New Jersey (NJ) New Electrical Contractors Information

Instructions for getting your license / business permit.

After you pass the NJ electrical test you will be notified by mail from the testing service.

About one week later the Board of Electrical Examiners will send you a packet of information / forms. The packet will include a form that begins KNOW ALL THESE MEN. This is a blank bond form. We do not need it because we have the exact form stored on our computer.

When you get your package of license information from the State, the documents are confusing. We have put together this letter to clear up some of the usual questions we constantly answer.

You can apply for the license, pressure seal AND business permit (yellow form) at the same time (three separate forms). The business permit is necessary if you will do public work (have a business).

Pressure seal is applicable for the business permit.

• Your license always reads in your natural name, not business name.
• Your business permit always reads in your business name.
• You need to register a trade name (business name) with your county clerk (hall of records) if you are NOT using your natural name. The trade name will be reserved only in the county registered. Do NOT register an LLC or Corporation name with the county!

Natural Name

Example: Natural name: John Doe.

John can use John Doe Electrical Contractor, or John Doe Electric (remember the business name must include the word "electric" or "electrical contractor").

John does NOT have to register this trade name.

Trade Name

John wants to use: Doe Electrical Contracting & Lighting. He must register this trade name with the county he lives in. The board needs a copy of this certificate.

Corporation

John wants to incorporate and use: Doe Electrical Contractors and General Construction Inc. When John incorporates it will be registered through out the state.

LLC (Limited Liability Company)

A Limited Liability Company is similar to a corporation. It provides protection like a corporation, however there are difference that can be explained by an attorney. Please seek legal advise. You can form an LLC on your own through the NJ Business Gateway Services (see this site forms / links for the link), however please don't form one unless you know what you are doing. DO NOT register an LLC with the county. When you form an LLC the name is register with the state (and all 21 counties automatically)

Federal tax ID number (FEIN)

You do not need to have a FEIN number if you are trading as an individual (John Doe Electrical Contractor) or trade name. You can use your social security (SS#) number, however it is a good idea to obtain one. An LLC or Corporation MUST obtain one. After forming the LLC or corporation from the State of NJ you must file for a FEIN number with the IRS. You must always use this number. (See this site forms / links for the link to the IRS)

The yellow business permit application needs to be completed and notarized on page #2. Almost all the time "affidavit A" (NOT B) needs to be completed.

Summary: The Board needs from you.

• Completed form for license and appropriate fee
• Completed form for pressure seal and appropriate fee
• Completed business permit form and appropriate fee
• Copy of "certificate of trade name" (if trading as)
• Surety Bond (This agency will provide)
• Certificate of liability insurance (This agency will provide, if you purchase the insurance from us.)

After you submit the forms to the "Board" by the deadline date, then you will be approved at the next business meeting. Approximately 7-10 days after that meeting the "Board" will send you a temporary license. You now can start your business! Two and one-half months later the "Board" will send you the seal for the business permit.

If you have any questions, please call us or the Board of Electrical Contractors.

If you would like to purchase a NJ Electrical Contractor Business Permit Surety Bond, please click here: NJ Electrical Business Permit Bond.