New Hampshire Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Journeyman Plumber · Issued by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board.

🔧 PlumberNH ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In New Hampshire, plumbers must hold the Journeyman Plumber, issued by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board, 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 New Hampshire

Follow these steps to earn your Journeyman Plumber. Every figure is verified against the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 8,000 hours on-the-job experience in plumbing trades (or equivalent out-of-state journeyman license) plus 600+ hours classroom education. Master: Minimum 6 months as licensed New Hampshire journeyman plumber with no disciplinary sanctions in past year.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Criminal records check required for applicants with felony convictions or crimes involving dishonesty. Applicants must demonstrate good character and professional competence.
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board — $198 (journeyman); $330 (master) — flat fee, identical for application and renewal application fee, plus a Included in the flat fee license fee. Processing time: 10 business days (standard); expedited processing available for $25 additional fee.
Keep the license active. Renew 2 years from issuance; expires the last day of the month the license was issued (RSA 310-A:1-h), completing 6 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours code update per year).

New Hampshire plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in New Hampshire — 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 oplc.nh.gov database →

License types

Apprentice Plumber — Plumbing work under direct supervision of a Master Plumber
Journeyman Plumber — Installing, maintaining, and repairing of plumbing and drainage under the direction of a Master Plumber
Master Plumber — Can hire/employ plumbers or do plumbing work as a business without supervision

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 8,000 hours on-the-job experience in plumbing trades (or equivalent out-of-state journeyman license) plus 600+ hours classroom education. Master: Minimum 6 months as licensed New Hampshire journeyman plumber with no disciplinary sanctions in past year.
Application fee	$198 (journeyman); $330 (master) — flat fee, identical for application and renewal
License fee	Included in the flat fee
Renewal fee	$198 (journeyman); $330 (master)
Renewal period	2 years from issuance; expires the last day of the month the license was issued (RSA 310-A:1-h)
Continuing education	6 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours code update per year)
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if business has employees (governed by RSA 281-A)
Background check	Criminal records check required for applicants with felony convictions or crimes involving dishonesty. Applicants must demonstrate good character and professional competence.
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Vermont; Maine
Processing time	10 business days (standard); expedited processing available for $25 additional fee

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Exam	Provider: Prov, Inc. · Passing: 70% · Fee: $90
Master Plumber Exam	Provider: Prov, Inc. · Passing: 75% · Fee: $90

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

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Hampshire plumber license cost?

Application: $198 (journeyman); $330 (master) — flat fee, identical for application and renewal. License: Included in the flat fee. Renewal: $198 (journeyman); $330 (master).

How do I look up a plumber license in New Hampshire?

Search the official license database at oplc.nh.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in New Hampshire need a surety bond?

None required

What experience is required for a New Hampshire plumber license?

Journeyman: 8,000 hours on-the-job experience in plumbing trades (or equivalent out-of-state journeyman license) plus 600+ hours classroom education. Master: Minimum 6 months as licensed New Hampshire journeyman plumber with no disciplinary sanctions in past year.

Is insurance required for plumbers in New Hampshire?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: Required if business has employees (governed by RSA 281-A)

How often must a New Hampshire plumber license be renewed?

2 years from issuance; expires the last day of the month the license was issued (RSA 310-A:1-h). Continuing education: 6 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours code update per year)

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.