How to Transfer Your Electrician License from California to Washington

Side-by-side comparison of requirements, costs, and reciprocity. Updated 2026.

Quick Comparison

Requirement	California (CA)	Washington (WA)
Total Cost	$175 ($75 application + $100 exam)	$268.20
Training Hours	8,000 hrs	8,000 hrs
Exam Required	Check with board	Check with board
Renewal Period	3 years	3 years, expires on licensee's birthdate
Reciprocity	No	Yes

Can You Transfer Your Electrician License?

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Washington accepts out-of-state electrician credentials

Reciprocity with Oregon only, for 01 General Journey Level Electricians. Oregon General Journeyman (J) or General Supervising (S) holders who obtained license through exam and 8,000-hour apprenticeship may apply for WA 01 certificate without examination. Application fee: $107.60 ($41.40 nonrefundable). No reciprocity for any specialty categories.

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What You'll Need to Do in Washington

These are the standard licensing steps in Washington. As a licensed electrician from California, you may already satisfy some of these requirements.

1
Enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program and obtain an Electrical Trainee card from L&I
2
Complete 8,000 hours of supervised work experience (at least 4,000 hours in new industrial or commercial installations for 01 General Journey Level)
3
Complete 48 hours of basic classroom instruction every 2 years during trainee period
4
Submit application for Electrician Examination to L&I with $107.60 fee ($41.40 nonrefundable)
5
Schedule and pass the 01 General Journey Level exam through PSI Services (77 questions, 3 hours, 70% passing, open book)
6
Pay certification fee ($160.60) and receive 01 General Journey Level Electrician certificate (valid 3 years)

Cost Comparison

California Fees

Apprentice Registration Fee$25
Journeyman License Fee$175 ($75 application fee + $100 exam fee)
Exam Fee$100
Renewal Fee$100
Total$175 ($75 application + $100 exam)

Washington Fees

Journeyman License Fee$107.60
Master License Fee$192.10 ($41.40 nonrefundable)
Exam Fee$Included in application fee
Renewal Fee$137.90
Total$268.20

Estimated Timeline

Timeline varies based on your credentials, reciprocity eligibility, and Washington's current processing times. Contact the state licensing board for current estimates.

Explore More

California Electrician License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Washington Electrician License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my electrician license from California to Washington?▾

Washington does accept out-of-state electrician credentials. Reciprocity with Oregon only, for 01 General Journey Level Electricians. Oregon General Journeyman (J) or General Supervising (S) holders who obtained license through exam and 8,000-hour apprenticeship may apply for WA 01 certificate without examination. Application fee: $107.60 ($41.40 nonrefundable). No reciprocity for any specialty categories.

How much does it cost to transfer an electrician license to Washington?▾

Government fees for an electrician license in Washington total approximately $268.20. Additional costs may include exam fees, background checks, and education requirements.

How long does it take to transfer an electrician license from California to Washington?▾

Processing times vary by state. Contact the Washington licensing board for current timelines.

Do I need to retake the electrician exam when moving to Washington?▾

Based on current data, Washington may waive exam requirements for qualified out-of-state licensees. Verify current requirements with the Washington licensing board.

Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and reciprocity policies directly with the California and Washington licensing boards before making decisions. GetLicenseMap is not a government agency and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

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