Nebraska Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: No statewide license — Omaha Master Plumber License · Issued by the City of Omaha Planning Department.
🔧 PlumberNE ✔ Verified 2026-07-11
In Nebraska, plumbers must hold the No statewide license — Omaha Master Plumber License, issued by the City of Omaha Planning Department, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed plumber in Nebraska
Nebraska 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. Nebraska 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. —
- Post any local bond. $10,000 (master plumbers)
- Register and pay the local fees. $75 (Master exam fee)
- Renew on your city's schedule. Up to 2 years; journeyman and master licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Nebraska plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Nebraska — 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.
License types
- Apprentice Plumber — Initial registration; board approval required
- Journeyman Plumber — Requires 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent experience; exam required
- Master Plumber — Requires 4 years journeyman experience; exam and additional qualifications required
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Apprentice: 4 years on-the-job training (300+ hours annually); Journeyman: completion of 4-year apprenticeship program with 696+ classroom hours, or equivalent training and on-the-job experience, or 7+ years work experience (300+ hours annually); Master: 4+ years as licensed journeyman in Omaha |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $75 (Master exam fee) |
| License fee | $108 (City of Omaha master plumber license) |
| Renewal fee | $75 (Master renewal) |
| Renewal period | Up to 2 years; journeyman and master licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Continuing education | 8 continuing education hours required for renewal |
| Bond required | $10,000 (master plumbers) |
| Liability insurance | — |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | — |
| Background check | — |
| Credit requirement | — |
| Reciprocity | None |
| Processing time | — |
Exams
| Journeyman Plumber Exam | Provider: City of Omaha · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $50 |
|---|---|
| Master Plumber Exam | Provider: City of Omaha · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $75 |
Local / municipal notes
These are City of Omaha plumbing licensing requirements. Nebraska has no statewide plumber license; each municipality sets its own requirements. Other cities and jurisdictions in Nebraska may have different or no formal plumbing licensing programs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nebraska plumber license cost?
Application: $75 (Master exam fee). License: $108 (City of Omaha master plumber license). Renewal: $75 (Master renewal).
How do I look up a plumber license in Nebraska?
Search the official license database at aca-prod.accela.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do plumbers in Nebraska need a surety bond?
$10,000 (master plumbers)
What experience is required for a Nebraska plumber license?
Apprentice: 4 years on-the-job training (300+ hours annually); Journeyman: completion of 4-year apprenticeship program with 696+ classroom hours, or equivalent training and on-the-job experience, or 7+ years work experience (300+ hours annually); Master: 4+ years as licensed journeyman in Omaha
Is insurance required for plumbers in Nebraska?
Liability: — Workers' compensation: —
How often must a Nebraska plumber license be renewed?
Up to 2 years; journeyman and master licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years. Continuing education: 8 continuing education hours required for renewal
Official sources
planning.cityofomaha.org/boards/plumbing-board
permits.cityofomaha.org/licensing-information
aca-prod.accela.com/OMAHA/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=Licenses&TabName=Home