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 under master licensee supervision without a journeyman certificate followed by passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass (equivalency) Exam with at least 70% (24 Del. C. 1808)
Pass the Master Plumber Licensure Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Clear the background check. Criminal background check required
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: Reviewed on or before the next Board meeting (second Tuesday of each month, except June and December) once a complete application is submitted in DELPROS.
Keep the license active. Renewal: 2 years (licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 5 hours per 2-year renewal. First renewal depends on when the license was issued: 3 hours if licensed from 11/1 of an even year to 11/1 of an odd year; none if licensed from 11/1 of an odd year to 7/1 of an even year; 5 hours if licensed from 7/1 to 11/1 of an even year.

For the general path in every state, see the Plumber guide →

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 under master licensee supervision without a journeyman certificate followed by passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass (equivalency) Exam with at least 70% (24 Del. C. 1808)
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 (licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years)
Continuing education	5 hours per 2-year renewal. First renewal depends on when the license was issued: 3 hours if licensed from 11/1 of an even year to 11/1 of an odd year; none if licensed from 11/1 of an odd year to 7/1 of an even year; 5 hours if licensed from 7/1 to 11/1 of an even year.
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Criminal background check required
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland: substantially similar standards, no proof of experience needed; Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia: proof of at least 7 years practising as a Master after licensure; Any other state or U.S. territory is evaluated by the Board · compare all states
Processing time	Reviewed on or before the next Board meeting (second Tuesday of each month, except June and December) once a complete application is submitted in DELPROS

What a Delaware plumber license costs

Application fee	$173.
License fee	Not published by the board.
Master Plumber Licensure Examination	$100 (ProV computer-based exam).
Surety bond	None required.
Renewal fee	Not published as a fixed amount by the board.
Renewal period	2 years (licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years).

Exams

Master Plumber Licensure Examination	Provider: ProV Exam · Passing: 70% · Fee: $100 (ProV computer-based exam)

Renewing a Delaware plumber license

The Master Plumber renews on a fixed cycle set by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	2 years (licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal fee	Not published as a fixed amount by the board
Continuing education	5 hours per 2-year renewal. First renewal depends on when the license was issued: 3 hours if licensed from 11/1 of an even year to 11/1 of an odd year; none if licensed from 11/1 of an odd year to 7/1 of an even year; 5 hours if licensed from 7/1 to 11/1 of an even year.
Where to renew	Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

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 under master licensee supervision without a journeyman certificate followed by passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass (equivalency) Exam with at least 70% (24 Del. C. 1808)

How long does it take to get a Delaware plumber license?

Processing time: Reviewed on or before the next Board meeting (second Tuesday of each month, except June and December) once a complete application is submitted in DELPROS.

Is a background check required for plumbers in Delaware?

Background check: Criminal background check required.

How often must a Delaware plumber license be renewed?

2 years (licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 5 hours per 2-year renewal. First renewal depends on when the license was issued: 3 hours if licensed from 11/1 of an even year to 11/1 of an odd year; none if licensed from 11/1 of an odd year to 7/1 of an even year; 5 hours if licensed from 7/1 to 11/1 of an even year.

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.