How To Know If A Plumber Is Licensed — 5 Simple Steps to Avoid Scams

Why This Matters: Don’t Risk Your Home (or Safety) With an Unlicensed Plumber

You’ve got a leaky pipe. The basement is flooding. Your water bill just spiked — and you need help now. You search online, find a plumber with great reviews, and they’re available today. But here’s the question no one asks fast enough: How to know if a plumber is licensed?

Too many homeowners skip this step — and end up paying for bad work, dangerous code violations, or even fraud. In fact, a 2023 study by the National Association of Home Builders found that nearly 30% of DIY-repair-turned-catastrophe cases involved unlicensed contractors. And if something goes wrong? Insurance won’t cover it. Liability falls on you.

The good news? Verifying a plumber’s license takes less than 10 minutes — and could save you thousands. Let’s walk through exactly how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Ask for Their License Number — Right Away

Don’t wait until they’re halfway through the job. As soon as you speak to a plumber — whether on the phone or in person — ask for their license number.

A licensed professional will hand it over without hesitation. Why? Because they’re proud of it. An unlicensed one will dodge the question, say, “Oh, I don’t need one for this small job,” or worse — “My boss handles all the paperwork.”

💡 Pro Tip: Write down the number. Don’t just trust them to say it out loud.

Once you have it, head to your state’s licensing board website (we’ll show you how in Step 2). If they can’t provide a number, walk away. No exceptions.

Step 2: Verify the License Online — Using Your State’s Official Site

This is the most critical step. Never rely on a business card, website, or Yelp profile alone.

Every U.S. state has a state contractor licensing board that maintains a public database. Here’s how to find yours:

1. Search: “[Your State] plumbing license verification” (e.g., “California plumbing license verification”)
2. Click the official government site — usually ends in .gov
3. Enter the plumber’s license number or business name
4. Check:
   • Is the license active?
   • When does it expire?
   • Are there any complaints or disciplinary actions?

🔗 Official Resource: The National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) offers a directory of all state boards. For a direct example, visit the California Contractors State License Board — a model for transparency.

📊 Real-World Example: In Texas, a homeowner hired a plumber who claimed to be licensed. After the job, the water heater exploded due to improper installation. The insurer denied the claim — because the plumber’s license had been revoked 11 months earlier. The homeowner paid $18,000 out of pocket. Verification would’ve caught it.

Always verify. Always.

Step 3: Look for the Physical License Display — In Their Vehicle or Office

Licensed plumbers are often required by law to display their license visibly — either in their work van, on their invoice, or at their office.

Here’s what to look for:

Some states require the license number to be on all advertising, including signs and trucks. If you see “Licensed & Insured” but no number? Ask for it. If they refuse — walk away.

Step 4: Ask for Proof of Insurance — And Call the Provider

A licensed plumber must carry two types of insurance:

• General Liability Insurance — Covers property damage (e.g., flooded kitchen)
• Workers’ Compensation — Covers injuries to their crew (so you’re not sued)

Never accept “I’m insured” without proof.

Ask for:

• The insurance company’s name
• Policy number
• A current certificate of insurance (COI)

Then, call the insurance company. Ask:

“Can you confirm that [Plumber’s Business Name] is covered under policy #[number] as of today?”

Most insurance providers will verify this over the phone — it’s their job. If they stall or say “We can’t give out that info,” that’s a red flag. Legitimate businesses have nothing to hide.

⚠️ Stat Alert: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 5 plumbing jobs results in property damage. Without insurance, you’re on the hook.

Step 5: Check for Local Permits and Code Compliance

A licensed plumber knows: Permits aren’t optional — they’re the law.

If your job involves:

• Relocating pipes
• Installing a new water heater
• Altering drainage or gas lines
  → A permit is required.

Ask:

“Will you pull a permit for this work?”

If they say:

• “It’s not necessary for this size job” → ❌ Red flag
• “I’ll handle it” → ✅ Good
• “You can do it yourself” → 🚨 Run

Why? Permits ensure:

• Work meets national plumbing codes (IPC/UPC)
• Inspections happen (by city officials, not the plumber!)
• You can legally sell your home later without disclosure issues

🏠 Real Case: A family in Ohio paid $5,000 for a “quick” bathroom remodel. No permit. Two years later, during a home sale, the inspector found illegal pipe connections. The buyers backed out. The sellers had to tear it all out — costing $12,000 more. Permit = Protection.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Licensed Plumbers — Answered

Q1: Can a plumber work without a license in some states?

Technically, no — but enforcement varies. All 50 states require licensing for commercial plumbing work. Some states (like Alabama or Mississippi) allow minor repairs (e.g., fixing a faucet) without a license — but any structural, gas, or water main work requires licensing. When in doubt, assume they need one. Don’t gamble with your home.

Q2: How much does it cost to get a plumbing license?

It’s not cheap. Becoming a licensed plumber typically requires:

• 4–5 years of apprenticeship (paid on-the-job training)
• Passing a written and practical exam
• $100–$300 in application and testing fees

So if someone claims they’re “licensed” but charges $50 to fix a leak? That’s a huge red flag. Real plumbers invest thousands to earn that license — and charge accordingly.

Q3: What’s the difference between a licensed, bonded, and insured plumber?

Best practice: Hire someone who is all three. Licensed is non-negotiable. Bonded and insured are essential protections.

Q4: What if I hire an unlicensed plumber and something breaks?

You’re on the hook — financially and legally.

• Insurance denies claims (your homeowner’s policy won’t cover contractor errors)
• No warranty on work
• No recourse if they disappear
• Fines if city inspectors find illegal work during resale or renovation

And if someone gets hurt? You could be sued for negligence.

Q5: Can I check a plumber’s license with Yelp or Angi (formerly Angie’s List)?

No. These are third-party review sites — not government databases. A plumber can fake reviews, buy badges, or pay for “verified” status. Only .gov sites are legally binding sources of license status.

✅ Always cross-check: Yelp → Google → then your state’s licensing board.

Q6: Do I need a license for emergency plumbing repairs?

Yes — even in emergencies. A licensed plumber should still be able to respond quickly and provide proof of licensure on the spot. Reputable companies have 24/7 emergency teams who are fully licensed and insured. If someone says, “I’m not licensed but I can come right now,” they’re not helping — they’re exploiting fear.

Conclusion: A Simple Check Could Save You Thousands

Knowing how to know if a plumber is licensed isn’t just a formality — it’s your first line of defense against fraud, danger, and financial disaster. You wouldn’t hire a doctor without checking their board certification. Don’t hire a plumber any differently.

✅ Quick Recap: 5 Steps to Verify

1. Ask for the license number
2. Verify it on your state’s .gov site
3. Look for physical license display
4. Call the insurance company to confirm coverage
5. Demand a permit for any major work

Take 10 minutes today. Call your state’s licensing board. Ask your next plumber for their number. Protect your home, your family, and your wallet.

👉 Found this helpful? Share it with a friend, neighbor, or family member who’s about to hire a plumber. A simple share could prevent a disaster. Post it on Facebook, WhatsApp, or save it for your next home project.

Your home deserves more than a quick fix. It deserves a licensed, trusted professional — and now, you know exactly how to find one.