Hiring a plumber can feel stressful—especially when you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, clogged drain, or worse, a burst pipe. But before you hand over your hard-earned money, you need to ask: “How do I know if a plumber is licensed?” A licensed plumber isn’t just a legal requirement in most states—it’s your best protection against shoddy work, hidden fees, and even property damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, reliable steps to confirm a plumber’s license and ensure you’re working with a qualified professional.
Why Does a Plumbing License Matter?
A plumbing license proves that a technician has met state-specific education, training, and examination requirements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 480,000 plumbers are employed nationwide—but not all operate legally. Unlicensed plumbers may lack insurance, use substandard materials, or perform work that violates local building codes, potentially voiding your homeowner’s insurance if something goes wrong.
“Hiring an unlicensed plumber is like flying without a pilot’s license—technically possible, but extremely risky,” says Michael Johnson, a master plumber with 22 years of experience in California.
5 Reliable Ways to Verify a Plumber’s License
1. Ask for Their License Number—Directly
The first step is simple: ask the plumber for their license number. A legitimate professional will provide it willingly—often on their business card, truck, or invoice. In most states, plumbers must display their license number on all advertising materials.
💡 Pro Tip: Write down the number and the state that issued it. You’ll need both for the next steps.
2. Check Your State’s Licensing Board Website
Every U.S. state (except Kansas) regulates plumbing licenses through a state agency—usually called the State Contractor’s License Board or Department of Professional Regulation. These websites offer free, public license lookup tools.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your state’s official licensing portal (e.g., CSLB.ca.gov for California).
- Enter the plumber’s name or license number.
- Review the license status: Active, Expired, Suspended, or Revoked.
- Check for disciplinary actions or complaints.
For example, in Texas, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) provides a real-time license verification tool where you can see license type (journeyman, master, etc.), expiration date, and insurance status.
3. Call the Licensing Authority
If the website is down or unclear, call the state licensing board directly. Representatives can confirm:
- Whether the license is current
- If the plumber is authorized to work in your city/county
- Whether they carry required liability and workers’ comp insurance
This extra step takes 5 minutes but can save you thousands in repair costs later.
4. Look for Physical Proof On-Site
When the plumber arrives, ask to see their physical license or ID badge. Many states (like Florida and New York) require plumbers to carry photo ID that includes:
- License number
- Expiration date
- Name matching the business
If they refuse or seem evasive, consider it a red flag.
5. Cross-Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
While not a licensing authority, the BBB (bbb.org) provides valuable insights into a plumber’s reputation. Search the company name to see:
- Accreditation status
- Customer reviews
- Complaint history
- Response rate to issues
A licensed plumber with an “A+” BBB rating and no unresolved complaints is a strong candidate.
What to Watch Out For: Red Flags of an Unlicensed Plumber
| No license number provided | They may be operating illegally. |
| Cash-only payments demanded | Often used to avoid taxes and accountability. |
| Extremely low upfront quotes | May lead to hidden fees or unfinished work. |
| No business address or website | Hard to hold them accountable if issues arise. |
| Pressure to sign immediately | Legit plumbers give you time to decide. |
According to a 2024 report by HomeAdvisor, 1 in 5 homeowners reported hiring an unlicensed tradesperson—resulting in an average of $2,300 in additional repair costs.
State-by-State Licensing Requirements (Quick Reference)
Not all states license plumbers at the state level. Some delegate authority to counties or cities. Here’s a snapshot:
| California | ✅ Yes | Required for all plumbing contractors |
| Texas | ✅ Yes | Journeyman & Master licenses issued |
| Florida | ✅ Yes | Must be licensed to perform any plumbing work |
| New York | ❌ No (mostly) | NYC requires local licensing; other areas vary |
| Illinois | ❌ No | Chicago has its own licensing system |
| Pennsylvania | ❌ No | Licensing handled at municipal level |
For a full list, refer to the Wikipedia page on U.S. plumbing regulations , which outlines jurisdictional differences.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify a License in Under 10 Minutes
Follow this checklist the next time you hire a plumber:
- Get the full business name and license number from the plumber.
- Visit your state’s official licensing website (search “[Your State] plumbing license lookup”).
- Enter the license number and verify it’s active and in good standing.
- Confirm the license type matches the job (e.g., a “journeyman” can’t pull permits in some states).
- Check expiration date—licenses typically renew every 1–2 years.
- Call the board if anything seems off (e.g., mismatched name or address).
This process takes less time than watching a YouTube tutorial—and protects your home and wallet.
FAQ Section
Q: Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed plumber?
A: In most states, yes—especially for jobs over $500. Homeowners can be fined or denied insurance claims if unlicensed work causes damage. Always verify first.
Q: Can a handyman do plumbing without a license?
A: It depends on your state and the scope of work. Minor tasks (like replacing a faucet washer) may be allowed, but installing pipes, water heaters, or sewer lines almost always requires a licensed plumber.
Q: What’s the difference between a journeyman and a master plumber?
A: A journeyman has completed apprenticeship and can work under supervision. A master plumber has additional experience (usually 2+ years) and can run their own business, pull permits, and design systems.
Q: Does a plumbing license expire?
A: Yes—typically every 1–2 years. Plumbers must renew by completing continuing education and paying fees. Always check the expiration date during verification.
Q: What if the plumber is licensed in another state?
A: A license from another state isn’t valid in yours unless there’s a reciprocity agreement (rare for plumbing). They must be licensed in the state where the work is performed.
Q: Can I report an unlicensed plumber?
A: Absolutely. Contact your state licensing board or local building department. Many offer anonymous reporting—and some even reward tips that lead to enforcement actions.
Conclusion
Knowing “how do I know if a plumber is licensed?” isn’t just a technical question—it’s a critical step in protecting your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. With a few quick checks, you can avoid scams, ensure code-compliant work, and hire with confidence.
Don’t risk it—always verify before you hire. If this guide helped you, share it with friends or family who might be planning a home repair! 💧🔧
Your future self (and your pipes) will thank you.
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