Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade?

Yes. An electrical panel (service panel) upgrade almost always requires a permit from your local building department, because it involves the main electrical service to the home and has real fire-safety implications if done incorrectly.

A licensed electrician pulling the permit is the safest path: the permit means a city inspector reviews the finished work, which is your independent confirmation the job was done to code — not just the contractor's word.

Skipping the permit can create real downstream problems: insurance claims can be denied for unpermitted electrical work if it's found to have caused damage, and unpermitted work is a common issue that surfaces during a home sale, sometimes forcing a retroactive permit and re-inspection.

When you get quotes for a panel upgrade, ask directly whether the permit fee is included in the price or billed separately — reputable contractors handle this routinely and shouldn't hesitate to answer.