Illinois Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber License · Issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

🔧 PlumberIL ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Illinois, plumbers must hold the Plumber License, issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and a $20,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Illinois

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the Illinois Department of Public Health; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Minimum 4 years (5,600 hours) as a licensed apprentice plumber in Illinois, OR 2 years apprenticeship plus 2 years of approved college/trade school instruction. Must have completed at least 1,400 hours per year.
Pass the Plumbing License Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Illinois requires $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit required for plumbing contractors.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: Plumbing contractors: $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury (225 ILCS 320/13.1). Property damage: $50,000, or a $300,000 combined single limit (225 ILCS 320/13.1). Workers' compensation: $500,000 if employees present.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Illinois Department of Public Health — $175 examination application fee + $150 license application fee application fee, plus a $150 license fee. Processing time: 2-4 weeks after passing examination.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Annual, by April 30th. Continuing education: 4 hours annually from IDPH-approved sponsors.

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

Illinois plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Illinois — 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 ildohplmprod.glsuite.us database →

License types

Apprentice Plumber — Learning and performing plumbing work under the supervision of a sponsor or agent
Plumber (licensed plumber; Illinois has no separate journeyman tier) — Plans, inspects, installs, alters, extends, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems independently
Plumbing Contractor — Licensed plumbers performing plumbing work for others as a contractor

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 4 years (5,600 hours) as a licensed apprentice plumber in Illinois, OR 2 years apprenticeship plus 2 years of approved college/trade school instruction. Must have completed at least 1,400 hours per year.
Application fee	$175 examination application fee + $150 license application fee
License fee	$150
Renewal fee	$150 annually
Renewal period	Annual, by April 30th
Continuing education	4 hours annually from IDPH-approved sponsors
Bond required	$20,000 surety bond or letter of credit required for plumbing contractors
Liability insurance	Plumbing contractors: $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury (225 ILCS 320/13.1)
Property damage	$50,000, or a $300,000 combined single limit (225 ILCS 320/13.1)
Workers' comp	$500,000 if employees present
Background check	None required
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None · other states' agreements
Processing time	2-4 weeks after passing examination

What an Illinois plumber license costs

Application fee	$175 examination application fee + $150 license application fee.
License fee	$150.
Plumbing License Examination	$175.
Surety bond	$20,000 surety bond or letter of credit required for plumbing contractors. A bond's premium is a percentage of the bond amount, set by the surety.
Renewal fee	$150 annually.
Renewal period	Annual, by April 30th.

Exams

Plumbing License Examination	Provider: Illinois Department of Public Health, with the Board of Plumbing Examiners (68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.310) · Passing: 75% average (minimum 61% on each part) · Fee: $175

Renewing an Illinois plumber license

The Plumber License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 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	Annual, by April 30th
Renewal fee	$150 annually
Continuing education	4 hours annually from IDPH-approved sponsors
Where to renew	Illinois Department of Public Health

Local / municipal notes

Chicago has separate plumbing licensing administered by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings with different requirements. Application for examination must be submitted at least 30 days prior to exam date.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Illinois plumber license cost?

Application: $175 examination application fee + $150 license application fee. License: $150. Renewal: $150 annually.

How do I look up a plumber license in Illinois?

Search the official license database at ildohplmprod.glsuite.us. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in Illinois need a surety bond?

$20,000 surety bond or letter of credit required for plumbing contractors

What experience is required for an Illinois plumber license?

Minimum 4 years (5,600 hours) as a licensed apprentice plumber in Illinois, OR 2 years apprenticeship plus 2 years of approved college/trade school instruction. Must have completed at least 1,400 hours per year.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Illinois?

Liability: Plumbing contractors: $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury (225 ILCS 320/13.1). Property damage: $50,000, or a $300,000 combined single limit (225 ILCS 320/13.1). Workers' compensation: $500,000 if employees present.

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

Processing time: 2-4 weeks after passing examination.

Is a background check required for plumbers in Illinois?

Background check: None required.

How often must an Illinois plumber license be renewed?

Annual, by April 30th. Continuing education: 4 hours annually from IDPH-approved sponsors.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-24 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Illinois Department of Public Health before applying. This is not legal advice.