How To Get A Plumbing License
Before you can get your plumbing contractor license, there are several steps you’ll need to follow. When you decide you want to pursue plumbing as a career, your initial goal will be either applying for a plumbing program at your local college or securing an apprenticeship with a licensed master plumber.
You will typically work as an apprentice plumber for 2 to 4 years, or graduate from a 4-year program before you can take your next step: applying for a journeyman plumbing license. While there are a few states that do not require state contractor plumbing licenses, the majority of U.S. states and major U.S. cities want every professional plumbing contractor held to a standard quality of work and education. To this end, those states require potential journeyman plumbers to take an exam before becoming officially licensed. If your state does not require an official plumber’s license, check into local certifications before starting your plumbing activities.
On the application form, you will be asked to provide proof of your education or work history. Other states may require insurance bonds or fingerprinting before accepting the application. All exams and licensing come with fees. Consider it an investment into your future as a professional and licensed plumber.
As a licensed journeyman plumber, you may have the opportunity to further your career by applying to become a master plumber. This will come after several more years of experience as a journeyman plumber, often with continuing education courses or even other contractor licenses such as business, residential, commercial, or even electrical. Plumbing contractor requirements vary from state to state, but below, we’ve gathered the requirements for each state to ease your acquisition or transition into a professional plumbing career.
How Much Does A Plumbing Contractor License Cost?
Multiple aspects contribute to the cost of becoming a licensed plumbing contractor. The first of which would be the necessary schooling, though some can be mitigated by an apprenticeship. After that, there is the cost of the exam, some practical, some online or proctored. Then, you will need to pay the actual licensing cost. For most states, the necessary exam and the plumbing licensing fees vary according to what type of work each state license covers as well as how many years the license is valid and whether you own a business. You can generally expect to put down around $300 on average as the total for both – but up to as much as $600 in some states.
Plumbing License Renewal
Of course, an active plumbing contractor license is only valid for so long. Some states require licensed plumbers to renew annually while other states require only every two or even three years. These renewal costs are only the cost of the licensing fee; generally less than $250 per year for a contractor plumbing license. Some states may also require the completion of continuing education courses before your contractor license can be renewed. That information can be found on your state’s website.
License Changes For Plumbing Contractors
Many states now make use of an online portal for the licensing process. You can log in with either a license number or your personal information on your state’s website and access this portal to renew your license or make changes to your license. These include changes to your business or things like address changes or name changes such as after marriage. If your state has an online portal, we have included the link to it below. Otherwise, we have linked the necessary forms with their costs. Other states may simply require plumbing contractors to contact their main state license board by email to request a change to their license. For most states, any fee required was minimal ($25 or less).
If you need to transfer your license across state lines as you move or grow your plumbing company, you’ll want to check which states have reciprocity agreements. Check our guide to plumbing license reciprocity for more details.
Plumbing License Replacements
Similarly, you may find yourself in need of a replacement plumbing license. Many states offer this service through their online portals as well, but some may require the plumbing contractor to contact the state license board directly. This service is likely to include a processing fee generally from $15-$50 though some states offer duplicate or replacement licenses at no cost. Check with your state’s website in our list of plumbing contractor’s license requirements by state below to determine the requirements.
Plumbing License Requirements By State
There is a lot of information out there for plumbing contractors and it can be difficult to find both accurate and up-to-date requirements and resources for your specific state’s plumbing contractor license requirements. This is especially true for those of you looking to continue your plumbing business in a new state, but don’t worry! We’ve gathered all the basic information for you, and laid it out below in a state-by-state comparison. Below, you will find your state’s licensing board and the cost of contractor licenses and exams. And with that, best of luck with your plumbing career!
Alabama
State Certification Authority: Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
License Cost: $150
Requirements: $160 state exam fee, one-year certification as a journeyman
Application: You can find the plumbing contractor application here
Renewal: Renew through the online portal annually
Renewal Cost: $150 annually
Changes: Contact the board
Replacement: Can be replaced with a written statement and $25
Alaska
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development
License Cost: $200
Requirements: Alaska requires a $50 exam fee for a plumber contractor license, plus verifications of hours necessary for each license type.
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $200
Changes: Submit this form and necessary fees
Replacement: See above form
Arizona
State Certification Authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
License Cost: $380-$480
Requirements: Arizona requires the following from plumbers: exam ($106-$116), background check, bond, fees, ID, and signatures.
Application: Here with $100,
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $480, Log-in here
Changes: Submit this form for address or this form for a name change
Replacement: Log-in here
Arkansas
State Certification Authority: Arkansas Dept. of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Division
License Cost: $100 filing
Requirements: Exam ($75-$125), 4-5 years of plumbing experience, hold a journeyman level license for one year, licensing fee.
Application: Form here
Renewal: Annually
Renewal Cost: $75-$200
Changes: Change address here
Replacement: Contact Dept. of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section
California
State Certification Authority: Contractors State License Board
License Cost: For a California plumbing license, you’ll need to pay an initial license fee of $200 with an added fee of $75-$150 additional classifications.
Requirements: California contractors have some of the most intense license requirements in the construction industry: C-36 license (you can learn more about c-36 requirements here), four years plumbing work experience, $15,00 bond, fingerprinting and background check, business, and law exam, and a plumbing trade exam $330
Application: Form here
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $410
Changes: Submit this form
Replacement: $12
Colorado
State Certification Authority: Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board
License Cost: $100-$140
Requirements: Apprentice for two-five years, application fee ($120-$140), state exam, and fee ($75) to become a licensed contractor
Application: Apply online here
Renewal: Odd-numbered years, Feb 28th, log-in here
Renewal Cost: $100-$140
Changes: Submit this form for a name change. For other changes, log in here
Replacement: N/A
Connecticut
State Certification Authority: Connecticut State Dept. of Consumer Protection
License Cost: $90-$150
Requirements: To become a licensed plumbing contractor in Connecticut, you’ll need to complete an Apprenticeship and exam, which costs $65.
Application: Submit the Occupational Trade License Application
Renewal: Annually, Oct 31st, log in here
Renewal Cost: $120-$150
Changes: Follow instructions here
Replacement: Contact the Occupational and Professional Licensing board here
Delaware
State Certification Authority: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
License Cost: $153
Requirements: Certificate of Completion, 2-5 years of plumbing experience, exam, and fee ($153)
Application: Apply online here
Renewal: Oct 31st of even years, Log-in here
Renewal Cost: $153
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: Log-in here
Florida
State Certification Authority: Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation
License Cost: $135
Requirements: Exam ($80), four years plumbing work experience, fingerprinting, insurance, certification fees ($149-$249)
Application: Print form here
Renewal: Every two years, August 31st
Renewal Cost: $209
Changes: Log in here for changes
Replacement: See above
Georgia
State Certification Authority: Georgia Board of Construction Industry
License Cost: $30.00, $267 exam fee
Requirements: 5 years plumbing work experience with at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman plumber for both class I and II plus commercial/industrial plumbing experience for class II. Pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. References from 3 licensed plumbing contractors.
Application: Apply here
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $75
Changes: Can be submitted here at no cost
Replacement: Can be submitted here at no cost
Hawaii
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
License Cost: $102-306 depending on the year
Requirements: To obtain a plumbing contractor’s license, you’ll need 2-5 years of experience with verification forms, plus an application fee ($40).
Application: Printable application here
Renewal: Every three years, June 30th
Renewal Cost: $306
Changes: Follow instructions here for name or address change
Replacement: Log-in here
Idaho
State Certification Authority: Idaho Division of Building Safety
License Cost: $22.50- $108
Requirements: Meet Idaho statutes, application and fee ($22.50 – $50), two and a half to four years of plumbing experience, state exam ($75), and $2000 compliance bond
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Annually
Renewal Cost: $21.60 for a journeyman plumber, $108 for plumbing contractor license renewal
Changes: Contact the nearest office for details
Replacement: See above
Illinois
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Public Health
License Cost: $175-225
Requirements: 4 years experience in the plumbing trade, state exam, and $175-$225 to become a licensed contractor
Application: Submit this form and necessary fees
Renewal: Annually April 30th
Renewal Cost:$100, Log-in here
Changes: Name, address.
Replacement: Submit this form and $50.
Indiana
State Certification Authority: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Plumbing Commission
License Cost: $30-$100
Requirements: For a plumber license in Indiana, you’ll need to fill out the application and submit the $50 fee. Other requirements include four years experience in the plumbing trade, notarized Affidavit of Experience in Plumbing Trade, and trade exam ($30-$50).
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every two years submit this form
Renewal Cost: $30-$100
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: See above
Iowa
State Certification Authority: Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
License Cost: $50-$240
Requirements: For a plumbing contractor license in Iowa, you’ll need to complete the exam ($35) and application, which has a fee ($25).
Application: Follow these instructions
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $50-$240
Changes: Log in here or use this form
Replacement: $20
Kansas
No state-level licensure requirements, check requirements on the local level.
Kentucky
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Housing, Buildings, and Construction
License Cost: $60-$250
Requirements: Submit application and fees, exam, four years plumbing experience
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Submit this form annually
Renewal Cost: $60-$250
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: See above
Louisiana
State Certification Authority: State Plumbing Board of Louisiana
License Cost: $75 after exam cost
Requirements: Five years of experience or 8000 hours to become a licensed plumbing contractor, plus an exam ($135), application, and fees.
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Annually
Renewal Cost: $100
Changes: Contact the board here
Replacement: Submit this form and $20 fee
Maine
State Certification Authority: Plumbers’ Examining Board
License Cost: $200
Requirements: Fees ($25), exam, criminal background check ($21), four years experience to become a certified plumbing contractor
Application: Submit this form or login here
Renewal: Every two years, submit this form
Renewal Cost: $200
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: See above
Maryland
State Certification Authority: Maryland Dept. of Labor
License Cost: $35-$70
Requirements: Four years of experience as a plumber, exam, fees
Application: Log in here
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $35-$70
Changes: Log-in here or email, no fee
Replacement: See above, possible fee
Massachusetts
State Certification Authority: Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
License Cost: $40
Requirements: After the application has been processed, plumbing contractors need to apply online for the journeyman exam or master plumber exam. Both exams cost $100.
Application: You can use the online booking portal here or mail this application.
Renewal: Renewals must be completed online here. Licenses must be renewed biennially, or every even year on May 1st.
Renewal Cost: $52.00 for journeymen, $78 for a master plumber.
Changes: You can make changes online here. Name changes are $27; address changes are $17.
Replacement: Duplicate licenses cost $17 per license.
Michigan
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
License Cost: $300 for master plumber license
Requirements: Three years experience, trade exam, and fees
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Annually for journeyman license, every three years for master, log-in here
Renewal Cost :$40 for journeyman license, $300 for master
Changes: Log in here and follow these instructions
Replacement: Log-in here
Minnesota
State Certification Authority: Dept of Labor and Industry
License Cost: $55
Requirements: To become a certified plumber, Minnesota requires the following: $50 application fee, 7000 hours plumbing experience, exam, apprenticeship program
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every two years, follow instructions here
Renewal Cost: $43-$73
Changes: Submit this form
Replacement: Follow instructions here
Mississippi
State Certification Authority: Mississippi State Board of Contractors
License Cost: $50 for residential plumbing contractors, $400 for a commercial plumbing license.
Requirements: Exam, fees, certificate of liability insurance coverage in case of property damage
Application: Submit this form and required documents
Renewal: Annually, submit this form
Renewal Cost: $100 for residential, $400 for commercial
Changes: Submit this form
Replacement: $50
Missouri
No state plumbing contractor licensing requirements for plumbers to perform work, check requirements locally.
Montana
State Certification Authority: Montana Board of Plumbers
License Cost: $170-$280
Requirements: Experience Verification affidavit, verification of licensure, $100 application fee and $170 license fee, practical and written exams, five years experience.
Application: Submit this form for journeyman and this form for master plumber licensing
Renewal: Annually
Renewal Cost: $160-$265
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: See above
Nebraska
No state-level contractor license, check local requirements.
Nevada
State Certification Authority: Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners Journeyman and Master Plumber
License Cost: $300
Requirements: Exam ( $125 -$205), four years of experience, affidavit of experience, fees
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Submit this form, every two years
Renewal Cost: $600
Changes: Submit online here
Replacement: Submit this form and fees
New Hampshire
State Certification Authority: New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety
License Cost: $190-310
Requirements: Four years experience in the plumbing trade, exam and $100 fee, apprenticeship position
Application: Submit the form here
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $180-$300
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: N/A
New Jersey
State Certification Authority: State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Work experience certification, trade exam, $100 application fee, four years experience or bachelors degree
Application: Available online, log in here
Renewal: Every two years, log in here
Renewal Cost: $160
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: See above
New Mexico
State Certification Authority: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
License Cost: $30
Requirements: Two-four years of experience, exam ($68.88) and fees, bond for $500-$5000
Application: Submit this form and fees
Renewal: Annually
Renewal Cost: $50
Changes: N/A
Replacement: N/A
New York
State Certification Authority: No state license requirements, info below for New York City licensing
License Cost: $200
Requirements: Written ($525) and practical ($350) exam, background check, seven years experience, or bachelor’s degree in related technology
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every three years
Renewal Cost: $325
Changes: Log-in here
Replacement: Submit this form and $50 fee
North Carolina
State Certification Authority: State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
License Cost: $125, plus a $25 application fee
Requirements: An exam is required, which costs $100 ($25 application fee and $75 for the exam).
Application: You can submit your application here.
Renewal: Contractors’ licenses must be renewed annually. You can renew your license here.
Renewal Cost: $125
Changes: You can make changes here through the online booking portal.
Replacement: Not mentioned; contact the board.
North Dakota
State Certification Authority: North Dakota State Plumbing Board
License Cost: $100-$200
Requirements: Four years experience and 7600 hours under the supervision of a licensed master plumber, exam ($25-$35),
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Annually, Dec 31st
Renewal Cost: $75-$165
Changes: Contact here for requested changes
Replacement: see above
Ohio
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Commerce
License Cost: Exams and fees totaling $163
Requirements: To become a licensed plumbing contractor in Ohio, you’ll need five years of plumbing experience, exam ($138), fees ($25), carry $500k liability coverage, background check
Application: Exam application here
Renewal: Annual, log-in here
Renewal Cost: $60
Changes: Submit this form and $25 fee
Replacement: Contact here for replacement request
Oklahoma
State Certification Authority: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
License Cost: $75-$330
Requirements: Three years plumbing experience, exam, signed affidavit
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Annually, Submit this form
Renewal Cost: $75-$200
Changes: Submit this form
Replacement: Submit this form
Oregon
State Certification Authority: Building Codes Division
License Cost: $100
Requirements: Four-year apprenticeship program or 8000 hours work experience and classroom training required to become a certified plumber
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every three years, Log-in here
Renewal Cost: $450
Changes: Change address here
Replacement: Contact the Building Codes Division for replacement requests
Pennsylvania
No state licensing requirements but contractors can check local regulations here.
Rhode Island
State Certification Authority: Division of Professional Regulation
License Cost: $147- $315
Requirements: Four years of on-the-job training in the plumbing trade, exam, application
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $75- $240
Changes: N/A
Replacement: N/A
South Carolina
State Certification Authority: Contractor’s Licensing Board
License Cost: $350
Requirements: Two years of experience from a plumbing contractor, trade exam and application fee, surety bond
Application: Submit this form
Renewal: Every two years
Renewal Cost: $350
Changes: Submit this form, no fee.
Replacement: Not listed online; contact the board directly.
South Dakota
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Labor and Regulation
License Cost: A plumbing contractor will need to pay an examination and license fee of $205-$375 depending on license categories. You can find more information on the website here.
Requirements: Contractor requirements differ across license categories. You can find more information about licensing requirements for plumbing, sewer and water, and other specialties here.
Application: You can find the application here.
Renewal: You can renew your license online using the online portal here at the end of September of every year. It requires 4-hours of continued education.
Renewal Cost: Feeds range from $55-$275 for journeymen and restricted license plumbers.
Changes: Notify commission.
Replacement: Not listed online; contractors must contact the commission directly for more information.
Tennessee
State Certification Authority: Department of Commerce and Insurance
License Cost: Varies depending on requirements locally for LLC but a CMC or CMC-A license costs $250.
Requirements: To perform work for projects of $25,000 and up, you’ll need a contractor’s license. Otherwise, you’ll be able to do work as a limited licensed plumber (LLP). Some cities may not even require an LLP. For an LLP license, you’ll need to pay $75 and pass the exam, which costs $57.
Application: You can complete the LLP license process here and contractor license here.
Renewal: Must be renewed every two years here.
Renewal Cost: $200 for contractor, $50 for LLP.
Changes: You can request changes using these forms or the online portal.
Replacement: Unknown, contact board directly.
Texas
State Certification Authority: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
License Cost: Licenses cost $35-$175, depending on your license type. You can read more about contractor licensing types here.
Requirements: Licensing in Texas requires an exam. Master’s fee is $175, tradesmen limited is $36, and a journeyman is $40.
Application: You can find the appropriate application under its licensing type here.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every three years.
Renewal Cost: $35-$75
Changes: You can make changes through the online booking portal. Learn more here.
Replacement: No fee mentioned but you can make changes online following these instructions.
Utah
State Certification Authority: Dept of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
License Cost: $116.00 processing fee.
Requirements: Before applying for licensure, you’ll need to complete the necessary plumbing exams. For example, Residential Master Plumbers are required to take two exams: the Utah RJP Theory Exam and Utah Residential Plumber Practical Exam. You can find information about both here.
Application: You can find the plumbing application here or use the online portal here.
Renewal: You must renew your license every even year on November 30th. You’ll need to complete 12 years of continued education for each licensing period. You can renew through the licensing portal here.
Renewal Cost: $69
Changes: Name changes require a $10 reprint fee. Your address, meanwhile, can be updated through the online portal here.
Replacement: Unknown; likely requires a $10 reprint fee after contacting the board.
Vermont
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety
License Cost: $90-$120, plus $50 per specialty field.
Requirements: For both journeyman and master plumbers, exam fees are the same: $65 for pen and paper, $100 for computer exams.
Application: You can submit an application using this form.
Renewal: You must renew your plumbing license every two years. You can use the web portal here.
Renewal Cost: $90-$120 with $50 per specialty field and $10 for license certificate.
Changes: You’ll need to notify the department directly to report a change of address using this form.
Replacement: You can get a replacement here, which costs $20.
Virginia
State Certification Authority: Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation
License Cost: $75 application fee
Requirements: There’s a $100-125 exam fee.
Application: You can find the application here.
Renewal: Contractors must renew their license every two years here and will need to complete three hours of continuing education.
Renewal Cost: $90
Changes: Use the online service portal.
Replacement: Unknown, you’ll need to contact the licensing board for more information.
Washington
State Certification Authority: State Dept. of Labor and Industries
License Cost: $139.10
Requirements: You’ll need a $6,000 bond, $250,000 general liability insurance.
Application: Contractors can find the plumbing application here.
Renewal: You can renew your license here. Licenses expire 24 months after the day they were issued.
Renewal Cost: $45 – $121 with 8hrs of continued education classes required for contractors.
Changes: You can change your address through the online portal or by contacting the licensing authority directly. For name changes, you’ll need to contact the board directly.
Replacement: Replacements cost $20.
West Virginia
State Certification Authority: West Virginia Division of Labor
License Cost: $75 for both master and journeyman licenses.
Requirements: Any plumbing contractor who performs work on projects over $2,500 must take and pass a business and law exam in addition to the master plumber exam.
Application: You can apply here.
Renewal: See your certification card for your individual renewal date. You can renew through the online portal here.
Renewal Cost: $75.00
Changes: Not mentioned; contact the local licensing board.
Replacement: Unknown; contact the local licensing board.
Wisconsin
State Certification Authority: Dept. of Safety and Professional Services
License Cost: $180
Requirements: Wisconsin requires contractors to take an exam with a $30 exam fee plus a $20 application fee.
Application: You can use this application to request a state contractor’s license.
Renewal: Renewal requires an additional 24 hours of continued education and you can either renew online or by mailing in an application. You can learn more about the process here.
Renewal Cost: You can find your renewal cost here. Renewal dates are based on the type of license you have.
Changes: Unknown; contact the board directly.
Replacement: Unknown; contact the board directly.
Wyoming
No state contractors licensing requirements, check local government requirements.
