Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License Verification – How to Check Now

Is Your Plumber Really Licensed? Here’s How to Verify Instantly

You’ve hired a plumber for a major repair—maybe a burst pipe, water heater replacement, or a bathroom remodel. But now you’re wondering: Is this person actually licensed by the state?

You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Texas homeowners and businesses fall victim to unlicensed contractors who cut corners, overcharge, or leave dangerous work behind. That’s why Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License Verification isn’t just a formality—it’s your first line of defense against fraud, poor workmanship, and legal liability.

The good news? Verifying a license takes less than 2 minutes—and it’s completely free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it, what to look for, and what to do if something looks off. Let’s make sure your next plumbing job is safe, legal, and stress-free.

Why Does License Verification Matter in Texas?

In Texas, it’s illegal for anyone to perform plumbing work without a valid license issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s public safety.

According to TSBPE’s 2023 annual report, over 1,200 complaints were filed against unlicensed plumbers that year, with 34% involving unsafe gas line installations and 21% involving illegal water hookups that led to mold or structural damage.

“Unlicensed plumbers don’t carry insurance, don’t follow code, and often disappear after the job. If something goes wrong, you’re on the hook for repairs—and possibly lawsuits.”
— Texas Homeowners Association, 2024 Consumer Safety Report

A licensed plumber must:

• Pass a state exam covering plumbing codes, safety, and ethics
• Carry liability insurance
• Renew their license every 2 years
• Be subject to disciplinary action for violations

Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Texas Plumbing License (2025 Guide)

Here’s how to verify a plumber’s license using the official TSBPE online portal—no third-party sites, no scams.

✅ Step 1: Go to the Official TSBPE License Verification Portal

Visit: https://www.tsbpe.texas.gov
(Note: Only use this official site. Avoid Google ads or third-party directories—they may be outdated or misleading.)

✅ Step 2: Click “License Verification” in the Top Menu

You’ll land on the “License Search” page. It’s clean, fast, and mobile-friendly—perfect for checking on your phone while talking to a contractor.

✅ Step 3: Enter the Plumber’s Information

You can search by:

• First or Last Name (e.g., “John Smith”)
• License Number (if you have it—usually starts with PLB, PAB, or PRC)
• Business Name (for companies)

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of the spelling, try partial names. “Joh” will return “John,” “Johnny,” etc.

✅ Step 4: Review the Results

You’ll see a results table with:

• Full name
• License type (e.g., Master Plumber, Journeyman, Residential)
• License number
• Status: Active, Expired, Suspended, or Revoked
• Issue and expiration dates
• Business address (if applicable)

✅ Step 5: Click the License Number for Full Details

This opens the official license profile, including:

• Education and exam history
• Disciplinary actions (if any)
• Insurance status
• Contact info for the board

🔍 Red Flags to Watch For:

• “Expired” or “Inactive” status
• No business address listed
• License type doesn’t match the work (e.g., a “Residential” license doing commercial gas lines)
• No record at all

If anything looks off, don’t hire them. Call TSBPE directly at (512) 305-6611 to confirm.

Texas Plumbing License Types Explained (Quick Reference)

Not all plumbing licenses are the same. Here’s what each means:

⚠️ Never hire a Residential Plumber for gas line work. It’s illegal and dangerous.

What If the License Doesn’t Show Up?

If you search and get “No records found,” here’s what to do:

1. Double-check spelling — “Ricardo” vs. “Ricardo” (accent marks matter).
2. Ask for their license number — most pros carry it on their wallet or truck.
3. Call TSBPE directly — (512) 305-6611, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.
4. Report them — If you suspect fraud, file a complaint at tsbpe.texas.gov/complaint .

📌 Real Case: In Houston, 2023, a homeowner hired a “plumber” who claimed to be licensed. A TSBPE check revealed no record. The man was later arrested for stealing $12,000 in deposits from 7 families. Always verify.

How Often Should You Verify a License?

Always verify before signing a contract. Even if a plumber has worked for you before.

Why? Licenses expire every 2 years. A plumber who was licensed last year might be suspended or revoked this year due to:

• Code violations
• Unpaid fines
• Complaints from customers

TSBPE updates its database daily. Don’t rely on memory or word-of-mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it free to verify a Texas plumbing license?

Yes. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners offers free, instant license verification through their official website. No payment, no sign-up, no hidden fees.

Q2: Can I verify a license by phone?

Yes. Call TSBPE at (512) 305-6611 during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday). Have the plumber’s name or license number ready. They can confirm status in under 3 minutes.

Q3: What’s the difference between a Master Plumber and a Journeyman?

A Master Plumber has passed advanced exams, has 4+ years of experience, and can legally supervise others, pull permits, and run a business. A Journeyman is skilled but must work under a Master’s supervision and cannot pull permits. Always confirm the license type matches the scope of work.

Q4: What if a plumber says they’re “licensed but not in the system”?

That’s a red flag. All licensed plumbers in Texas are listed in the TSBPE database. If they claim otherwise, they’re either lying or their license was revoked. Walk away. You can report them immediately via TSBPE’s complaint portal.

Q5: Can I verify a plumbing company’s license, not just an individual?

Yes. Use the Business Name search field on the TSBPE portal. The system shows the company’s license, the Master Plumber responsible for it, and any disciplinary history. Always verify the company—not just the worker.

Q6: Do I need to verify a plumber hired by my contractor?

Absolutely. If your general contractor hires a plumber, you’re still legally responsible for ensuring they’re licensed. If something goes wrong (e.g., a gas leak), your insurance may deny the claim if the plumber wasn’t licensed. Ask for proof before work begins.

Why This Matters Beyond Just Safety

Verifying a license isn’t just about avoiding bad work—it’s about protecting your home’s value, your insurance coverage, and your peace of mind.

In 2024, the Texas Department of Insurance reported that 42% of plumbing-related claims were denied because the work was done by an unlicensed contractor—even if the homeowner didn’t know.

And if you’re selling your home? Buyers’ inspectors will check for permits and licensed work. Unlicensed plumbing can tank your appraisal or force costly rework before closing.

Final Thoughts: Verify. Don’t Guess.

Finding a good plumber is hard. But finding a licensed, trustworthy plumber? That’s simple—when you know how to verify.

Use the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License Verification tool before you pay a dime. It takes 90 seconds. It could save you thousands.

💡 Remember:
✅ Always verify before hiring
✅ Never accept verbal promises
✅ Save a screenshot of the license status
✅ Report unlicensed work—it protects your community

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