Thinking about moving to a new state but worried your plumbing license won’t follow you? You’re not alone. Many licensed plumbers ask, “Can you transfer plumbing license to another state?” The short answer: it depends—but with the right steps, you can often get licensed faster than starting from scratch. Let’s break down how it really works.
How Does Plumbing License Reciprocity Work?
Plumbing license reciprocity refers to agreements between states that allow licensed professionals to obtain a license in a new state with fewer hurdles—sometimes without retaking exams.
However, not all states have reciprocity agreements, and even among those that do, requirements vary widely. For example:
Texas has limited reciprocity with states like Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas—but only if your current license meets their training and experience standards.
California does not offer reciprocity at all. Every applicant must meet full state requirements regardless of prior licensure.
Florida offers endorsement (not full reciprocity) for plumbers from select states, provided they’ve held an active license for at least 5 years.
💡 Expert Insight: “Reciprocity isn’t automatic—it’s evaluative,” says Michael R., a licensing consultant with the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC). “States prioritize public safety, so they’ll scrutinize your original license’s rigor.”
Which States Accept Out-of-State Plumbing Licenses?
Here’s a practical snapshot of how major states handle transfers:
Arizona
Yes (partial)
Must have equivalent experience; may need to pass business/management exam
Colorado
No
Requires full application, but may waive trade exam with 5+ years licensed experience
Georgia
Yes (with endorsement)
Accepts licenses from states with comparable standards; background check required
Nevada
Conditional
Requires verification of original license + proof of 4+ years experience
New York
No
Full exam and application required; no waivers
Texas
Limited
Only with LA, OK, AR; must meet training hour minimums
📌 Pro Tip: Always contact the state’s plumbing board directly before relocating. Rules change often, and assumptions can cost time and money.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Plumbing License
Follow this checklist to streamline your move:
1. Research the Target State’s Licensing Board
Visit the official website of the new state’s plumbing or contractor licensing authority (e.g., California Contractors State License Board or Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners).
2. Check for Reciprocity or Endorsement Agreements
Look for terms like “license by endorsement,” “reciprocity,” or “comity.” If none exist, you’ll likely need to apply as a new candidate.
3. Gather Required Documentation
Commonly needed:
Copy of current, active plumbing license
Proof of work experience (signed by employer or notarized)
Continuing education certificates (if required)
Background check (often fingerprint-based)
Application fee (typically $100–$500)
4. Submit Application & Await Verification
Many states contact your home state’s board directly to verify your license status and disciplinary history. This can take 2–8 weeks.
5. Take Required Exams (If Applicable)
Even with reciprocity, you might need to:
Pass a state-specific code exam (e.g., Florida’s plumbing code)
Complete a business/law exam (common in AZ, NV, CO)
6. Receive License & Update Business Info
Once approved, renew local business licenses, update insurance, and notify clients or employers.
Pros and Cons of Transferring a Plumbing License
✅ Faster path to working in a new state
❌ Not all states accept transfers
✅ May avoid re-taking full trade exam
❌ Additional fees and paperwork
✅ Leverages your existing credentials
❌ Differences in plumbing codes (IPC vs UPC)
✅ Keeps your career momentum going
❌ Possible delays due to verification backlogs
⚠️ Note: The U.S. uses two main plumbing codes—IPC (International Plumbing Code) and UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code). States like California use UPC; most others use IPC. You’ll need to study local amendments regardless of reciprocity.
Real-Life Example: From Illinois to Arizona
James, a master plumber in Chicago, moved to Phoenix for family reasons. Illinois doesn’t have formal reciprocity with Arizona—but because James held a master license for 8 years, Arizona’s Registrar of Contractors allowed him to:
Skip the trade exam
Take only the Arizona Business Management Exam ($90 fee)
Submit his Illinois work logs and license verification
Total time: 6 weeks. Total cost: $275 (vs. $600+ for new applicants).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming all licenses are equal: A journeyman license in one state may only qualify you as an apprentice elsewhere.
Missing deadlines: Some states require you to apply within 90 days of moving.
Ignoring local codes: Even if licensed, you can fail inspections if you don’t know state-specific rules.
Skipping background checks: Many states now require fingerprinting for all contractors.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I work as a plumber while my license transfer is pending?
A: Generally, no. Most states prohibit plumbing work without an active local license—even if you’re licensed elsewhere. Some allow supervised work under a licensed local contractor, but this varies.
Q2: Do I need to retake the entire plumbing exam?
A: Not always. Many states waive the trade portion if your original exam was from an accredited program (e.g., ICC or PSI). However, you’ll likely need to pass a state-specific codes or business exam.
Q3: How long does the transfer process take?
A: Typically 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the state’s processing speed and how quickly your home state verifies your license.
Q4: What if my home state doesn’t have a plumbing license?
A: A few states (like Kansas and Missouri) don’t require state-level plumbing licenses—only local city/county permits. In this case, you’ll apply as a new candidate in your destination state and must meet all standard requirements.
Q5: Can I hold plumbing licenses in multiple states?
A: Yes! Many plumbers maintain licenses in 2+ states, especially if they work near state borders (e.g., NJ/NY or TX/OK). Just be prepared to pay renewal fees and complete continuing education for each.
Q6: Are there programs to help military spouses transfer licenses?
A: Yes! The Military Spouse Occupational License Transfer Program (part of the U.S. Department of Defense) helps spouses relocate licenses faster in many states. Check with your new state’s licensing board for military-friendly policies.
Conclusion
So—can you transfer a plumbing license to another state? Sometimes yes, often with conditions, and occasionally not at all. But with smart planning, direct communication with licensing boards, and attention to local codes, you can minimize downtime and get back to work fast.
If you’re a licensed plumber considering a move, don’t gamble on assumptions. Reach out to the target state early, gather your documents, and use reciprocity to your advantage.
✅ Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter! Help others navigate their license transfer with confidence—because every wrench-turning pro deserves a smooth transition.
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