Plumber License Requirements in Idaho
| Licensing Authority | Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Plumbing Board (DOPL) |
| License Type | Plumbing Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours work experience and 576 hours classroom instruction as a registered apprentice. Contractor: Must hold a journeyman plumber license. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited plumbing or mechanical engineering program may reduce apprenticeship hours |
| Exam Required | Yes — Plumbing Journeyman Exam + Plumbing Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $2,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $147 |
| Est. Initial Total | $257 |
Exam Requirements
Plumbing Journeyman Exam
Plumbing Contractor 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 Idaho
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 Idaho. 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
Plumbing Apprentice
Must register before beginning work
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
8,000 hours work experience + 576 hours classroom instruction
Exam: Required
Plumbing Contractor
Must hold journeyman license
Exam: Required
You're licensed in Idaho 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 Occupational and Professional Licenses — Plumbing Board issues the Plumbing Contractor; the business that invoices Idaho 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.
Idaho requires a $2,000 surety bond. $2,000 compliance surety bond required for plumbing contractors, must be maintained throughout licensing period. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Idaho requires general liability insurance for this license. General liability insurance required. Workers comp required for all employers. 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 3 years.
Other licenses in Idaho
- General Contractor license in Idaho
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · DOPL
- Electrician license in Idaho
Statewide license required · $145 in initial government fees · DOPL
- HVAC Technician license in Idaho
Statewide license required · $135 in initial government fees · DOPL
- Roofing Contractor license in Idaho
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · DOPL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho requires a statewide plumber license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Plumbing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Idaho?
The estimated initial cost is $257, including application, exam, and license fees. A $2,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Idaho?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours work experience and 576 hours classroom instruction as a registered apprentice. Contractor: Must hold a journeyman plumber license. Education substitute: Accredited plumbing or mechanical engineering program may reduce apprenticeship hours
What exams are required for a plumber license in Idaho?
You must pass the Plumbing Journeyman Exam and Plumbing Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Idaho?
Yes, a $2,000 surety bond is required. $2,000 compliance surety bond required for plumbing contractors, must be maintained throughout licensing period.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Idaho?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Idaho?
No, Idaho does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Idaho— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DOPL