Do I Need a Permit to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace | Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,000 | $3,150 |
Local examples
These are examples, and they can change.
- Portland, Oregon: a residential electrical permit, plus a service inspection and a final inspection. Fees need the panel's amperage.
- San Diego, California: a simple permit for installing or replacing circuit breakers of 15 to 400 amps. Above 400 amps it's a standalone electrical permit with plans. The page doesn't name panels, so ask about yours.
Can a homeowner do it?
Portland allows a homeowner to do electrical work only on a home they own and live in, and not on rentals or homes being sold. A licensed contractor must list both licenses on the application. Even where the law allows it, we don't recommend doing panel work yourself. We expect service wires can stay live even with the main off, and that a mistake can cause shock or fire. We don't give steps.
What to ask your electrician
CPSC warns against breakers rated higher than the wiring they protect. We'd add that a bigger panel doesn't change what your wiring can safely carry.
- Is the permit in the quote, and who books the inspections?
- Does the utility need to disconnect and reconnect service?
- What size panel do I really need, and why?
Common questions
Can I upgrade my panel without a permit?
Do I need to upgrade for a heat pump or EV charger?
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Last verified 2026-11-04
- City of Portland, Oregon: Residential electrical permits — Replacing a service panel needs a permit; owner-occupant may do work; rentals not allowed; contractor licensing; service inspection.
- City of San Diego: What permits do I need? — Simple permit for breakers of 15 to 400 amps; above 400 amps a standalone permit with plans.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Home Wiring Hazards publication 518 (undated older guide) — Get qualified help with panels; overrated devices can lead to fire.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.