Delaware Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Master Plumber · Issued by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.

🔧 PlumberDE ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Delaware, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber, issued by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Delaware

Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber. Every figure is verified against the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 2 years of work experience under a master licensee after obtaining journeyman certificate, or 7 years of work experience under master licensee supervision without journeyman certificate
Pass the Master Plumber Licensure Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
Clear the background check. Criminal background check required
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners — $173 application fee, plus a Not published by the board license fee. Processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Keep the license active. Renew 2 years, completing 5 hours per 2-year renewal period (or 3 hours for first renewal depending on license issue date).

Delaware plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Delaware — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official delpros.delaware.gov database →

License types

Master Plumber — Statewide plumbing work

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	2 years of work experience under a master licensee after obtaining journeyman certificate, or 7 years of work experience under master licensee supervision without journeyman certificate
Application fee	$173
License fee	Not published by the board
Renewal fee	Not published as a fixed amount by the board
Renewal period	2 years
Continuing education	5 hours per 2-year renewal period (or 3 hours for first renewal depending on license issue date)
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Criminal background check required
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Connecticut; Iowa; Maryland
Processing time	4-6 weeks

Exams

Master Plumber Licensure Examination	Provider: ProV Exam · Passing: 70% · Fee: Not published by the board

Preparing for the Plumber exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Delaware plumber license cost?

Application: $173. License: Not published by the board. Renewal: Not published as a fixed amount by the board.

How do I look up a plumber license in Delaware?

Search the official license database at delpros.delaware.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in Delaware need a surety bond?

None required

What experience is required for a Delaware plumber license?

2 years of work experience under a master licensee after obtaining journeyman certificate, or 7 years of work experience under master licensee supervision without journeyman certificate

Is insurance required for plumbers in Delaware?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: —

How often must a Delaware plumber license be renewed?

2 years. Continuing education: 5 hours per 2-year renewal period (or 3 hours for first renewal depending on license issue date)

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners before applying. This is not legal advice.