Maryland Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Master Plumber/Gas Fitter / Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter License · Issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor).

🔧 PlumberMD ✔ Verified 2026-10-01

In Maryland, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber/Gas Fitter / Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter License, issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor), 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 Maryland

Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber/Gas Fitter / Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter License. Every figure is verified against the Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journey: 4+ years as a licensed apprentice with 7,500 hours under a licensed master, plus 32 hours of backflow-prevention training. Master: 2+ years as a licensed journey plumber with 3,750 hours under a licensed master.
Pass the Maryland Master Plumber/Gas Fitter Examination and Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: $300,000 minimum per occurrence (required for master licensees who contract work). Property damage: $100,000 minimum per occurrence; combined minimum $400,000 (umbrella policies not accepted). Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees.
Clear the background check. The application asks about criminal history; a written explanation is required for any 'yes' answer, and convictions are reviewed case-by-case.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) — Included in the license fee (no separate application fee) application fee, plus a Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50; Master Natural Gas Fitter $150.50 license fee. Processing time: About 2 weeks from submission to the mailed license.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years.

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

Maryland plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Maryland — 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 dllr.state.md.us database →

License types

Master Plumber/Gas Fitter — May independently contract and supervise plumbing and gas-fitting work; requires 2+ years as a journey licensee.
Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter — May perform plumbing and gas-fitting work under a master's supervision; requires 4+ years as an apprentice.
Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter — Entry level; works under supervision (minimum age 16).
Master Natural Gas Fitter — May independently contract and supervise natural-gas-fitting work (separate track).

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journey: 4+ years as a licensed apprentice with 7,500 hours under a licensed master, plus 32 hours of backflow-prevention training. Master: 2+ years as a licensed journey plumber with 3,750 hours under a licensed master.
Application fee	Included in the license fee (no separate application fee)
License fee	Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50; Master Natural Gas Fitter $150.50
Renewal fee	Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None for standard plumber licenses (plumbing inspectors: 8 hours each calendar year).
Bond required	No state surety bond is required for Maryland plumbers.
Liability insurance	$300,000 minimum per occurrence (required for master licensees who contract work)
Property damage	$100,000 minimum per occurrence; combined minimum $400,000 (umbrella policies not accepted)
Workers' comp	Required under Maryland law if you have employees
Background check	The application asks about criminal history; a written explanation is required for any 'yes' answer, and convictions are reviewed case-by-case.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Baltimore County, WSSC and the District of Columbia: the Board may issue a reciprocal master or journey license; WSSC and Baltimore County holders must hold both the plumbing and gas portions, obtained by examination; Delaware: Master Plumber/Gasfitter license only; Current Baltimore County or WSSC journey or master gas fitter license holders may obtain a like Maryland natural gas fitter license · compare all states
Processing time	About 2 weeks from submission to the mailed license

What a Maryland plumber license costs

Application fee	Included in the license fee (no separate application fee).
License fee	Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50; Master Natural Gas Fitter $150.50.
Maryland Master Plumber/Gas Fitter Examination	Paid to PSI (set by the vendor).
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Examination	Paid to PSI (set by the vendor).
Surety bond	No state surety bond is required for Maryland plumbers.
Renewal fee	Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50.
Renewal period	Every 2 years.

Exams

Maryland Master Plumber/Gas Fitter Examination	Provider: PSI Services · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: Paid to PSI (set by the vendor)
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Examination	Provider: PSI Services · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: Paid to PSI (set by the vendor)

Renewing a Maryland plumber license

The Master Plumber/Gas Fitter / Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor). 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	Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50
Continuing education	None for standard plumber licenses (plumbing inspectors: 8 hours each calendar year).
Where to renew	Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor)

Local / municipal notes

The state license is required statewide; Baltimore City and some counties require additional local permits and inspections.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Maryland plumber license cost?

Application: Included in the license fee (no separate application fee). License: Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50; Master Natural Gas Fitter $150.50. Renewal: Master Plumber/Gas Fitter $87.50; Journey $43.50; Apprentice $18.50.

How do I look up a plumber license in Maryland?

Search the official license database at dllr.state.md.us. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in Maryland need a surety bond?

No state surety bond is required for Maryland plumbers.

What experience is required for a Maryland plumber license?

Journey: 4+ years as a licensed apprentice with 7,500 hours under a licensed master, plus 32 hours of backflow-prevention training. Master: 2+ years as a licensed journey plumber with 3,750 hours under a licensed master.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Maryland?

Liability: $300,000 minimum per occurrence (required for master licensees who contract work). Property damage: $100,000 minimum per occurrence; combined minimum $400,000 (umbrella policies not accepted). Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees.

How long does it take to get a Maryland plumber license?

Processing time: About 2 weeks from submission to the mailed license.

Is a background check required for plumbers in Maryland?

Background check: The application asks about criminal history; a written explanation is required for any 'yes' answer, and convictions are reviewed case-by-case.

How often must a Maryland plumber license be renewed?

Every 2 years. Continuing education: None for standard plumber licenses (plumbing inspectors: 8 hours each calendar year).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-10-01 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Maryland Board of Plumbing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor) before applying. This is not legal advice.