unlicensed electrician in NYC - permit job

[Michael M.]

Called several electricians to do a service change at my house (add a meter and separate basement and first floor circuits) - a job that requires pulling a permit with DOB.

Each time I ask for proof of license, electrician says something like "We sign contracts, You give deposit, I pull permit" and doesn't address license.

This has happened to me 3 or 4 times.

How are these electricians pulling permits if they are unlicensed?

How important is it that an electrician is licensed if he has a way of pulling permit?

Why are there so many unlicensed electricians in NYC that show up on angies list, home advisor, etc. as "verified"?