Traveler's Checklist
Documents, certifications, and paperwork to have in hand before you sign the books at a foreign local. Requirements vary by local and work type — always call ahead to confirm.
This checklist covers what is commonly required across IBEW locals — but every local sets its own rules. Always call the dispatcher or referral agent at your target local before making the drive. Ask specifically what they require to sign Book 2, what the re-sign window is, and whether your state requires a license.
Issued and signed by your home local Business Manager with a raised seal. Must be dated within 60–90 days at most locals — some require it dated the same month you sign. Your home local can email or fax it to the foreign hall. Cannot be issued if you owe debts to your home local.
Must show you are paid up and in good standing. Some locals require you to be paid 2 months in advance. Check with the foreign local when you call ahead. Your classification (JRMY/WRMN) must appear on the receipt.
Driver's license is standard. Some locals specifically require a driver's license and will not accept a state ID. Make sure yours isn't expired.
If you are not registered on ERTS (Electronic Reciprocal Transfer System), register before you travel — at erts.ibew.com or any participating IBEW hall. It takes five minutes. Bring your login and PIN so you can tell the foreign local you are registered when you clear in. Without ERTS your pension and H&W contributions stay in the foreign fund.
Required at virtually all commercial and industrial job sites. OSHA 30 is increasingly required for foreman positions or large projects. Both cards expire — check yours before you go. You can take OSHA courses online or through your JATC.
Required at most outside line locals and increasingly at inside locals. Must typically show your name and an expiration date. Combined CPR/First Aid cards are generally accepted. Check that yours isn't expired.
Many locals require a termination slip before you can sign the books or re-sign. Keep your termination paperwork from every job. Some locals will not add you without it.
Required in licensing states before you can legally work. California, Oregon, and several others will not allow you to work without a valid state license. Each state has its own exam and application process. Check DragUp's Reciprocity page for state-by-state requirements before you travel.
Required by some locals during initial registration. Not universal but worth having in your documents folder.
Required at most outside line locals. Class A or B depending on the local — call ahead to confirm.
Required if you hold a CDL and will be operating commercial vehicles. Expires every 1–2 years depending on health status.
Standard requirement at line locals. Must be current.
Standard requirement at line locals alongside pole top rescue.
Required at some locals for utility and tower work. Some require 600 hours with at least 175 hours of documented pole climbing.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential — required for refineries, ports, marine terminals, and petrochemical facilities. Issued by TSA after a federal background check. Processing takes 4–6 weeks. Apply well in advance if you're heading to refinery country. Also works as TSA PreCheck.
Required at some large industrial projects and for any foreman or supervisory role. Increasingly common as a baseline at bigger jobs.
Increasingly required at industrial and commercial sites, particularly in manufacturing and process plants.
Register at erts.ibew.com or any participating IBEW hall before you travel. One-time, lifetime registration. Ensures your pension and H&W contributions transfer back to your home funds. Without it, benefit money stays in the foreign fund and may be unrecoverable.
When you check in at the foreign local, they will ask where to direct ERTS reciprocity. Know the name of your home benefit fund.
Find out the re-sign dates before you leave town. Missing the window removes you from the books and costs you your place. Set a calendar reminder.
Permit dues at a foreign local are NOT deducted from your paycheck — you pay the hall directly, usually by the 15th of the month. Check or money order is standard at most halls.
Stay current on non-working dues to your home local even while traveling. Three months behind means you're no longer in good standing. Six months and the International drops your membership.