state. Elsewhere in Washington, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) handles it. We pull the permit through whichever agency covers your address.
Why the permit matters
- The inspection is a second set of eyes on safety-critical work
- Unpermitted work can create problems for insurance claims and for selling your home
- It documents that the work met the electrical code when it was done
Cost figures are published national ranges and are for planning only. Your price depends on your home, so we quote after we see it. Last updated October 2026.
Get a quote for your home
All City Electric has been a family-owned, licensed and insured Shoreline electrician since 1971. Call (206) 533-6333 or request a free quote.