Missouri Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: No statewide plumber license — journeyman and master licenses are issued by cities/counties (RSMo Ch. 341) · Issued by the Local boards of plumbing examiners (jurisdictions over 15,000 population), per RSMo Chapter 341.

🔧 PlumberMO ✔ Verified 2026-06-24

In Missouri, plumbers must hold the No statewide plumber license — journeyman and master licenses are issued by cities/counties (RSMo Ch. 341), issued by the Local boards of plumbing examiners (jurisdictions over 15,000 population), per RSMo Chapter 341, 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 Missouri

Missouri licenses plumbers at the city level rather than statewide, so the path runs through your local permitting office. Here are the general steps — the verified specifics are detailed further down the page.

Start with your city, not the state. Missouri has no statewide plumber license — registration, bonds and insurance are set by each municipality, so confirm the rules with your local permitting office first.
Carry the insurance your city requires. No statewide minimum; local contractor licenses require proof of insurance (amounts vary)
Post any local bond. No statewide bond. Local contractor bonds vary (e.g., Jefferson City $5,000; Kansas City $10,000; Springfield $10,000).
Register and pay the local fees. Varies by jurisdiction (e.g., St. Louis County $30; Kansas City $60 + $100 exam; Jefferson City $114)
Renew on your city's schedule. Varies by jurisdiction (commonly every 3-4 years).

License types

Apprentice Plumber — Works only under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber (registration in most jurisdictions).
Journeyman Plumber — May perform plumbing work under the general supervision of a master; licensed in jurisdictions over 15,000 population.
Master Plumber — May contract directly with the public, pull permits, and supervise journeymen and apprentices.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	State statute (RSMo 341.170): Journeyman — age 21+, 5-year apprenticeship under a licensed master. Master — age 25+, 3+ years as a licensed journeyman. Local minimums vary (e.g., Kansas City: 2-year apprenticeship for journeyman; 1 year as a journeyman for master).
Application fee	Varies by jurisdiction (e.g., St. Louis County $30; Kansas City $60 + $100 exam; Jefferson City $114)
License fee	Varies by jurisdiction
Renewal fee	Varies (e.g., St. Louis County $30 every 3 years; Kansas City $181 every 4 years)
Renewal period	Varies by jurisdiction (commonly every 3-4 years)
Continuing education	Varies (e.g., St. Louis County: 12 professional-education units per 3-year renewal; Kansas City: none).
Bond required	No statewide bond. Local contractor bonds vary (e.g., Jefferson City $5,000; Kansas City $10,000; Springfield $10,000).
Liability insurance	No statewide minimum; local contractor licenses require proof of insurance (amounts vary)
Property damage	Not separately specified
Workers' comp	Required for any construction employer with 1+ employees (RSMo 287.030)
Background check	Not a stated statutory requirement.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	No statewide program. RSMo 341.170 allows experience credit from jurisdictions with equivalent plumbing laws; some cities accept out-of-state exam scores (75%+).
Processing time	Varies by jurisdiction.

Exams

Local plumbing exam (e.g., St. Louis County board; Prometric/ICC in Kansas City)	Provider: Local boards or Prometric/ICC · Passing: 75% (St. Louis County; Springfield) · Fee: $30 (St. Louis County); $100 (Kansas City)

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Local / municipal notes

Missouri has no statewide plumbing license. RSMo Ch. 341 requires cities/towns over 15,000 population to examine and license journeyman and master plumbers. Key jurisdictions: St. Louis County (5-year apprenticeship; $30 license; 3-year renewal; 12 CEUs), Kansas City (2-year apprenticeship; $60 + $100 exam; $10,000 contractor bond), Jefferson City ($114; contractor $227 + $5,000 bond), Springfield (ICC exam ~$125; $10,000 bond). Columbia has its own Board of Plumbing Examiners.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Missouri plumber license cost?

Application: Varies by jurisdiction (e.g., St. Louis County $30; Kansas City $60 + $100 exam; Jefferson City $114). License: Varies by jurisdiction. Renewal: Varies (e.g., St. Louis County $30 every 3 years; Kansas City $181 every 4 years).

Do plumbers in Missouri need a surety bond?

No statewide bond. Local contractor bonds vary (e.g., Jefferson City $5,000; Kansas City $10,000; Springfield $10,000).

What experience is required for a Missouri plumber license?

State statute (RSMo 341.170): Journeyman — age 21+, 5-year apprenticeship under a licensed master. Master — age 25+, 3+ years as a licensed journeyman. Local minimums vary (e.g., Kansas City: 2-year apprenticeship for journeyman; 1 year as a journeyman for master).

Is insurance required for plumbers in Missouri?

Liability: No statewide minimum; local contractor licenses require proof of insurance (amounts vary) Workers' compensation: Required for any construction employer with 1+ employees (RSMo 287.030)

How often must a Missouri plumber license be renewed?

Varies by jurisdiction (commonly every 3-4 years). Continuing education: Varies (e.g., St. Louis County: 12 professional-education units per 3-year renewal; Kansas City: none).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-24 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Local boards of plumbing examiners (jurisdictions over 15,000 population), per RSMo Chapter 341 before applying. This is not legal advice.