Does Oklahoma Have Plumbing License Reciprocity With Texas?

If you’re a licensed plumber in Texas looking to expand your business—or even just take on a project—across the state line in Oklahoma, you’re not alone. Many contractors wonder: “Does Oklahoma have reciprocity for plumbing contractors license with Texas?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Oklahoma requires, whether your Texas license gives you any advantage, and how to legally work as a plumbing contractor in the Sooner State—without risking fines or legal trouble.

What Is License Reciprocity, and Why Does It Matter?

License reciprocity between states allows professionals to transfer their credentials from one state to another without repeating the entire licensing process. This is especially valuable in skilled trades like plumbing, where licensing involves exams, experience verification, and often, significant fees.

However, reciprocity is not universal—and it’s rarely automatic. States set their own standards based on local plumbing codes, safety regulations, and workforce policies. According to the National Contractor License Service, fewer than half of U.S. states offer any form of plumbing license reciprocity, and even then, it’s usually limited to specific neighboring states.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if two states don’t have formal reciprocity, your out-of-state experience may count toward Oklahoma’s experience requirements. Always check directly with the licensing board.

Does Oklahoma Recognize Texas Plumbing Licenses?

Short answer: No, Oklahoma does not have a formal reciprocity agreement with Texas for plumbing contractors.

The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (OCIB)—which oversees plumbing licensing—does not list Texas as a reciprocal state. That means holding a valid Texas plumbing license does not automatically qualify you to work in Oklahoma.

However, this doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch. Oklahoma may accept your Texas work experience as part of your application, potentially reducing the number of years you need to prove under supervision.

📌 Official Source: According to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, all applicants for a plumbing contractor license must pass both a trade exam and a business/law exam, regardless of prior out-of-state licensure.

How to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oklahoma (Step-by-Step)

Even without reciprocity, Texas plumbers can become licensed in Oklahoma by following these verified steps:

Step 1: Verify Your Experience

Oklahoma requires 4 years of full-time plumbing experience within the last 10 years, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or journeyman capacity.

• Your Texas work history can count toward this—if properly documented.
• Submit W-2s, pay stubs, or notarized affidavits from past employers.

Step 2: Apply Through the OCIB

Complete the Plumbing Contractor Application on the OCIB website.

• Fee: $375 (as of 2026)
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks

Step 3: Pass Two Exams

You must pass:

1. Plumbing Trade Exam (100 questions, 4-hour time limit, 75% to pass)
2. Business & Law Exam (60 questions, 3-hour limit, 70% to pass)

📘 Study Resources: The OCIB provides an official exam reference list, including the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code and Oklahoma-specific statutes.

Step 4: Secure Insurance & Bonding

Before licensure is issued, you must provide:

• General liability insurance ($500,000 minimum)
• Surety bond ($5,000)

Step 5: Renew Annually

Oklahoma plumbing licenses expire December 31 each year. Renewal fee: $300.

• Requires 6 hours of continuing education (CE) annually.

Texas vs. Oklahoma Plumbing Licensing: Key Differences

🔍 Note: Texas plumbing licenses are governed under a different regulatory framework than Oklahoma’s, which follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)—whereas Texas uses a mix of UPC and locally adopted codes. This difference is one reason reciprocity isn’t offered.

For more on plumbing codes in the U.S., see the Uniform Plumbing Code entry on Wikipedia.

Can You Work in Oklahoma Without a License?

No—with very limited exceptions.
Oklahoma law (Title 59, Section 870) requires any plumbing work valued over $500 (including labor and materials) to be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor. This includes repairs, installations, and even emergency fixes.

Violating this rule can result in:

• Fines up to $1,000 per violation
• Cease-and-desist orders
• Ineligibility for future licensing

Even if you’re licensed in Texas, working unlicensed in Oklahoma puts your business—and reputation—at risk.

What Texas Plumbers Should Know Before Expanding to Oklahoma

1. Start the application early – Exam scheduling can take weeks.
2. Document everything – Keep detailed records of your Texas projects.
3. Consider a dual-license strategy – Many contractors maintain active licenses in both states for flexibility.
4. Partner with a local – If immediate work is needed, subcontract under an Oklahoma-licensed plumber (ensure proper insurance coverage).

🗣️ Industry Insight: “We see more Texas contractors applying for Oklahoma licenses since 2022—especially around the Dallas–Oklahoma City corridor,” says Marcus Greene, a licensing consultant with MidSouth Contractor Services. “But too many assume reciprocity exists. Always verify with OCIB first.”

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use my Texas plumbing license to get a faster license in Oklahoma?

A: Not officially. Oklahoma doesn’t fast-track applicants from Texas. However, your documented experience may satisfy the 4-year requirement, allowing you to skip apprenticeship—but you still must pass both exams.

Q2: Does Oklahoma have reciprocity with any states for plumbing?

A: As of 2026, Oklahoma has no active plumbing license reciprocity agreements with any state. All applicants go through the same process.

Q3: How long does it take to get licensed in Oklahoma?

A: Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on application completeness, exam scheduling, and background checks. Plan for at least 60 days.

Q4: Can I take the Oklahoma plumbing exam in Texas?

A: No. Exams are administered only in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and McAlester) through PSI Services. Out-of-state testing isn’t permitted.

Q5: What if I only do small jobs under $500?

A: You may be exempt from licensing—but only if the total job (parts + labor) stays under $500 and you don’t advertise as a “plumbing contractor.” Proceed with caution: misclassification is a common audit trigger.

Q6: Is there a temporary or provisional license?

A: No. Oklahoma does not offer temporary plumbing licenses. You must be fully licensed before performing any regulated work.

Conclusion

So, does Oklahoma have reciprocity for plumbing contractors license with Texas? The clear answer is no—but that doesn’t mean you can’t work legally in Oklahoma as a Texas plumber. With proper planning, documentation, and exam preparation, you can earn your Oklahoma license and tap into new markets in cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman.

Licensing might feel like a hurdle, but it protects your business, your clients, and your craft. Plus, being licensed in two states makes you more competitive and credible.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with fellow contractors on LinkedIn or Facebook—and save yourself (or a friend) from a costly licensing mistake!

✅ Final Reminder: Always verify current rules directly with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board—regulations can change without notice.