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: an active journeyman certificate (no minimum period), a passed contractor exam and a $2,000 compliance bond (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.03). Appliance Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours of specialty apprenticeship + 72 hours of training, OR 6,000 hours of specialty work experience; Water Pump Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours of specialty work experience (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.04).
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.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not set by the plumbing statute or rules; contractors post a $2,000 compliance bond instead (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.03). Workers' compensation: Required if applicable.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board — $22.50 application fee (all license types) application fee, plus a Journeyman or specialty journeyman $29.40; contractor or specialty contractor $147; apprentice $50 license fee. Processing time: Not published by the board.
Keep the license active. Renewal: 3 years.

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

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: an active journeyman certificate (no minimum period), a passed contractor exam and a $2,000 compliance bond (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.03). Appliance Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours of specialty apprenticeship + 72 hours of training, OR 6,000 hours of specialty work experience; Water Pump Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours of specialty work experience (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.04).
Application fee	$22.50 application fee (all license types)
License fee	Journeyman or specialty journeyman $29.40; contractor or specialty contractor $147; apprentice $50
Renewal fee	$21.60 (journeyman/specialty journeyman); $108 (contractor); $50 (apprentice)
Renewal period	3 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	Contractor: $2,000 compliance bond. Journeyman and Apprentice: None required.
Liability insurance	Not set by the plumbing statute or rules; contractors post a $2,000 compliance bond instead (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.03)
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if applicable
Background check	None found: no fingerprint or background check appears in the plumbing statute, rules or DOPL's application forms.
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Montana; Oregon; Washington · compare all states
Processing time	Not published by the board

What an Idaho plumber license costs

Application fee	$22.50 application fee (all license types).
License fee	Journeyman or specialty journeyman $29.40; contractor or specialty contractor $147; apprentice $50.
IAPMO Plumbing Exam	$75.
Surety bond	Contractor: $2,000 compliance bond. Journeyman and Apprentice: None required.
Renewal fee	$21.60 (journeyman/specialty journeyman); $108 (contractor); $50 (apprentice).
Renewal period	3 years.

Exams

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

Renewing an Idaho plumber license

The Plumber License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	3 years
Renewal fee	$21.60 (journeyman/specialty journeyman); $108 (contractor); $50 (apprentice)
Continuing education	None required
Where to renew	Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), State Plumbing Board

Local / municipal notes

Exams are open-book. As of September 2024, applicants must pass the IAPMO exam before submitting licensure application. The journeyman application form refers to a one-year window from the date of application.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Idaho plumber license cost?

Application: $22.50 application fee (all license types). License: Journeyman or specialty journeyman $29.40; contractor or specialty contractor $147; apprentice $50. Renewal: $21.60 (journeyman/specialty journeyman); $108 (contractor); $50 (apprentice).

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: an active journeyman certificate (no minimum period), a passed contractor exam and a $2,000 compliance bond (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.03). Appliance Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours of specialty apprenticeship + 72 hours of training, OR 6,000 hours of specialty work experience; Water Pump Specialty Journeyman: 3,000 hours of specialty work experience (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.04).

Is insurance required for plumbers in Idaho?

Liability: Not set by the plumbing statute or rules; contractors post a $2,000 compliance bond instead (IDAPA 24.39.20.100.03). Workers' compensation: Required if applicable.

How long does it take to get an Idaho plumber license?

Processing time: Not published by the board.

Is a background check required for plumbers in Idaho?

Background check: None found: no fingerprint or background check appears in the plumbing statute, rules or DOPL's application forms.

How often must an Idaho plumber license be renewed?

3 years. Continuing education: None required.

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.