Thinking about starting your own plumbing business in the Centennial State? You’re not alone. Many skilled tradespeople say, “I’d like to register as a plumbing contractor in Colorado,” but get stuck navigating state rules, paperwork, and licensing nuances. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every step clearly, legally, and efficiently so you can turn your expertise into a thriving business.
Do You Need a State License to Work as a Plumbing Contractor in Colorado?
Yes—and no. Here’s the key detail most newcomers miss:
Colorado does not issue a statewide plumbing contractor license, but it does require all plumbing contractors to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) through its Division of Professions and Occupations.
This registration is mandatory if you’re performing plumbing work valued at $500 or more (including labor and materials). Even if you’re subcontracting under another licensed entity, you still need your own registration if you meet that threshold.
💡 Pro Tip: Registration ≠ Licensing. In Colorado, “registration” confirms you’ve met basic legal and insurance requirements—it doesn’t test your technical plumbing skills like a traditional license might in other states.
Step-by-Step: How to Register as a Plumbing Contractor in Colorado
Follow these 6 precise steps to complete your registration correctly the first time.
Step 1: Confirm Your Business Structure
Decide whether you’ll operate as:
- Sole proprietor
- Partnership
- LLC
- Corporation
Your structure affects tax obligations and liability. Most new contractors choose an LLC for personal asset protection.
Step 2: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Get your EIN free from the IRS at irs.gov. Even sole proprietors without employees often need one for banking and registration.
Step 3: Secure General Liability Insurance
You must carry at least $300,000 in general liability insurance. The policy must name the State of Colorado as a certificate holder.
📌 Example: If your policy expires on June 30, 2026, your registration will be suspended unless renewed before that date.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application via DORA
Go to the DORA eLicense portal and:
- Create an account
- Select “Plumbing Contractor Registration”
- Fill in business details, owner info, and insurance verification
- Pay the $120 registration fee (as of 2026)
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
Step 5: Display Your Registration Number
Once approved, you’ll receive a unique Plumbing Contractor Registration Number. You must:
- Include it on all contracts
- Display it on vehicles and marketing materials
- Provide it to clients upon request
Failure to do so can result in fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Step 6: Renew Annually
Registrations expire every year on September 30. Renewals open July 1. Late renewals incur a $25 penalty.
What About Local Permits and City Licenses?
While Colorado handles statewide registration, many cities and counties impose additional requirements. For example:
| City | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|
| Denver | Business license + plumbing permit for each job |
| Colorado Springs | Separate municipal contractor registration |
| Boulder | Requires proof of workers’ comp if you have employees |
Always check with your local building department before starting work. Ignoring local rules is the #1 reason new contractors face delays or penalties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced plumbers trip up on these pitfalls:
- ❌ Assuming registration = full licensure – Colorado doesn’t test plumbing knowledge at this stage, but you still need qualified journeymen or masters on staff for complex work.
- ❌ Using expired insurance – DORA verifies coverage in real time. Lapse = automatic suspension.
- ❌ Skipping municipal rules – A valid state registration won’t protect you from city-level fines.
According to a 2025 DORA compliance report, 23% of rejected applications were due to incomplete insurance documentation.
Plumbing vs. Other Contractor Types in Colorado
Not all contractors register the same way. Here’s how plumbing compares:
| Trade | State License Required? | Registration Needed? | Minimum Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | No | Yes | $300,000 |
| Electrical | Yes (via CCB) | No | Varies by license class |
| HVAC | No | Yes (if >$500) | $300,000 |
| General Building | No | Yes (if >$500) | $300,000 |
Source: Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, 2026 Guidelines
For broader context on occupational regulation in the U.S., see Wikipedia’s overview of professional licensing.
Can You Work Without Registration?
Technically, yes—if your job is under $500 total. But this exception is narrow:
- It includes all labor + materials
- You cannot split one large job into multiple small invoices to bypass the rule (this is illegal “contract splitting”)
Most residential service calls (e.g., fixing a leaky faucet) fall under $500, but installations, remodels, or commercial work almost always exceed it.
FAQ Section
Q1: How long does Colorado plumbing contractor registration take?
A: Typically 5–10 business days after submitting a complete application with valid insurance. Expedited processing isn’t available.
Q2: Do I need a master plumber on staff?
A: Not for registration—but to pull permits for new construction or major alterations, you usually need a licensed master plumber listed on the permit application. Check with your local jurisdiction.
Q3: Can out-of-state contractors register in Colorado?
A: Yes! You must still register with DORA and carry Colorado-compliant insurance. However, you may also need to register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State if operating across state lines.
Q4: What happens if I work without registration?
A: First offense: warning or fine up to $1,000. Repeat violations can lead to cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, or even criminal misdemeanor charges under CRS 12-58-107.
Q5: Is workers’ compensation required?
A: Only if you have employees. Sole proprietors with no staff are exempt—but strongly encouraged to carry coverage for injury protection.
Q6: Can I register as a sole proprietor using my Social Security Number?
A: Yes, but DORA recommends using an EIN for privacy and professionalism. Your SSN won’t appear on public records if you use an EIN.
Conclusion
Registering as a plumbing contractor in Colorado is straightforward once you know the rules. By completing your DORA registration, securing proper insurance, and respecting local ordinances, you position yourself legally, ethically, and competitively in a growing market.
With over 12,000 active plumbing registrations in Colorado (DORA, 2025), demand for reliable professionals has never been higher—especially with the state’s population projected to grow by 15% by 2030.
✅ Ready to get started?
Bookmark this guide, gather your documents, and head to DORA’s eLicense portal today.
Found this helpful? Share it with a fellow tradesperson on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit! One click could save them hours of confusion—and help raise standards across the industry.
Because in Colorado, great plumbing starts with doing it right—from day one.
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