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.
Pass the Written Exam and Practical Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability (NYC DOB licensing insurance guidelines); DOB states no aggregate figure. 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.
Clear the background check. Background investigation by NYC Department of Buildings required after passing both exams
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New York City Department of Buildings — No separate application fee listed; exam fees are $585 (written) and $530 (practical) application fee, plus a $200 license fee + $50 seal fee (new license) license fee. Processing time: 2-4 weeks after passing exams and background check clearance.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 3 years. Continuing education: 7 hours per 3-year renewal cycle.

For the general path in every state, see the Plumber guide →

New York plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in New York — 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 a810-bisweb.nyc.gov database →

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.
Application fee	No separate application fee listed; exam fees are $585 (written) and $530 (practical)
License fee	$200 license fee + $50 seal fee (new license)
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 general liability (NYC DOB licensing insurance guidelines); DOB states no aggregate figure
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	Background investigation by NYC Department of Buildings required after passing both exams
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None · other states' agreements
Processing time	2-4 weeks after passing exams and background check clearance

What a New York plumber license costs

Application fee	No separate application fee listed; exam fees are $585 (written) and $530 (practical).
License fee	$200 license fee + $50 seal fee (new license).
Written Exam	$585.
Practical Exam	$530.
Surety bond	None required.
Renewal fee	$225 every 3 years ($150 license + $75 seal).
Renewal period	Every 3 years.

Exams

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

Renewing a New York plumber license

The Master Plumber License renews on a fixed cycle set by the New York City Department of Buildings. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Every 3 years
Renewal fee	$225 every 3 years ($150 license + $75 seal)
Continuing education	7 hours per 3-year renewal cycle
Where to renew	New York City Department of Buildings

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: No separate application fee listed; exam fees are $585 (written) and $530 (practical). License: $200 license fee + $50 seal fee (new license). Renewal: $225 every 3 years ($150 license + $75 seal).

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

Search the official license database at a810-bisweb.nyc.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

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.

Is insurance required for plumbers in New York?

Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability (NYC DOB licensing insurance guidelines); DOB states no aggregate figure. 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 long does it take to get a New York plumber license?

Processing time: 2-4 weeks after passing exams and background check clearance.

Is a background check required for plumbers in New York?

Background check: Background investigation by NYC Department of Buildings required after passing both exams.

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.