New York Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Master Plumber License · Issued by the New York City Department of Buildings.

🔧 PlumberNY ✔ Verified 2026-06-25

In New York, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber License, issued by the New York City Department of Buildings, 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 York

Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the New York City Department of Buildings; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Minimum 7 years total experience within the 10 years prior to application in plumbing installation, planning, and design under direct supervision of a Licensed Master Plumber; at least 2 years as a registered Journeyman Plumber. Alternatively, Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 5 years relevant experience, or Professional Engineer/Architect with 3 years design/installation experience, or government employee with 7 years total experience. Military service credit permitted up to one-third of required experience.
Pass the Written Exam and Practical Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate (historically required by NYC DOB; verify current thresholds)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Required; fingerprinting and background investigation by NYC Department of Buildings
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New York City Department of Buildings — $750 (includes $500 background check + $200 license issuance + $50 seal) application fee, plus a Included in application license fee. Processing time: 2-4 weeks after passing exams and background check clearance.
Keep the license active. Renew every 3 years, completing 7 hours per 3-year renewal cycle.

License types

Master Plumber — May file permit applications, supervise journeyman plumbers and apprentices, run a plumbing contracting business, and assume legal responsibility for code-compliant installation
Journeyman Plumber — Installation and repair work only under direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber; no independent permit-filing authority

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 7 years total experience within the 10 years prior to application in plumbing installation, planning, and design under direct supervision of a Licensed Master Plumber; at least 2 years as a registered Journeyman Plumber. Alternatively, Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 5 years relevant experience, or Professional Engineer/Architect with 3 years design/installation experience, or government employee with 7 years total experience. Military service credit permitted up to one-third of required experience.
Application fee	$750 (includes $500 background check + $200 license issuance + $50 seal)
License fee	Included in application
Renewal fee	$225 every 3 years ($150 license + $75 seal)
Renewal period	Every 3 years
Continuing education	7 hours per 3-year renewal cycle
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	$1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate (historically required by NYC DOB; verify current thresholds)
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Mandated under New York Workers' Compensation Law §10 for employers with one or more employees; Certificate of Workers' Compensation (Form C-105.2) required when pulling permits
Background check	Required; fingerprinting and background investigation by NYC Department of Buildings
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	2-4 weeks after passing exams and background check clearance

Exams

Written Exam	Provider: NYC Department of Buildings · Passing: 70% · Fee: $585
Practical Exam	Provider: NYC Department of Buildings · Passing: 70% · Fee: $530

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

Local / municipal notes

Plumbing licensing in New York is governed at the municipal level, not statewide. NYC is the primary urban licensing jurisdiction. Different municipalities (Buffalo, Rochester, Huntington, Troy, etc.) may have separate examining boards and varying requirements. Master Plumber applicants must be an officer, partner, or sole proprietor of a business with a place of business in NYC complying with Zoning Code regulations (commercial zone). Journeyman Plumber registration ($50 fee) never expires and does not require renewal but is NOT a license—holders cannot perform work independently in NYC.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New York plumber license cost?

Application: $750 (includes $500 background check + $200 license issuance + $50 seal). License: Included in application. Renewal: $225 every 3 years ($150 license + $75 seal).

Do plumbers in New York need a surety bond?

None required

What experience is required for a New York plumber license?

Minimum 7 years total experience within the 10 years prior to application in plumbing installation, planning, and design under direct supervision of a Licensed Master Plumber; at least 2 years as a registered Journeyman Plumber. Alternatively, Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 5 years relevant experience, or Professional Engineer/Architect with 3 years design/installation experience, or government employee with 7 years total experience. Military service credit permitted up to one-third of required experience.

Is insurance required for plumbers in New York?

Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate (historically required by NYC DOB; verify current thresholds) Workers' compensation: Mandated under New York Workers' Compensation Law §10 for employers with one or more employees; Certificate of Workers' Compensation (Form C-105.2) required when pulling permits

How often must a New York plumber license be renewed?

Every 3 years. Continuing education: 7 hours per 3-year renewal cycle

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-25 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New York City Department of Buildings before applying. This is not legal advice.