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.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($100,000 minimum).
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. Renew annual, by April 30th, completing 4 hours annually from IDPH-approved sponsors.

License types

Apprentice Plumber — Learning and performing plumbing work under the supervision of a sponsor or agent
Journeyman Plumber — 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	$100,000 minimum
Property damage	$50,000 per occurrence
Workers' comp	$500,000 if employees present
Background check	None required
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	2-4 weeks after passing examination

Exams

Plumbing License Examination	Provider: Continental Testing Services, Inc. · Passing: 75% average (minimum 61% on each part) · Fee: $175

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

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 a Illinois plumber license cost?

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

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 a 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: $100,000 minimum Workers' compensation: $500,000 if employees present

How often must a 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.