Plumbing Contractor License Requirements By State

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 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 a business and law exam before becoming officially licensed. If your state does not require an official plumber’s license, check local regulations before you perform plumbing work.

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 Journeyperson, 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.

Changes For Licensed 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: $160 state exam fee, $50 application fee, $175 certificate fee.

Requirements: Must hold a Journeyman Plumber License for at least 1 year before applying for a Master License.

Application: You can find the plumbing contractor application here.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually through the online portal.

Renewal Cost: $175 annually.

Changes: Contact the licensing board.

Replacement: $25 replacement fee with a written statement submitted to the board.

Alaska

State Certification Authority: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development

License Cost: $50 application fee; $200 license fee upon passing exam.

Requirements: 8,000 hours plumbing work (max 1,000 hours classroom).

Application: Submit this form.

Renewal: Plumbing licenses must be renewed 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: $25 application fee; $106 exam fee (Statutes and Rules + Trade Exam).

Requirements: Minimum of four years of plumbing work experience and passing both the Statutes and Rules Exam and the Trade Exam.

Application: Submit through the ROC Online Customer Portal.

Renewal: Every two years.

Renewal Cost: $480, you can 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 Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Division

License Cost: $125 application and exam fee; $200 annual license fee.

Requirements: Must hold a Journeyman Plumber license for at least 1 year before applying for a Master Plumber License.

Application: Submit the Plumbing Contractor application through the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually, expiring on December 31 each year.

Renewal Cost: $200 annually.

Changes: You can update your name or address by completing the Change of Personal Information Request Form and submitting it to the Plumbing & Natural Gas Section.

Replacement: Contact Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section - email: adh.phc@arkansas.gov.

California

State Certification Authority: Contractors State License Board

License Cost: $450 application fee; $200 initial license fee for sole owner or $350 for non-sole owner.

Requirements: Must pass both the Law & Business Exam and the C-36 Plumbing Trade Exam; must submit a $25,000 contractor bond and proof of workers’ compensation insurance (or liability insurance for LLCs).

Application: Submit the Application for Original Contractor License through the CSLB website.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Renewal Cost: $450 for sole owner; $700 for non-sole owner.

Changes: You can change the business name using the Application to Change Contractor Business Name . There is a $100 fee for a name change. Address changes have no fee.

Replacement: You can order a duplicate wall certificate or pocket license for $25 through CSLB.

Colorado

State Certification Authority: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board

License Cost: Fees are not listed on the DPO site for Plumbing Contractor registration.

Requirements: Must hold a valid state-issued plumber license for at least six months and provide documentation of plumbing experience as required by the State Plumbing Board.

Application: Apply online here.

Renewal: Odd-numbered years, Feb 28th, log in here.

Renewal Cost: Not specified on the DPO site.

Changes: Submit this form for a name change. For other changes, log in here.

Replacement: You can reprint your license through the DPO Online Services portal.

Connecticut

State Certification Authority: Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

License Cost: Must meet the scope of work and training for the specific license type—e.g., P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor requires 12,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 classroom hours; other license types (such as P-7, J-1, etc.) have different hour requirements.

Requirements: To become a licensed Plumbing Contractor in Connecticut, you’ll need to complete an Apprenticeship and exam, which costs $65.

Application: Submit this application to become a Licensed Contractor.

Renewal: Annually, Oct 31st, log in here.

Renewal Cost: $150 annually for Contractor Licenses.

Changes: Follow instructions here.

Replacement: Contact the Occupational and Professional Licensing board here - dcp.occupationalprofessional@ct.gov.

Delaware

State Certification Authority: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

License Cost: $173 application fee for a plumber license.

Requirements: Applicants must create a DELPROS user account, submit all required documents (including licensure verification if applicable and employment verification forms), and meet experience and examination requirements as outlined in the board’s licensure instructions.

Application: Apply online here.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed through the DELPROS online system. Renewal reminders are sent by the Division of Professional Regulation.

Renewal Cost: The renewal fee is shown within the DELPROS system during the renewal process.

Changes: Log in here.

Replacement: Log in here.

Florida

State Certification Authority: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

License Cost: $245 if applying between May 1 of an even year and August 31 of an odd year. $145 if applying between September 1 of an odd year and April 30 of an even year.

Requirements: Must pass the state certification examination. Applicants need four years of experience, fingerprinting, public liability insurance, and be at least 18 years old.

Application: Submit the Certified Plumbing Contractor application .

Renewal: Every two years, August 31st.

Renewal Cost: The renewal fee for an active individual Contractor is $105.

Changes: Log in here for changes.

Georgia

State Certification Authority: Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers

License Cost: $40 application fee for Journeyman and Master Plumbers.

Requirements: Journeyman applicants must have at least 3 years of experience as a plumber's apprentice. Master applicants must have at least 5 years of plumbing experience, including a minimum of 2 years working as a licensed Journeyman Plumber or equivalent role.

Application: Submit the Master or Journeyman application through the Georgia Secretary of State.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by November 30th of even-numbered years.

Renewal Cost: $35 for Journeyman Plumbing Licenses and $75 for Master Licenses.

Changes: Contact the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board through the GOALS portal to update name or address information.

Replacement: Contact the Licensing Board through the GOALS portal to request a replacement license.

Hawaii

State Certification Authority: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division

License Cost: $102-306 depending on the year.

Requirements: Applicants must meet experience requirements for their license level , submit the Plumber Application and the Experience Verification, and pass the required examination.

Application: Submit the Plumber License Application alongside the Experience Verification.

Renewal: Every three years by June 30th.

Renewal Cost: $276 for active plumbers and$12 for inactive status.

Changes: Follow instructions here for name or address change.

Replacement: Log in here.

Idaho

State Certification Authority: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

License Cost: $50 application fee (non-refundable), $75 exam fee, and $147 initial license fee upon passing the exam.

Requirements: Must hold a valid Idaho Plumbing Journeyman License, pass the Contractor Exam, and maintain a $2,000 surety bond.

Application: Submit the Plumbing Contractor Application through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every three years.

Renewal Cost: $108 every three years. If late, there is a $147 revival fee.

Changes: To update contact information or request duplicate credentials, contact Trade Licensing at TradeLicensing@dopl.idaho.gov.

Replacement: Duplicate license cards are available for $10 through DOPL.

Illinois

State Certification Authority: Department of Public Health

License Cost: $175 initial license fee for a Plumbing Contractor License.

Requirements: Must be a licensed plumber in Illinois, provide proof of general liability, bodily injury, and property damage insurance, and submit a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $20,000.

Application: Submit the Plumbing Contractor Application for Registration form through the Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program.

Renewal: Plumbing Contractor licenses must be renewed annually and expire on September 30 of each year.

Renewal Cost: $150 annual renewal fee.

Changes: Use the Contractor renewal/change application form to update information such as name, address, or insurance.

Replacement: Submit this form and $50.

Indiana

State Certification Authority: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Plumbing Commission

License Cost: $50 initial application fee.

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, complete the online application, complete an approved apprenticeship program or meet out of state plumber experience standards, and pass the Plumbing Contractor exam.

Application: Apply online via the IPLA portal using the official Plumbing Contractor application form.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years and expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Renewal Cost: $100 renewal fee.

Changes: For name, address, or other license updates, use IPLA’s online portal or submit through your account.

Replacement: Contact IPLA through your MyLicense portal to request a replacement license or pocket card.

Iowa

State Certification Authority: Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board

License Cost: $250 license fee, $150 Contractor registration fee, and $25 paper application fee for paper submissions.

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, submit documentation of any criminal convictions, provide a valid unemployment insurance number, maintain a permanent place of business, submit the appropriate bond, and pay all required fees.

Application: Follow these instructions.

Renewal: Licenses and registration are valid for three years and expire on June 30th of the final year.

Renewal Cost: Same as the initial costs. License fee plus registration fee, prorated if applicable. Paper renewals include the $25 fee.

Changes: Log in here or use this form.

Replacement: To reprint or replace a lost or damaged license the cost is $20.

Kansas

No state-level licensure requirements, check requirements on the local level.

Kentucky

State Certification Authority: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

License Cost: Master Plumber License fee is $250. Journeyman Plumber license fee is $60.

Requirements: Submit application and fees, exam, four years plumbing experience.

Application: Submit the Master Plumber License Application or the Journeyman Plumber License Application.

Renewal: Submit this form annually.

Renewal Cost: $60 for Journeyman Plumbers and $250 for Master Plumbers.

Changes: Log in here.

Replacement: See above.

Louisiana

State Certification Authority: State Plumbing Board of Louisiana

License Cost: Apprentice registration is $20. Journeyman exam application is $135. Master exam application is $110.

Application: Submit the Journeyman Plumber Exam Application or Master Plumber Exam Application through the SPBLA Exam Applications and Registrations section.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31. Three and a half hours of continuing professional education are required before renewal.

Renewal Cost: Renewal fees are the same as the initial license fee depending on license type.

Changes: Contact the board here.

Replacement: Submit this form and $20 fee.

Maine

State Certification Authority: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

License Cost: $221 initial license fee for Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber.

Requirements: Must pass the appropriate exam (Journeyman or Master) and apply through forms provided by the Board; applicants must meet the experience or education requirements as outlined in Board rules.

Application: Submit the Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber License Application form via the state’s online portal.

Renewal: Every two years, submit this form.

Renewal Cost: Same as the initial license fee of $221 unless otherwise specified in Board rules.

Changes: Log in here.

Replacement: See above.

Maryland

State Certification Authority: Maryland Department of Labor

License Cost: Master Plumber or Gas Fitter license and certificate fee is $87.50. Journeyman Plumber or Gas Fitter license and certificate fee is $43.50.

Requirements: Master Plumber applicants need a Journeyman License for at least two years, 3,750 supervised hours, and must pass the exam. Journeyman applicants need an Apprentice license for four years, 7,500 supervised hours, 32 hours of training, and must pass the exam.

Application: Log in here.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed according to instructions and deadlines provided by the Board. Renewal uses the same fee schedule as original licensing (Master $87.50, Journeyman $43.50).

Renewal Cost: $35-$70

Changes: Log in here or email, no fee - DLOPLplumbing-LABOR@maryland.gov.

Replacement: See above, possible fee.

Massachusetts

State Certification Authority: Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

License Cost: $31 application fee and $52 license fee upon passing the exam (for Journeyman Plumber); for business licenses, there is a $225 application fee for LLC or corporate plumbing business registration.

Requirements: Applicants must apply through the eLIPSE online portal , complete and submit required forms, upload documentation, and pay the applicable application and license fees.

Application: You can use the online booking portal here.

Renewal: Journeyman and Master Licenses renew annually.

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: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

License Cost: $300 initial Plumbing Contractor License fee.

Requirements: Must have a Master Plumber License and complete and submit required business details and experience documentation as specified by LARA.

Application: Submit this form.

Renewal: Annually for Journeyman License, every three years for Master, log in here.

Renewal Cost: $300 for a Master and Contractor License, $40 for Journey Plumber License.

Changes: Updates to business or contact information are submitted through the LARA portal.

Replacement: To replace a lost or damaged license, submit a request through the LARA licensing portal or contact LARA support directly.

Minnesota

State Certification Authority: Department of Labor and Industry

License Cost: $180 initial application and license fee for a Plumbing Contractor.

Requirements: Must provide proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, obtain a $25,000 surety bond, disclose business ownership, and apply online through the iMS portal.

Application: Apply for a plumbing contractor license through the iMS online system.

Renewal: Every two years on December 31st of odd-numbered years.

Renewal Cost: $53 for Journeyworker Licenses and $93 for Master Plumber Licenses. A late fee of $20 applies to licensed Journeyworker and $40 to Master Plumber Licenses if renewed late.

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 License, $400 for Commercial License.

Changes: Submit this form.

Replacement: $50

Missouri

No state Plumbing Contractor licensing requirements for plumbers to perform work, check requirements at a local level.

Montana

State Certification Authority: Montana Board of Plumbers

License Cost: Journeyman Plumber license fee is $270. Master Plumber license fee is $380.

Requirements: Journeyman applicants must show five years of plumbing experience or completion of a registered apprenticeship program and must pass both the written and practical exams. Master applicants must hold a Journeyman license for at least four years with three years of supervisory experience and must pass the Master exam.

Application: Submit this form for Journeyman and this form for Master Plumber Licensing.

Renewal: Plumbing licenses must be renewed by September 1 each year. Four hours of approved continuing education are required annually.

Renewal Cost: Journeyman renewal fee is $240. Master renewal fee is $300.

Changes: Log in here.

Replacement: See above.

Nebraska

Nebraska does not issue license for Plumbing Contractors at the state level, check local requirements.

Nevada

State Certification Authority: Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners Journeyman and Master Plumber

License Cost: $140 initial exam fee.

Requirements: Journeyman applicants must have 4 years in a registered apprenticeship or 8,000 hours of plumbing experience. Master applicants must hold a Nevada Journeyman Plumber certificate for at least one year or 2,000 hours and pass the Master exam.

Application: Submit this form.

Renewal: Submit this form , every two years.

Renewal Cost: $40

Changes: Contact the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners to update name, address, or other licensing information.

Replacement: Lost or damaged certificates must be requested directly from the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners.

New Hampshire

State Certification Authority: New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety

License Cost: Master Plumber initial and exam fee is $310 and Journeyman Plumber fee is $190.

Requirements: Applicants must complete the appropriate application packet (available on the OPLC Mechanical Safety page), meet experience and certification standards, and submit all required forms and documents.

Application: Submit the form here.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Renewal Cost: $180-$300

Changes: Log in here.

Replacement: For a replacement of a lost or damaged license, log into the OPLC Online Licensing System or contact the mechanical licensing board directly.

New Jersey

State Certification Authority: State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers

License Cost: $100 application fee, $83 trade exam fee, and $43 business and law exam fee.

Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, complete four years of apprenticeship and one year as a registered Journeyman Plumber, or hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering plus one year of journeyman experience.

Application: Submit the Master Plumber application and supporting documents through the MyLicense online portal on the Division of Consumer Affairs website.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Renewal Cost: $160 biennial renewal fee.

Changes: Name, address, or other updates must be submitted through the MyLicense portal or by contacting the licensing office.

Replacement: Lost or damaged licenses can be replaced by submitting a request through the MyLicense portal or contacting the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.

New Mexico

State Certification Authority: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

License Cost: $30 qualifying party application fee, $6 certification fee, $150 contractor license fee, and $68.88 each for the Plumbing Trade and Business & Law exams.

Requirements: Plumbing contractors must designate a Qualifying Party who has at least four years of experience and has passed both the plumbing trade exam and the Business & Law exam. The contractor application must also include a bond, tax registration, and qualifying documentation.

Application: Submit the Qualifying Party application and experience affidavit to PSI for approval. Once approved, file the contractor license application with the Construction Industries Division.

Renewal: Contractor Licenses must be renewed every two years on the anniversary of issuance.

Renewal Cost: $150 for Contractor Licenses.

Changes: Updates to business or personal information such as name or address can be made through the New Mexico RLD online licensing portal.

Replacement: For a lost or damaged license or certificate, submit a request through the RLD portal or contact the Mechanical & Plumbing Bureau directly.

New York

No state licensing required to work as a plumber, check local requirements.

North Carolina

State Certification Authority: State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors

License Cost: Applicants must pass the Plumbing Contractor exam. The exam application fee is $25 and the examination fee is $100. A business and law exam may also be required depending on classification.

Requirements: An exam is required, which costs $100 ($25 application fee and $75 for the exam).

Application: Submit the Plumbing Contractor Exam Application.

Renewal: Plumbing Contractor licenses must be renewed annually by January 1. Renewal applications are available through the annual renewal form.

Renewal Cost: $150 annually. A $25 late fee is charged if renewal is submitted after January 31st.

Changes: Name or address changes can be submitted through the Change of Address/Status form.

Replacement: Duplicate licenses or pocket cards may be requested through the Duplicate License/Certificate form.

North Dakota

State Certification Authority: North Dakota State Plumbing Board

License Cost: Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber exam and license fee is $50 each. License renewal fees are $200 for Master Plumber and $100 for Journeyman Plumber.

Requirements: To qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license, applicants must complete four years of apprenticeship equating to 7,600 hours under a licensed Master Plumber.

Application: Submit the relevant application form (Journeyman or Master Plumber) via the North Dakota State Plumbing Board’s website.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually.

Renewal Cost: Master Plumber is a $200 fee and Apprentice Plumber can range from $30-$75.

Changes: Contact here for requested changes.

Replacement: See above.

Ohio

State Certification Authority: Department of Commerce

License Cost: $25 application fee per trade, plus a $5 Board of Building Standards fee for plumbing scope; total initial cost is $30 for a Plumbing Contractor license.

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: Complete the Plumbing Contractor application via the OCILB Testing Application form available on the official site.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually.

Renewal Cost: $60

Changes: To update license details, use the OCILB Forms & Applications section or contact the licensing board.

Replacement: Contact here for replacement request - dic.ocilb@com.state.oh.us.

Oklahoma

State Certification Authority: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board

License Cost: $30 contractor application fee and $300 initial contractor license fee. Applicants must also pass both the plumbing trade exam and the Business & Law exam.

Requirements: To become a Plumbing Contractor, applicants must pass both the trade (plumbing) and Business & Law portions of the contractor's examination. A contractor must also submit a $5,000 surety bond and proof of at least $50,000 in general liability insurance.

Application: Submit this form.

Renewal: Plumbing Contractor licenses must be renewed annually.

Renewal Cost: $200 annual renewal fee. A $10 late fee applies if renewal is submitted after the deadline.

Changes: Updates to name, address, or business status must be submitted through the CIB Forms/Applications section or by contacting the Board directly.

Replacement: Lost or damaged wall certificates or pocket licenses may be replaced by contacting the CIB office and submitting a replacement request.

Oregon

State Certification Authority: Building Codes Division

License Cost: $150

Requirements: Complete 576 hours of classroom training along with 3,850 hours of commercial plumbing experience and 3,850 hours of residential plumbing experience, or qualify without classroom training by documenting 7,700 hours of commercial plumbing experience and 7,700 hours of residential plumbing experience under a comparable license.

Application: Submit this form.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed within 45 days of the expiration date. Log in here to renew.

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: For a Journeyman and Master Plumber, there is a $75 application fee.

Requirements: To apply for a Journeyman license, you need five years of plumbing experience and 576 hours of approved classroom training. To apply for a Master Plumber license, you need at least five years of plumbing experience and must have held a Journeyman license for at least one year before taking the Master test.

Application: Submit this form.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years.

Renewal Cost: $72 for Journeyman and $240 for Master Plumber.

Changes: Change address here.

Replacement: Contact the Division of Professional Regulation.

South Carolina

State Certification Authority: Contractor’s Licensing Board

License Cost: For a Residential Plumbing Contractor, there is a $135 application fee.

Requirements: Applicants must have at least one year of plumbing experience under the direct supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor and must submit a credit report along with W-2s, 1099s, transcripts, certifications, photos, or other documents that verify their plumbing experience.

Application: Create an account to apply.

Renewal: Every two years on odd years.

Renewal Cost: $350

Changes: Submit this form , no fee.

Replacement: Contact the board directly.

South Dakota

State Certification Authority: Department 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: Applicants must have six years of plumbing experience as a contractor, plumber, or apprentice, including at least two years as a contractor or plumber. They must show at least 1,900 work hours per year during those six years and submit a completed plumbing application with the required fee.

Application: You can find the application here.

Renewal: You can renew your license annually using this form.

Renewal Cost: For Plumbing Contractors, there is a $275 renewal fee.

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: 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). For Contractors, there is a $250 license fee. A license costs $75 for a Limited Licensed Plumber.

Requirements: For Contractors, you must take the Tennessee Business and Law Exam and the Trade Exam, provide proof of General Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation, and have a reference from a previous employer or client. For Limited Licensed Plumbers, you must have atleast 1 year of experience and pass the state exam.

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: In Texas, application and exam fees are $71 for a Tradesman Plumber-Limited license, $80 for a Journeyman license, $250 for a Master license, and $90 for a Plumbing Inspector license.

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 year.

Renewal Cost: Tradesman Plumber–Limited: $35, Journeyman Plumber: $45, Master Plumber: $75 and Plumbing Inspector: $55.

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: Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

License Cost: For a General Plumbing License, there is a $175 application fee.

Requirements: Journeyman Plumber are required to complete a plumber's apprenticeship education program, complete 8,000 hours of work, and pass the Utah Plumber Theory and Practical exams. Residential Master Plumbers are required to work 4,000 hours as a Journeyman and pass the Utah Master Plumber Law and Rule Exam. You can find information about both here.

Application: You can find the plumbing application here.

Renewal: You must renew your license every even year on November 30th. You can renew through the licensing portal here.

Renewal Cost: $128

Changes: Name changes and address can be updated through the online portal here.

Replacement: Contact the board.

Vermont

State Certification Authority: Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety

License Cost: In Vermont, application fees are $90 Journeyman License and $120 for a Master License.

Requirements: Journeyman Plumbers must provide documentation of a plumbing apprenticeship and pass an exam. Master Plumbers must have held a Journeyman Plumbing License for at least one year and also pass an exam.

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: Address can be updated through the online portal here.

Replacement: You can get a replacement here , which costs $20.

Virginia

State Certification Authority: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

License Cost: $150 exam fee for Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers.

Requirements: Both Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers must pass an exam. If you are performing work valued at over $1,000, you must contact the DPOR to obtain a Virginia Contractor’s License.

Application: You can find the application here.

Renewal: Plumbers must renew their license every three years here.

Renewal Cost: $160

Changes: Use the online service portal.

Replacement: Unknown, you’ll need to contact the licensing board for more information.

Washington

State Certification Authority: State Department of Labor and Industries

License Cost: For Plumber Contractors, there is a $139.10 licensing fee.

Requirements: To become a licensed plumbing contractor, you must register your business with the Department of Revenue, get a $6,000 continuous surety bond, and complete a notarized Plumbing Contractor License application and pay the required fee.

Application: Contractors can find the plumbing application here.

Renewal: You can renew your license here . Licenses expire 25 months after the day they were issued.

Renewal Cost: $227.90

Changes: You can change your address through here. For name changes, you’ll need to contact the board directly.

Replacement: Replacements cost $25.60.

West Virginia

State Certification Authority: West Virginia Division of Labor

License Cost: $75 for both Master and Journeyman Plumbers.

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

Changes: Not mentioned; contact the local licensing board.

Replacement: $10 fee for duplicate certification.

Wisconsin

State Certification Authority: Department of Safety and Professional Services

License Cost: $500 for a Master Plumber license and $180 for a Journeyman Plumber license.

Requirements: Applicants must complete a registered apprenticeship and then pass the state exam for the license level they are applying for. A Journeyman license must be held before applying for a Master Plumber license.

Application: You can use this application to request a Contractor’s license.

Renewal: Plumbing licenses renew every four years on March 31. Continuing education must be completed before renewal. You can learn more about the process here.

Renewal Cost: $500 for Master Plumber and $180 for Journeyman Plumber.

Changes: Updates to name, address, or status must be submitted through the portal.

Replacement: Duplicate or replacement credentials can be requested through the portal.

Wyoming

No state contractors licensing requirements, check local government requirements.

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