Plumber License Requirements in District of Columbia
| Licensing Authority | Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (BIT/DLCP) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised plumbing work under a licensed Master Plumber for Journeyman. Master requires additional experience beyond Journeyman level. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited plumbing or mechanical engineering degree may substitute for a portion of experience |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman/Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $52 |
| Initial License Fee | $110 |
| Est. Initial Total | $162 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master initial license | $120 |
| Master renewal | $155 |
| Contractor license | $120 |
| Contractor renewal | $180 |
Renewal: $110 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman/Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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 District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia. 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→License Tiers
Apprentice Plumber
Entry level — must work under licensed Master Plumber
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
8,000 hours (4 years) supervised plumbing work
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Journeyman license plus additional years as Journeyman
Exam: Required
You're licensed in District of Columbia 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 Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issues the Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber; the business that invoices District of Columbia 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.
Post the bond.
District of Columbia requires a $5,000 surety bond. $5,000 surety bond for plumbing contractors; renewed every 2 years with license. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
District of Columbia requires general liability insurance for this license. 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 at $110.
Other licenses in District of Columbia
- General Contractor license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $655 in initial government fees · DLCP
- Electrician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $162 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- HVAC Technician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- Roofing Contractor license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $295 in initial government fees · DLCP
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide plumber license through the Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How much does a plumber license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $162, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in District of Columbia?
8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised plumbing work under a licensed Master Plumber for Journeyman. Master requires additional experience beyond Journeyman level. Education substitute: Accredited plumbing or mechanical engineering degree may substitute for a portion of experience
What exams are required for a plumber license in District of Columbia?
You must pass the Journeyman/Master Plumber Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in District of Columbia?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. $5,000 surety bond for plumbing contractors; renewed every 2 years with license
How long does it take to get a plumber license in District of Columbia?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in District of Columbia?
No, District of Columbia does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in District of Columbia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BIT/DLCP