PlainPermitDo I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?
Short answer: Across the 25 US cities we checked, an electrical panel upgrade always needs a permit in 21, needs none in 0, and depends on size, location or scope in 0; 4 are unverified. Your city's rule is what counts.
- 21 permit required
- 0 depends
- 0 no permit
- 4 unverified
- 0 fees verified
Panel and service upgrades are electrical work that cities generally permit and inspect, and the utility usually has to reconnect the service; many cities require a licensed electrician.
City-by-city comparison
| City | Answer | Key condition | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | Permit required | Registered contractor applies | Not verified |
| Boston, MA | Permit required | Licensed electrician | Not verified |
| Charlotte, NC | Permit required | Licensed electrician or homeowner-occupant | Not verified |
| Chicago, IL | Permit required | Up to 400 A: Express Permit | Not verified |
| Columbus, OH | Permit required | City-registered electrical contractor | Not verified |
| Dallas, TX | Permit required | Yes. Dallas requires a permit to install, replace or alter building service equipment, which includes electric | Not verified |
| Denver, CO | Permit required | Up to 400 A: quick permit | Not verified |
| El Paso, TX | Unverified, confirm locally | We did not find an official El Paso page on electrical panel permits that we could quote. | Not verified |
| Fort Worth, TX | Permit required | Yes. Changing, moving or repairing electrical equipment, including electrical services, needs an electrical pe | Not verified |
| Houston, TX | Permit required | Licensed, City-registered master electrician | Not verified |
| Indianapolis, IN | Permit required | Licensed contractor | Not verified |
| Jacksonville, FL | Permit required | Yes. New electrical service and rewiring need a permit. | Not verified |
| Las Vegas, NV | Permit required | Online permit | Not verified |
| Los Angeles, CA | Permit required | Up to 400 A: express permit | Not verified |
| Nashville, TN | Permit required | Yes. Increasing the size of an electrical service needs an electrical permit. | Not verified |
| New York City, NY | Unverified, confirm locally | We did not find an official NYC page on electrical panel permits that we could quote. | Not verified |
| Oklahoma City, OK | Permit required | Licensed contractor only | Not verified |
| Philadelphia, PA | Permit required | 200 A or less: no plans | Not verified |
| Phoenix, AZ | Permit required | Yes. Phoenix lists electrical updates, rewiring and additions among projects that require a permit. | Not verified |
| San Antonio, TX | Permit required | Yes. A permit is needed whenever you install sub-panels or other service equipment. | Not verified |
| San Diego, CA | Permit required | Over 400 A: plans required | Not verified |
| San Francisco, CA | Unverified, confirm locally | We did not find an official San Francisco page on electrical panel permits that we could quote. | Not verified |
| San Jose, CA | Permit required | Like-for-like up to 400 A: online permit | Not verified |
| Seattle, WA | Unverified, confirm locally | We did not find an official Seattle page on electrical panel permits that we could quote. | Not verified |
| Washington, DC | Permit required | Instant trade permit | Not verified |
Related: Common permit myths · What happens if you build without a permit · How to apply
Other projects
- ADU or garage conversion
- Deck
- Driveway or patio
- EV charger
- Fence
- HVAC / AC replacement
- Interior / bathroom remodel
- Pool or hot tub
- Retaining wall
- Roof replacement
- Shed
- Siding replacement
- Solar panels
- Water heater replacement
- Window and door replacement
Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.