If you’re a master plumber wondering whether you can walk away from your current employer while keeping your hard-earned license, you’re not alone. Many skilled tradespeople face this crossroads—especially when considering starting their own business or joining a new firm. The short answer to “Can a Master Plumber Leave A Company With His License?” is yes, but the details matter. Let’s break down exactly how licensing works, what belongs to you (and what doesn’t), and how to protect your professional future.
Is a Plumbing License Tied to an Employer?
No—your plumbing license belongs to you, not your employer.
State plumbing boards issue licenses to individuals, not companies. This means that whether you work for a large contractor, a small local shop, or yourself, your master plumber license remains your personal credential—just like a driver’s license or teaching certificate.
However, business licenses or contractor licenses (which allow a company to operate) are separate and are tied to the business entity. Confusion often arises because some companies list a master plumber as their “qualifying individual”—the licensed person who enables the business to legally perform plumbing work.
💡 Key distinction:
- Your personal master plumber license = yours forever (as long as you renew it).
- The company’s contractor license = tied to the business and may require a qualifying individual.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), over 500,000 plumbers work in the U.S., with 18% being self-employed—proof that license portability is not only possible but common.
What Happens to Your License When You Quit?
When you leave a plumbing company, three key things happen:
- Your personal license stays with you.
As long as you maintain continuing education (if required) and pay renewal fees, it remains active. - The company must update its qualifying individual (if you were one).
Most states require businesses to notify the licensing board within 10–30 days of a qualifying plumber leaving. For example:- In California, contractors must file a “Disassociation Notice” with the CSLB within 90 days.
- In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires updates within 30 days.
- You may need to reassign your license number (in rare cases).
A few states (like Oregon) allow plumbers to “assign” their license to a company temporarily—but even then, ownership never transfers. You can always reclaim it.
📌 Pro Tip: Before resigning, confirm whether you’re listed as the qualifying individual. If so, give your employer time to find a replacement to avoid legal complications for them—and potential delays for you.
Can Your Employer “Take” Your License?
Absolutely not.
No employer—no matter how influential—can legally confiscate, void, or claim ownership of your master plumber license. That would be like a school claiming ownership of a teacher’s certification.
However, some unethical employers may:
- Threaten to report you to the licensing board (often falsely).
- Withhold your license renewal documents.
- Claim you “signed it over” in an employment contract.
⚠️ Important: Any clause in a contract stating that your license belongs to the company is unenforceable. Licensing is regulated by the state, not private agreements. If pressured, contact your state plumbing board or a labor attorney.
For more on professional licensing rights, see the Wikipedia entry on occupational licensing.
Steps to Leave a Company With Your License Intact
Follow this 5-step checklist to ensure a smooth, legal transition:
- Verify your license status
Visit your state’s plumbing or contractor licensing board website. Confirm your license is active and in good standing. - Check if you’re the qualifying individual
Search your company’s license on the state board’s public database. If your name appears as the qualifier, notify your employer immediately. - Submit formal resignation (in writing)
Include your last working day and a polite request to update the business license with the state. - Obtain copies of all certifications
Save digital and physical copies of your license, continuing education certificates, and work history. - File any required disassociation forms
Some states (e.g., Florida, New York) require you to submit a form confirming you’re no longer affiliated. Don’t skip this—it protects you from liability for the company’s future work.
✅ Real-World Example:
In 2023, a master plumber in Illinois left his employer after a dispute over wages. Because he’d filed a disassociation notice promptly, he avoided being held responsible when the company later violated plumbing codes. His license remained clean—and he launched his own successful solo business within 3 months.
Advantages vs. Risks of Leaving With Your License
| Advantages | Potential Risks |
|---|---|
| Full ownership of your professional credential | Employer delays updating state records |
| Freedom to start your own business | Possible temporary gap in income |
| Ability to work for multiple employers (as a consultant or subcontractor) | Risk of non-compete clauses (though often unenforceable for licenses) |
| Increased earning potential—self-employed plumbers earn 20–30% more on average (HomeAdvisor, 2024) | Need to handle your own insurance, taxes, and marketing |
🛠️ Note: Non-compete agreements may restrict where you work—but never your right to hold or use your license.
What to Do If Your License Is Wrongly Revoked or Blocked
While rare, some plumbers report employers falsely claiming misconduct to damage their reputation. If this happens:
- File a complaint with your state plumbing board.
- Request a hearing to clear your record.
- Document everything—emails, pay stubs, client testimonials.
- Consult an attorney specializing in occupational licensing.
State boards take license integrity seriously. In 2022, the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC) reported that over 85% of unjust license challenges were resolved in the plumber’s favor when proper evidence was presented.
FAQ Section
Q1: Does my master plumber license expire if I leave my job?
A: No. Your license remains valid as long as you meet renewal requirements (e.g., continuing education, fees). Unemployment doesn’t affect its status.
Q2: Can I use my license to start my own plumbing business right away?
A: Yes—but you’ll need a business license and possibly a contractor’s license (depending on your state). Your master plumber license qualifies you to be the responsible licensee.
Q3: What if my employer paid for my license exam or training?
A: Even if they covered costs, the license is still yours. However, review your contract—some require repayment if you leave within a certain period (typically 6–12 months).
Q4: Do I need to notify the state when I leave a company?
A: Only if you were the qualifying individual. Some states require you to file a disassociation form; others only require the business to update their info.
Q5: Can another company hire me using my existing license?
A: Yes. Employers often hire licensed plumbers directly. Your license travels with you—it’s part of your professional identity.
Q6: Is my license valid in other states?
A: Not automatically. Most states require reciprocity agreements or additional exams. Check with the target state’s licensing board before moving.
Conclusion
So, can a master plumber leave a company with his license?
Yes—100% yes. Your license is your professional property, earned through years of training, exams, and experience. No employer can take that away.
Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own plumbing business, seeking better pay, or simply ready for a change, your license is your ticket to freedom. Just follow the right steps, protect your paperwork, and stay in good standing with your state board.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram! Let’s empower more tradespeople to own their careers—and their licenses.
Stay licensed. Stay independent. 🛠️💧
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