Can I Transfer My Plumbing License to Another State?

Relocating for a new job, family, or lifestyle is exciting—but if you’re a licensed plumber, you might be wondering: “Can I transfer my plumbing license to another state?” Unfortunately, there’s no universal “yes” or “no.” Plumbing licenses are regulated at the state level, and rules vary widely. The good news? Many states offer pathways for licensed plumbers to get certified without starting from scratch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know—so you can keep your career flowing, no matter where you move.

How Plumbing Licensing Works in the U.S.

Plumbing isn’t federally regulated in the United States. Instead, each state (and sometimes individual counties or cities) sets its own licensing standards. This means your hard-earned license in Texas might not be valid in New York—and vice versa.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 500,000 plumbers employed nationwide, and interstate mobility is increasingly common. Yet, without understanding state-specific rules, you risk working illegally or losing income during the transition.

💡 Key Insight: Only a handful of states participate in formal reciprocity agreements. Most require some form of re-examination or experience verification.

For a broader understanding of occupational licensing in the U.S., see the Wikipedia entry on professional licensure .

What Is License Reciprocity—and Does It Apply to Plumbers?

Reciprocity means one state recognizes another state’s license as equivalent, allowing you to practice without retesting. However, true reciprocity for plumbers is rare.

Only a few states—like Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina—have formal reciprocity agreements, often limited to neighboring states with similar training standards. Even then, you may still need to:

• Pass a state-specific code exam (e.g., local plumbing or building codes)
• Submit proof of work experience
• Pay application and licensing fees

Example: If you’re licensed in Florida and move to Alabama, you may qualify for reciprocity if you’ve held your license for at least 1 year and pass Alabama’s business/law exam.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Plumbing License to Another State

Follow these concrete steps to navigate the process efficiently:

1. Identify Your Target State’s Licensing Authority

Every state has a plumbing board or contractor licensing division. Search “[State Name] plumbing license board” (e.g., “California Contractors State License Board”).

2. Check for Reciprocity or Endorsement Options

Look for terms like:

• “License by endorsement”
• “Reciprocity agreement”
• “Out-of-state applicant pathway”

Many states (e.g., Arizona, Colorado, Nevada) offer endorsement, which waives the full exam if your home state’s requirements are deemed “substantially equivalent.”

3. Gather Required Documentation

Typical documents include:

• Copy of current, active plumbing license
• Proof of work experience (often 2–5 years)
• Verification from your original licensing board
• Background check
• Completed application form

📌 Pro Tip: Request license verification directly from your current state board—many require official forms sent to the new state.

4. Pass Any Required Exams

Even with endorsement, most states require:

• A local code exam (e.g., Uniform Plumbing Code vs. International Plumbing Code)
• A business/law exam (covers contracts, liability, state regulations)

Study materials are usually available on the state board’s website.

5. Pay Fees and Await Approval

Fees range from $100 to $500+, depending on the state. Processing can take 2–8 weeks.

State-by-State Comparison: Easiest vs. Hardest States to Transfer

⚠️ Warning: Some states (like California) do not accept out-of-state experience unless it was under a licensed contractor in that state. Always verify before relocating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring Your License

• Assuming your license automatically transfers → It almost never does.
• Skipping the local code exam → Even experienced plumbers fail this if unprepared.
• Not verifying experience properly → Use official forms, not personal affidavits.
• Working before approval → This can result in fines or permanent denial.

Real-Life Case Study: From Ohio to North Carolina

Mark, a master plumber with 12 years in Ohio, moved to Charlotte for a family opportunity. He assumed his license would transfer easily—but North Carolina required:

• Verification of his Ohio license
• Proof of 2,000 hours of residential plumbing work
• Passing the NC Plumbing Code exam (which uses the IPC, not UPC like Ohio)

He studied for 3 weeks using the state’s free practice questions and passed on his first try. Total cost: $275. Total downtime: 18 days.

“I wish I’d checked the NC board’s website sooner,” Mark says. “But once I followed their checklist, it was smooth sailing.”

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I work as a plumber while waiting for my new license?

A: Generally, no. Most states prohibit unlicensed plumbing work. Some allow you to work under a licensed contractor’s supervision, but you cannot pull permits or sign off on jobs.

Q2: Do I need to retake my entire plumbing exam?

A: Rarely. Most states only require a local code or business/law exam if you qualify for endorsement. Full retesting is usually only needed if your original license is from a state with significantly lower standards.

Q3: What if my home state doesn’t license plumbers?

A: A few states (like Kansas and Wyoming) don’t require state-level plumbing licenses. In this case, you’ll likely need to start from scratch in your new state—proving experience and passing all exams.

Q4: How long does the transfer process take?

A: On average, 3–6 weeks if all documents are in order. Delays often happen due to slow verification from the original state board.

Q5: Can I hold plumbing licenses in multiple states?

A: Yes! Many plumbers maintain licenses in 2–3 states, especially if they work near state borders (e.g., Maryland/Virginia/D.C.). Just stay current on renewals and continuing education.

Q6: Are there fees to maintain multiple licenses?

A: Absolutely. Annual renewal fees range from $50 to $300 per state, plus possible continuing education costs.

Conclusion

So, can you transfer your plumbing license to another state? The answer is: It depends—but it’s usually possible with the right preparation. While full reciprocity is uncommon, most states offer endorsement pathways that save you from retraining or retesting entirely.

By researching your target state’s requirements early, gathering documentation, and studying local codes, you can minimize downtime and keep your career on track.

👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit! Your network will thank you—and you might just help someone avoid a costly licensing mistake.

Stay licensed. Stay mobile. Keep building your future—one pipe at a time.