Maryland Plumber License Requirements

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

🔧 PlumberMD ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Maryland, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber/Gas Fitter / Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter License, issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing (DLOPR, 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 (DLOPR, 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.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($300,000 minimum per occurrence (required for master licensees who contract work)), and workers' compensation coverage.
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 (DLOPR, 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. Renew every 2 years.

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	Delaware (Master Plumber/Gas Fitter holding both the plumbing and gas portions); Natural-gas-fitter pathways for current Baltimore County and WSSC license holders
Processing time	About 2 weeks from submission to the mailed license

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)

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

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.

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) Workers' compensation: Required under Maryland law if you have employees

How often must a Maryland plumber license be renewed?

Every 2 years.

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