Complaint Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Electricians

1. Does the Electrician Board process complaints?
2. Are there any counties that don’t have an electrical board?
3. How do I check a contractor’s complaint history?
4. How does the complaint process work?

1. Does the Electrician Board process complaints?
Yes, the State board will accept and investigate complaints for services provided on or after July 1, 2021. Local boards will investigate complaints for services provided prior to July 1, 2021 and, may also do so thereafter, for an individual registered in that jurisdiction. If you wish to file a complaint with the State Board, please send your completed Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing General Complaint Form to:

State Board of Electricians
1100 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3651

If the complaint needs to be investigated by a local board we will forward it for you.

2. Are there any counties that don’t have an electrical board?
Allegany and Garrett Counties do not have electrical boards so the State will investigate complaints for any work performed in those jurisdictions prior to July 1, 2021 and thereafter. Send your completed Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing General Complaint Form to:

State Board of Electricians
1100 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3651

3. How do I check a contractor’s complaint history?
Anyone may check a contractor's complaint history by calling the electrical board, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at the following telephone numbers: 410-230-6231. You will also need to contact the local jurisdiction.

4. How does the complaint process work?
Complaints received are logged into the computer system and reviewed. The contractor (licensed or unlicensed) is sent a copy of the complaint and may be asked to provide a response, which may include particular questions regarding the name of the license holder, work performed, status of the permit, etc. The contractor has 30 days within which to respond to allegations in the complaint. A Complaint Committee made up of board members reviews the complaint and any response thereto and will determine whether the board has jurisdiction over the complaint, sufficient facts are alleged to support a regulatory charge against the contractor, or if further investigation is needed. An investigator may contact the complainant or contractor. If the case is assigned to an investigator, the investigator reports all findings back to the Complaint Committee. The Complaint Committee will recommend its findings to the board and may recommend that the board close the case or pursue administrative action against the contractor. The contractor is entitled to request a hearing on the merits of the case, which the board may conduct or delegate to the Office of Administrative Hearings. The complainant may be subpoenaed to appear as a witness and offer testimony at the hearing. The board and contractor may elect to settle the matter without a hearing. If a regulatory violation is found, and if warranted, the board may impose an administrative sanction against a licensee, including a reprimand, license suspension, license revocation, and may impose a civil monetary penalty against a licensed or unlicensed individual. If the individual is unlicensed, the Complaint Committee may request that the investigator file criminal charges

Please be advised that the board does not have the authority under Maryland law to order a contractor to reimburse or refund any money to a complainant or other individual, order a contractor to complete a job, or require a contractor to pay another contractor to repair or complete a job. A complainant can pursue a claim against the contactor in civil court at any time independent of any action that may be taken by the board.