Kentucky Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber License · Issued by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

🔧 PlumberKY ✔ Verified 2026-06-26

In Kentucky, plumbers must hold the Plumber License, issued by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Kentucky

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 2 consecutive years as apprentice plumber, OR completion of department-approved plumbing course plus 1 year experience. Master: 2 years employment as journeyman plumber under supervision of licensed master plumber (within past 5 years), OR 4 years engaged in plumbing practice in non-licensing state, OR equivalent experience with engineering license, OR 2+ years valid plumbing license from reciprocal state
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination and Master Plumber Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Kentucky requires —.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
Clear the background check. Yes; criminal history review required; IdentoGO live scan fingerprinting required ($54 for both state and federal background reports)
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Master license fee is $250, prorated by birth month (roughly $146–$376); journeyman fee not published in the materials reviewed application fee, plus a Included in the license fee license fee. Processing time: Up to 1 year from date of application.
Keep the license active. Renew annual, completing Required for renewal; specific hours not published in the DHBC materials reviewed.

License types

Master Plumber — May supervise journeyman plumbers; authorized to perform all plumbing work including complex installations and system design
Journeyman Plumber — May perform plumbing work under supervision of a licensed master plumber; cannot supervise other plumbers

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 2 consecutive years as apprentice plumber, OR completion of department-approved plumbing course plus 1 year experience. Master: 2 years employment as journeyman plumber under supervision of licensed master plumber (within past 5 years), OR 4 years engaged in plumbing practice in non-licensing state, OR equivalent experience with engineering license, OR 2+ years valid plumbing license from reciprocal state
Application fee	Master license fee is $250, prorated by birth month (roughly $146–$376); journeyman fee not published in the materials reviewed
License fee	Included in the license fee
Renewal fee	Set on the DHBC fee schedule; specific renewal amounts not published in the materials reviewed
Renewal period	Annual
Continuing education	Required for renewal; specific hours not published in the DHBC materials reviewed.
Bond required	—
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Yes; criminal history review required; IdentoGO live scan fingerprinting required ($54 for both state and federal background reports)
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	Up to 1 year from date of application

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Examination	Provider: Kentucky DHBC, Division of Plumbing · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $50
Master Plumber Examination	Provider: Kentucky DHBC, Division of Plumbing · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $150

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Local / municipal notes

Kentucky does not require separate local/municipal plumber licenses in addition to state license. License renewable annually by birth month expiration date. Inactive status available for $125 (master) or $30 (journeyman) initial fee.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Kentucky plumber license cost?

Application: Master license fee is $250, prorated by birth month (roughly $146–$376); journeyman fee not published in the materials reviewed. License: Included in the license fee. Renewal: Set on the DHBC fee schedule; specific renewal amounts not published in the materials reviewed.

Do plumbers in Kentucky need a surety bond?

—

What experience is required for a Kentucky plumber license?

Journeyman: 2 consecutive years as apprentice plumber, OR completion of department-approved plumbing course plus 1 year experience. Master: 2 years employment as journeyman plumber under supervision of licensed master plumber (within past 5 years), OR 4 years engaged in plumbing practice in non-licensing state, OR equivalent experience with engineering license, OR 2+ years valid plumbing license from reciprocal state

Is insurance required for plumbers in Kentucky?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: —

How often must a Kentucky plumber license be renewed?

Annual. Continuing education: Required for renewal; specific hours not published in the DHBC materials reviewed.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-26 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction before applying. This is not legal advice.