NYC Electrical Filings for Electricians: DOB NOW Changes in 2026
DOB changed how electrical licenses, filings, inspections and job transfers work in 2026. S & M Expediting handles the filing side so your crew can stay on the work.
Electrical work in New York City now runs almost entirely through DOB NOW, and 2026 brought several changes licensed electricians and electrical contractors need to know. Here is what changed, when, and how a Class 2 filing representative can take the paperwork off your plate.
What changed in 2026
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| --- | --- |
| December 21, 2025 | 2025 NYC Electrical Code takes full effect |
| February 23, 2026 | Electrician license applications and renewals move to DOB NOW: Licensing |
| June 29, 2026 | DOB NOW: Build electrical filings add 2025 Electrical Code questions; electrical inspections move to DOB NOW: Inspections Plus |
| September 1, 2026 | Electrical Plan Review submissions go through an online form |
| September 7, 2026 | Job transfers between electricians require a Supersede Request in DOB NOW |
The 2025 NYC Electrical Code
The 2025 New York City Electrical Code took full effect on December 21, 2025. It is made up of the City's amendments to the 2020 edition of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, plus the administrative provisions in Title 28. It applies to electrical work filed on or after December 21, 2025. Electrical work connected to a new building, alteration or demolition application filed before that date may stay under the 2011 code when that application is diligently pursued to completion (Buildings Bulletin 2024-008).
Since June 29, 2026, DOB NOW: Build electrical filings include new questions and requirements for the 2025 code, and every new electrical filing needs a Code Review Year. A standalone electrical filing only offers the 2020 NEC / 2025 NYC Electrical Code option; a filing linked to an existing job number may show both the 2011 and 2025 options.
Electrical inspections: DOB NOW: Inspections Plus
Beginning June 29, 2026, requests for Electrical Development Inspections are submitted and managed in the new DOB NOW: Inspections Plus module instead of DOB NOW: Inspections. Electrical is the first trade on the new module, so check that whoever books your inspections is using the right one.
Supersede Requests for taking over a job
If you are taking responsibility for another licensee's electrical job, you must submit a Supersede Request in DOB NOW. Once it is submitted, your information populates on the permit. Effective September 7, 2026, the DOB Licensing Unit no longer transfers electrical jobs to another licensee, so the Supersede Request is the route.
DOB NOW: Licensing
Starting February 23, 2026, electrician license applications, renewals, card re-issuance requests and changes to information are processed through DOB NOW: Licensing. The same move covered Master Plumbers, Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors, Filing Representatives and Special Inspection Agencies.
Electrical Plan Review
Since September 1, 2026, Electrical Plan Review submissions are made through an online form. Plan review is required for installations of 1000 KVA or greater, or new or revised installations above 600 volts, and is submitted by a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.
How S & M Expediting helps electricians
S & M Expediting is a Class 2 filing representative. We do not perform electrical work, and the licensed electrician stays responsible for the permit and the installation. What we handle is the filing side:
- setting up and tracking DOB NOW filings tied to your electrical work, including related alteration jobs
- checking which code review year applies before a filing goes in
- keeping track of inspection requests and filing status
- organizing the paperwork when you supersede another licensee on a job
- researching open DOB violations and stop work orders on the property before you start
If you are a property owner who needs electrical work done: We will work with the contractor you have, or if not, we will recommend one from our network.
Talk to a permit expediter
Call 718-833-2333 or email info@sandmexpediting.com, or use our contact page.
Questions
Which electrical code applies to a new filing?
The 2025 NYC Electrical Code took full effect on December 21, 2025 and applies to electrical work filed on or after that date. Work tied to a new building, alteration or demolition application filed earlier may stay under the 2011 code if that job is diligently pursued to completion, per Buildings Bulletin 2024-008.
Where do I request an electrical inspection now?
Since June 29, 2026, requests for Electrical Development Inspections are submitted and managed in DOB NOW: Inspections Plus instead of DOB NOW: Inspections.
How do I take over another electrician's job?
Submit a Supersede Request in DOB NOW. Effective September 7, 2026, the DOB Licensing Unit no longer transfers electrical jobs to another licensee.
Where do I renew my electrician license?
Since February 23, 2026, electrician license applications, renewals, card re-issuance requests and changes to information are processed through DOB NOW: Licensing.