Indiana Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Journeyman Plumber, Plumbing Contractor · Issued by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).

🔧 PlumberIN ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Indiana, plumbers must hold the Journeyman Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, issued by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), 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 Indiana

Follow these steps to earn your Journeyman Plumber, Plumbing Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Indiana residents: 4 years in a Plumbing Commission-approved apprenticeship, or a notarized statement of 4 years of plumbing trade experience (contractor applicants may instead show 4 years working in a plumbing business under a licensed contractor) (IC 25-28.5-1-12(c)). A non-resident licensed in a state without an Indiana reciprocity agreement presents that license to qualify for the exam (IC 25-28.5-1-12(d)).
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination and Plumbing Contractor Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Workers' compensation: Required if employees; minimum coverage varies by county and municipality.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) — $30 (Journeyman), $50 (Contractor) application fee, plus a $15-$30 (Journeyman, depending on renewal year), $50-$100 (Contractor, depending on renewal year) license fee. Processing time: Approximately 3 months after application approval by the Plumbing Commission.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years.

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

Indiana plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Indiana — 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 mylicense.in.gov database →

License types

Journeyman Plumber — Can perform plumbing work under supervision or independently with proper permits
Plumbing Contractor — Can own and operate a plumbing business, supervise apprentices and journeymen

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Indiana residents: 4 years in a Plumbing Commission-approved apprenticeship, or a notarized statement of 4 years of plumbing trade experience (contractor applicants may instead show 4 years working in a plumbing business under a licensed contractor) (IC 25-28.5-1-12(c)). A non-resident licensed in a state without an Indiana reciprocity agreement presents that license to qualify for the exam (IC 25-28.5-1-12(d)).
Application fee	$30 (Journeyman), $50 (Contractor)
License fee	$15-$30 (Journeyman, depending on renewal year), $50-$100 (Contractor, depending on renewal year)
Renewal fee	$30 (Journeyman), $100 (Contractor)
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	None required at state level
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if employees; minimum coverage varies by county and municipality
Background check	Not required for initial plumbing license applications
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None. Per the Professional Licensing Agency's FAQ, reciprocity is not available for journeyman and contractor plumbers: applicants apply, go before the board and, if approved, must take and pass the exam. An out-of-state license can qualify a non-resident to sit the exam (IC 25-28.5-1-12(d)). · other states' agreements
Processing time	Approximately 3 months after application approval by the Plumbing Commission

What an Indiana plumber license costs

Application fee	$30 (Journeyman), $50 (Contractor).
License fee	$15-$30 (Journeyman, depending on renewal year), $50-$100 (Contractor, depending on renewal year).
Journeyman Plumber Examination	$75.
Plumbing Contractor Examination	$100.
Surety bond	None required at state level.
Renewal fee	$30 (Journeyman), $100 (Contractor).
Renewal period	Every 2 years.

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Examination	Provider: PROV · Passing: Pass/fail (Prov does not publish a numeric passing score) · Fee: $75
Plumbing Contractor Examination	Provider: PROV · Passing: Pass/fail (Prov does not publish a numeric passing score) · Fee: $100

Renewing an Indiana plumber license

The Journeyman Plumber, Plumbing Contractor renews on a fixed cycle set by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Every 2 years
Renewal fee	$30 (Journeyman), $100 (Contractor)
Continuing education	None required
Where to renew	Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)

Local / municipal notes

Local jurisdictions may impose additional bond, insurance, or permit requirements. Renewal notices sent approximately 90 days before expiration. Late renewal fees: $15 if received before March 1; $100-$200 if after March 1.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Indiana plumber license cost?

Application: $30 (Journeyman), $50 (Contractor). License: $15-$30 (Journeyman, depending on renewal year), $50-$100 (Contractor, depending on renewal year). Renewal: $30 (Journeyman), $100 (Contractor).

How do I look up a plumber license in Indiana?

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

Do plumbers in Indiana need a surety bond?

None required at state level

What experience is required for an Indiana plumber license?

Indiana residents: 4 years in a Plumbing Commission-approved apprenticeship, or a notarized statement of 4 years of plumbing trade experience (contractor applicants may instead show 4 years working in a plumbing business under a licensed contractor) (IC 25-28.5-1-12(c)). A non-resident licensed in a state without an Indiana reciprocity agreement presents that license to qualify for the exam (IC 25-28.5-1-12(d)).

Is insurance required for plumbers in Indiana?

Workers' compensation: Required if employees; minimum coverage varies by county and municipality.

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

Processing time: Approximately 3 months after application approval by the Plumbing Commission.

Is a background check required for plumbers in Indiana?

Background check: Not required for initial plumbing license applications.

How often must an Indiana plumber license be renewed?

Every 2 years. Continuing education: None required.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-24 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) before applying. This is not legal advice.