Plumber License Requirements in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (DPR) |
| License Type | Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | With journeyman certificate: Complete apprenticeship program plus 2 years work experience under a master plumber. Without journeyman certificate: 7 years work experience under a master plumber. |
| Education Substitute | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program (4 years, 144+ hours/year classroom) satisfies journeyperson requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $153 |
| Est. Initial Total | $153 |
Renewal: $153 every 2 years (expires October 31 of even years)
Exam Requirements
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: ProV
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Delaware
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Delaware. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Notes
- 2026 change: Continuing education (5 hours per renewal period) is now required for plumbers starting October 31, 2026
- Master Plumber exam is open-book
You're licensed in Delaware as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners issues the Master Plumber; the business that invoices Delaware customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Carry general liability insurance.
Delaware does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Plumbing contractors must also register with the Division of Revenue and obtain the required contractor insurance. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years (expires October 31 of even years) at $153. Continuing education: 5 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Delaware
- General Contractor license in Delaware
Statewide registration, not a license · $200 in fees · DOR
- Electrician license in Delaware
Statewide license required · $172 in initial government fees · DPR
- HVAC Technician license in Delaware
Statewide license required · $153 in initial government fees · DPR
- Roofing Contractor license in Delaware
Statewide registration, not a license · $200 in fees · DOR
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware requires a statewide plumber license through the Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.
How much does a plumber license cost in Delaware?
The estimated initial cost is $153, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Delaware?
With journeyman certificate: Complete apprenticeship program plus 2 years work experience under a master plumber. Without journeyman certificate: 7 years work experience under a master plumber. Education substitute: Completion of a registered apprenticeship program (4 years, 144+ hours/year classroom) satisfies journeyperson requirements
What exams are required for a plumber license in Delaware?
You must pass the Master Plumber Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by ProV.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Delaware?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Delaware?
Yes, 5 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Delaware— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DPR