EV
Permit Guide

Home charging paperwork, decoded

EV charger rebates, permits & install costs — for your exact address

Utility rebates that are actually funded, permit rules city by city, and realistic installation costs. Verified against official sources — including the programs that already ended.

Estimate my install cost Browse all states

No sign-ups. No lead forms. Just the paperwork, explained.

Find your programs

ZIP code → state rebates, permit rules & costs.

or pick a state
Federal deadline passed: the 30C home-charger tax credit (30% up to $1,000) expired for chargers placed in service after June 30, 2026. Installed earlier? You can still claim it on your 2026 return. What that means for you →

Rebates by state

Start with your state

Active utility programs, expired ones flagged, permit rules, and typical install costs.

California · CA California has the largest EV fleet in the country, and most home-charging money now flows through utilities … 4 programs 9 ended install $900–$2,600 Texas · TX Texas keeps home-charging incentives local: there's no statewide home charger rebate, but Austin Energy runs … 2 programs 4 ended install $600–$1,900 New York · NY New York pairs the country's highest installation costs with a genuinely lucrative charging-rewards program: … 3 programs 4 ended install $1,000–$3,000 Florida · FL Florida is the country's second-largest EV market with some of its thinnest incentives: there's no statewide … 4 programs 4 ended install $650–$2,000 Colorado · CO Colorado remains one of the friendliest states for home charging even after its headline vehicle tax credit s… 5 programs 5 ended install $700–$2,200

Covering 5 states, 39 city permit guides, and 6 utility programs so far — more added on a rolling basis.

The process

Four steps between you and home charging

  1. Check your panel first

    Photograph the main breaker before buying anything. 200A service takes a 48A charger easily; 100A panels need a load calculation — and maybe a cheaper fix than a full upgrade.

  2. Lock in rebates before purchase

    Most utility programs require specific charger models or pre-enrollment. Buying first and applying second is how people void $1,000+ rebates. Check your utility's rules.

  3. Permit + licensed electrician

    A new 240V circuit needs a permit in virtually every US city — typically $75–$350, often approved online in days. Your city's exact process.

  4. Inspect, then charge overnight

    Pass the final inspection, keep the record for resale and rebates, and switch to an EV time-of-use rate — overnight charging often beats gas by 3–5×.

Ready for quotes?

Compare itemized bids from licensed electricians — it's the single biggest lever on installation price.

Finding an installer yourself: ask for the contractor's state license number, proof of insurance, and at least two recent Level 2 installs. Get the permit number in writing.

Use the free permit checklist

Tools & guides

Do the homework in minutes

Installation cost calculator Panel size, wire run, trenching, permits — a realistic range for your scenario in 60 seconds. Best Level 2 chargers Six chargers compared on output, smarts, rebate eligibility, and street price — with honest cons. Printable install checklist Every document, photo, and question for your electrician — on one printable page.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to install a home EV charger?

Almost always yes for a new 240V circuit — every US jurisdiction treats a Level 2 charger circuit as permit-worthy electrical work. Plugging into an existing, permitted outlet usually doesn't require a new permit. Fees typically run $75–$350 and simple installs are often approved online within days.

Is the federal EV charger tax credit still available?

No — the 30C credit expired for chargers placed in service after June 30, 2026. Earlier installs can still be claimed on your 2026 return (Form 8911, eligible census tracts). Utility rebates are now the main money on the table; several remain generous.

How much does Level 2 installation cost?

Typically $600–$1,500 for a straightforward install including the permit. Long runs, GFCI breaker requirements, trenching to a detached garage, or a panel upgrade can push totals past $3,000. Our calculator builds a range for your exact scenario.

Are the rebate amounts on this site current?

Every program page carries a "last reviewed" tag and links to the official source, and programs that ended stay listed with an "expired" flag so you don't chase dead money. Funding cycles change — always confirm on the linked official page before purchasing.