Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for New circuits, panel replacement or rewiring?
Electrical: new circuits, panel replacement or rewiring.
Of the 10 areas we checked, a permit is required in 10.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Permit required- When it applies
- new circuits/panel/rewiring
- Permits
- Electrical
- Faster route
- Instant Electrical General Permit / Electrical Heavy-Up Permit
Source: DOB Instant Permits (verified live), checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- service change, subpanel, additions/alterations/remodeling
- Permits
- Electrical
- Who pulls it
- A licensed contractor
- Notes
- 'TO OBTAIN AN ELECTRICAL PERMIT, THE APPLICANT SHALL BE THE HOLDER OF THE APPLICABLE LICENSE' (Code 105.3.2). Fee schedule has service-change/subpanel categories.
Source: AA County Code Bill 25-24; Permit Fees, checked 2026-10-07
Charles County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- new circuits/panel/rewiring
- Permits
- Electrical
- Notes
- Electrical trade permits/inspections per PGM fee schedule; 2020 NEC adopted as county electrical code.
Source: Charles County Code Ch. 224; PGM FY2027 Fees & Charges, checked 2026-10-07
Montgomery County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- all new/altered electrical work
- Permits
- Electrical
- Who pulls it
- A licensed contractor
- Faster route
- DPS ePermits — automatically issued upon application and payment
- Notes
- Applicant must hold MD State Master Electrician license. Homeowner exam option for SF-detached owner-occupants (not in Rockville/Gaithersburg).
Source: DPS Electrical Permit without Parent Building Permit, checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Replace electrical wiring E*'; 'Relocate service entrance cable or change the size of service E*'
- Permits
- Electrical
- Who pulls it
- A licensed contractor
- Notes
- Application by a Master Electrician licensed with Prince George's County.
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(vi): electric wiring
- Permits
- Electrical
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(vi)
- Permits
- Electrical
- Notes
- Panelboard upgrades in condos need a registered electrical engineer analysis (city condo policy).
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- LDS: new residential service, new electrical equipment/fixtures
- Permits
- Electrical
Source: LDS Permit Library: Residential Building, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(vi); county electrical trade permits
- Permits
- Electrical
- Faster route
- LandMARC online
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Installing a new electrical circuit, fixture, or receptacle' — always required
- Permits
- Electrical
- Faster route
- ePortal online
Source: PWC Do I Need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Summarized from each area’s official permit pages and codes, as of October 2026. Some Maryland municipalities issue their own permits, rules change, and many answers depend on the exact scope, so confirm with the permit office before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
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