North Dakota Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber License · Issued by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.

🔧 PlumberND ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In North Dakota, plumbers must hold the Plumber License, issued by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in North Dakota

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the North Dakota State Plumbing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Apprentice: at least 18 and must register within 30 days of starting work in the trade; Journeyman: 4 years of work experience and 7,600 hours working under a licensed Master plumber; Master: at least 21 with 2 years (3,400 hours) as a licensed Journeyman plumber (NDAC 62-02-01-01).
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the North Dakota State Plumbing Board — $50 application fee, plus a $100 (journeyman); $200 (master) license fee.
Keep the license active. Renewal: 1 year (expires December 31 annually). Continuing education: 2-4 credit hours within a 2-year period for Journeyman and Master plumbers.

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

North Dakota plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in North Dakota — 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 ndplumbingboard.gov database →

License types

Master Plumber — Design, installation, and repair of plumbing systems; can supervise apprentices and journeymen
Journeyman Plumber — Installation and repair of plumbing systems under master or journeyman supervision
Apprentice Plumber — Learning plumbing trade under supervision of a licensed master or journeyman

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Apprentice: at least 18 and must register within 30 days of starting work in the trade; Journeyman: 4 years of work experience and 7,600 hours working under a licensed Master plumber; Master: at least 21 with 2 years (3,400 hours) as a licensed Journeyman plumber (NDAC 62-02-01-01).
Application fee	$50
License fee	$100 (journeyman); $200 (master)
Renewal fee	$100 (Journeyman); $200 (Master)
Renewal period	1 year (expires December 31 annually)
Continuing education	2-4 credit hours within a 2-year period for Journeyman and Master plumbers
Bond required	—
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	—
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	South Dakota; Minnesota; Montana · compare all states
Processing time	—

What a North Dakota plumber license costs

Application fee	$50.
License fee	$100 (journeyman); $200 (master).
Journeyman Plumber Exam	$50.
Master Plumber Exam	$50.
Renewal fee	$100 (Journeyman); $200 (Master).
Renewal period	1 year (expires December 31 annually).

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Exam	Provider: Board-approved testing vendor · Passing: 70% · Fee: $50
Master Plumber Exam	Provider: Board-approved testing vendor · Passing: 80% · Fee: $50

Renewing a North Dakota plumber license

The Plumber License renews on a fixed cycle set by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. 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	1 year (expires December 31 annually)
Renewal fee	$100 (Journeyman); $200 (Master)
Continuing education	2-4 credit hours within a 2-year period for Journeyman and Master plumbers
Where to renew	North Dakota State Plumbing Board

Local / municipal notes

Some municipalities have local bonding requirements (e.g., Jamestown requires $10,000 bond; Grand Forks requires $5,000 bond for plumbing contractors); contact local jurisdiction for specifics

Frequently asked questions

How much does a North Dakota plumber license cost?

Application: $50. License: $100 (journeyman); $200 (master). Renewal: $100 (Journeyman); $200 (Master).

How do I look up a plumber license in North Dakota?

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

Do plumbers in North Dakota need a surety bond?

Not stated by the board.

What experience is required for a North Dakota plumber license?

Apprentice: at least 18 and must register within 30 days of starting work in the trade; Journeyman: 4 years of work experience and 7,600 hours working under a licensed Master plumber; Master: at least 21 with 2 years (3,400 hours) as a licensed Journeyman plumber (NDAC 62-02-01-01).

How often must a North Dakota plumber license be renewed?

1 year (expires December 31 annually). Continuing education: 2-4 credit hours within a 2-year period for Journeyman and Master plumbers.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the North Dakota State Plumbing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.