Tennessee Electrical Permits Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is an electrical permit required?

An electrical permit is required prior to installing any electrical wiring that is required to be inspected under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-02-01-.04.

2. Who may purchase each type of electrical permit?

Individual Use: A non-residential property owner or residential property owner may purchase an electrical permit for electrical installations requiring an inspection if the project for which the permit is required is for single residences, farm buildings or other buildings for individual use, and not for resale, lease, rent or other similar purpose. This type of permit should not be purchased if the electrical work is being performed by an individual licensed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Title 62, Chapter 6.

Non-Residential Property Owner: A non-residential property owner may purchase an electrical permit for electrical installations that require an inspection, but do not meet the requirements for the individual use licensing exemption, if the work is to be performed by the non-residential property owner’s employee who is licensed pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 6.

Contractor: An individual or entity licensed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Title 62, Chapter 6 may purchase an electrical permit for electrical installations requiring an inspection for electrical work performed by that individual or entity.

3. Who qualifies as a non-residential property owner for purposes of purchasing an electrical permit?

A non-residential property owner permit should be purchased by the owner of the property. The burden is on the purchaser to determine who is the owner of the property.

4. What licensing information is required at the time of purchase for each permit type?

Individual Use: A residential property owner purchasing a permit as described in question number two (2) above is not required to submit any information regarding an Electrical Contracting license or Limited Licensed Electrician license at the time of purchase.

Pursuant to Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0680-01-.22, “Any person, business or church that owns property and constructs single residences or buildings for their individual use shall not need a contractor’s license. Individual use shall mean use by persons other than the general public.”

Non-Residential Property Owner: A non-residential property owner purchasing a permit as described in question number two (2) above shall submit the employee’s Electrical Contracting license or Limited Licensed Electrician license at the time of purchase.

Contractor: An Electrical Contractor or Limited Licensed Electrician purchasing a permit as described in question number two (2) above shall submit proof of licensure at the time of purchase.

5. Who should I contact if I am unsure which type of permit I should purchase?

You may contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office’s Electrical, Residential Building, and Marina Section (“Section”) at (615) 741-7170 or sfmo.permits-licensing@tn.gov. Please note, the Section is unable to assist with a determination regarding whether a project qualifies as individual use and cannot provide legal advice.

6. Who should I contact if I am unsure if the electrical work being performed must be completed by an Electrical Contractor or Limited Licensed Electrician?

You may contact the Board for Licensing Contractors at (615) 741-8307 or Contractors.Home-Improvement@tn.gov. Please note, the Board for Licensing Contractors cannot provide legal advice.