Home / Electrical Permit Checker
Northern Virginia Electrical Permit Checker
In Virginia, panel replacements, new circuits, EV chargers and generators need an electrical permit. Swapping a switch, outlet, light fixture or ceiling fan in a house or townhouse usually does not. Pick your town and job to see the local office and the rule, each with its official source.
This checker is a guide built from official pages, checked November 7, 2026. Rules change. The permit office has the final word, so call them if your job is not listed or the answer says unconfirmed.
The state rules behind every answer
Code in force: 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), using the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2020 edition. In force since January 18, 2024 (required for permit applications from January 18, 2025). Every county, city and town enforces this statewide code.
Homeowner permits: Yes. The owner may apply for the permit (USBC 108.3). The applicant shows a license or files a written statement that they are not subject to contractor licensure (USBC 108.4, Va. Code 54.1-1111). Va. Code 54.1-1101(A)(7) exempts an owner working on one primary residence for own use per 24-month period. The owner must still follow the USBC and pass inspections. Before selling, the owner must get a certificate of occupancy for work done (54.1-1101(B)) unless the buyer acknowledges in writing that none was issued.
Exempt work (USBC 108.2): replacing switches, 15 or 20 amp receptacles, light fixtures and ceiling fans in houses and townhouses counts as an ordinary repair with no permit. Read section 108.2.
Rules by county, city and town
Unconfirmed means no official page we could find names that job. Call the office listed.
Arlington County
Permits: Arlington County Inspection Services Division (ISD), Community Planning, Housing and Development, 703-228-3800. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Caroline County
Permits: Caroline County Department of Planning and Community Development, Building Inspections, 804-633-4303. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Fairfax County
Permits: Fairfax County Land Development Services (Permit Application Center / Customer & Technical Support Center), 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 230, Fairfax, VA 22035, 703-222-0801 (TTY 711). Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Fauquier County
Permits: Fauquier County Department of Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections, 540-422-8230. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
King George County
Permits: King George County Department of Community Development, 540-775-7111. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Loudoun County
Permits: Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, 703-777-0220. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Prince William County
Permits: Prince William County Department of Development Services, Building Development Division (5 County Complex Ct., Ste. 120, Prince William, VA 22192), 703-792-6930. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Spotsylvania County
Permits: Spotsylvania County Code Compliance, Community Development Division, 540-507-7222. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Stafford County
Permits: Stafford County Building Division, Department of Development Services, 540-658-8650. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
City of Alexandria
Permits: Department of Code Administration, Alexandria Permit Center, 703-746-4200. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
City of Fairfax
Permits: City of Fairfax Code Administration & Fire Marshal's Office, 10455 Armstrong St, Room 208, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-385-7830. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
City of Falls Church
Permits: City of Falls Church Building Safety Division, Department of Code Administration, 300 Park Ave, Suite 103E, Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-248-5080 (TTY 711). Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
City of Fredericksburg
Permits: City of Fredericksburg Building Services Division, Community Planning and Building, 540-372-1080. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
City of Manassas
Permits: City of Manassas Department of Community Development, Planning & Development (Development Services), City Hall, 9027 Center St., 2nd Floor, 703-257-8278. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
City of Manassas Park
Permits: City of Manassas Park Development, Zoning and Code Enforcement Services, Building Permits and Inspections (9701 Manassas Dr., Manassas Park, VA 20111), 703-335-8815. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Clifton
Permits: Fairfax County Land Development Services (after Town of Clifton sign-off from the Town Clerk), 703-222-0801 (TTY 711); Town Clerk (571) 781-2404, clerk@cliftonva.gov. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Dumfries
Permits: Town of Dumfries Building Permits and Inspections (Town Hall), 703-221-3400. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Haymarket
Permits: Prince William County Building Development Division (town zoning approval first: Haymarket Town Hall, 15000 Washington St., Suite 100, 703-753-2600), 703-792-6930. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Herndon
Permits: Town of Herndon Building Inspections, Department of Public Works, 777 Lynn St, Herndon, VA, 703-435-6850 (buildinginspections@herndon-va.gov). Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Leesburg
Permits: Loudoun County Department of Building and Development (electrical); Town of Leesburg Department of Community Development (zoning permit), 703-777-0220 (County); 703-771-2765 (Town Community Development). Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Occoquan
Permits: Prince William County Building Development Division (town zoning approval first: Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill St., 703-491-1918), 703-792-6930. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Purcellville
Permits: Loudoun County Department of Building and Development (building/electrical); Town of Purcellville (zoning permit), 703-777-0220 (County); 540-338-2304 (Town Community Development); 540-338-7421 (Town Hall). Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | State code |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Quantico
Permits: Prince William County Building Development Division (town zoning permit first: Town of Quantico, 337 5th Ave., 703-640-7411), 703-792-6930. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Remington
Permits: Fauquier County Department of Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections, 540-422-8230. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of The Plains
Permits: Fauquier County Department of Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections, 540-422-8230. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Vienna
Permits: Fairfax County Land Development Services (Town of Vienna Planning and Zoning reviews zoning), Fairfax County LDS 703-222-0801 (TTY 711); Vienna Town Hall 703-255-6300. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | Official page |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | Official page |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | Official page |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Town of Warrenton
Permits: Town of Warrenton Community Development, Building Safety and Inspections, 540-347-2405. Apply online. Checked 2026-11-07.
Homeowner may pull the permit: yes (source)
| Job | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement or service upgrade | Permit needed | State code |
| New circuit | Permit needed | Official page |
| EV charger circuit | Permit needed | State code |
| Whole-house generator | Permit needed | State code |
| Replace an outlet or switch (same type) | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a light fixture | No permit needed | Official page |
| Ceiling fan on an existing box | No permit needed | State code |
| Replace a smoke alarm | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
| Whole-house surge protector | Unconfirmed: call the office | Official page |
Services that often need a permit
Permit questions
Short answers from the Virginia code and local permit offices.
Do I need a permit to replace an electrical panel in Virginia?
Yes. Replacing a panel or upgrading the service is permit work under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and an inspector checks it before the utility turns the power back on.
Do I need a permit to replace an outlet or light switch in Virginia?
Usually not. The state code lists replacing switches, 15 or 20 amp receptacles, light fixtures and ceiling fans as ordinary repairs in houses and townhouses. Adding a new outlet or circuit does need a permit.
Can a homeowner pull an electrical permit in Virginia?
Yes. An owner may get the permit for work on a home they own and live in, by filing a statement that they are not a licensed contractor. The work must still pass inspection. Check your county or city page for its form.
Which electrical code does Northern Virginia use?
Every county, city and town enforces the statewide code: the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which uses the National Electrical Code, 2020 edition.
Do I need a permit for an EV charger?
Yes, when a hardwired charger or a new 240 volt circuit is added. Plugging a charger into an outlet that already exists does not need a permit in most places.
Not sure your job needs a permit?
Tell us about the job. We explain the permit and inspection steps in plain words.