Idaho Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber License · Issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board.

🔧 PlumberID ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Idaho, plumbers must hold the Plumber License, issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board, and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Idaho

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 8,000 hours of apprentice work + 576 hours board-approved classroom instruction, OR 16,000 hours of plumbing work experience. Contractor: minimum 2.5 years (approximately 5,000 hours) as licensed journeyman plumber. Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours specialty apprenticeship + 72 hours training, OR 6,000 hours specialty work experience.
Pass the IAPMO Plumbing Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Idaho requires Contractor: $2,000 compliance bond. Journeyman and Apprentice: None required.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($300,000 (contractors)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Yes, fingerprint-based criminal background check required. Fee: $25 (effective January 2026).
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board — $50 (journeyman) application fee, plus a $147 license fee. Processing time: Not published by the board.
Keep the license active. Renew 3 years.

Idaho plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Idaho — 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 edopl.idaho.gov database →

License types

Apprentice — learning under supervision of journeyman; no exam required
Journeyman — installation, improvement, and alteration of plumbing systems
Specialty Journeyman — appliance or water pump specialty work
Contractor — planning and supervision of plumbing system construction and installation

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 8,000 hours of apprentice work + 576 hours board-approved classroom instruction, OR 16,000 hours of plumbing work experience. Contractor: minimum 2.5 years (approximately 5,000 hours) as licensed journeyman plumber. Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours specialty apprenticeship + 72 hours training, OR 6,000 hours specialty work experience.
Application fee	$50 (journeyman)
License fee	$147
Renewal fee	$21.60 (journeyman/specialty journeyman); $108 (contractor)
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	Contractor: $2,000 compliance bond. Journeyman and Apprentice: None required.
Liability insurance	$300,000 (contractors)
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if applicable
Background check	Yes, fingerprint-based criminal background check required. Fee: $25 (effective January 2026).
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Montana; Oregon; Washington
Processing time	Not published by the board

Exams

IAPMO Plumbing Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 75% · Fee: $75

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

Local / municipal notes

Exams are open-book. As of September 2024, applicants must pass the IAPMO exam before submitting licensure application. Applicants have 1 year from approval to schedule and take the exam.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Idaho plumber license cost?

Application: $50 (journeyman). License: $147. Renewal: $21.60 (journeyman/specialty journeyman); $108 (contractor).

How do I look up a plumber license in Idaho?

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

Do plumbers in Idaho need a surety bond?

Contractor: $2,000 compliance bond. Journeyman and Apprentice: None required.

What experience is required for an Idaho plumber license?

Journeyman: 8,000 hours of apprentice work + 576 hours board-approved classroom instruction, OR 16,000 hours of plumbing work experience. Contractor: minimum 2.5 years (approximately 5,000 hours) as licensed journeyman plumber. Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours specialty apprenticeship + 72 hours training, OR 6,000 hours specialty work experience.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Idaho?

Liability: $300,000 (contractors) Workers' compensation: Required if applicable

How often must an Idaho plumber license be renewed?

3 years.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.