Plumber License Requirements in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) |
| License Type | Licensed Plumber / Plumbing Contractor Registration |
| Experience Required | Must be employed as a licensed apprentice plumber for a minimum of 4 years. Must have completed at least 2 years of high school or equivalent, plus an approved course of instruction through a college, university, or trade school. |
| Education Substitute | Completion of an approved college, university, or trade school plumbing program is required in addition to (not as a substitute for) the 4-year apprenticeship. Chicago plumber license holders may apply for a state license without examination via reciprocity. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Written Section + Drawing Section + Practical Section |
| Bond Required | Yes — $20,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours every year |
| Processing Time | Submit application at least 30 days before exam date. Overall process varies. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Exam Fee | $175 |
| Initial License Fee | $150 |
| Est. Initial Total | $500 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice license | $50 |
| Apprentice renewal | $100 |
| Plumbing Contractor registration | $150 |
| Plumbing Contractor renewal | $150 |
| Chicago/out-of-state exam application | $225 |
Renewal: $150 every 1 year (expires April 30)
Exam Requirements
Written Section
Drawing Section
Practical Section
Exam provider: Administered by IDPH
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 · 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 Illinois
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 Illinois. 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 be sponsored by licensed plumber or in approved apprenticeship program
Exam: Not required
Licensed Plumber
4 years as licensed apprentice + approved coursework
Exam: Required
Plumbing Contractor
Must hold a valid Illinois plumber license first
Exam: Not required
Notes
- Plumbing is regulated by IDPH, NOT by IDFPR
- Exams are offered on scheduled dates — check IDPH website for upcoming dates
- Chicago plumber license holders may obtain state license without exam via reciprocity
- Plumbing Contractor registration is separate from and in addition to the individual plumber license
- IDPH address: 525 W. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62761
You're licensed in Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Public Health issues the Licensed Plumber / Plumbing Contractor Registration; the business that invoices Illinois 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.
Illinois requires a $20,000 surety bond. Plumbing contractors must deposit cash or maintain a $20,000 surety/indemnification bond or letter of credit. Bond expires annually on September 30. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Illinois requires general liability insurance for this license. Plumbing contractors must carry: GL with $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury, $50,000 property damage (or $300,000 combined single limit). Workers comp with $500,000 employer's liability (sole proprietors/partnerships with no employees are exempt). IDPH must be listed as certificate holder. 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 year (expires April 30) at $150. Continuing education: 4 hours every year.
Other licenses in Illinois
- General Contractor license in Illinois
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Illinois
No statewide license — check local requirements
- HVAC Technician license in Illinois
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Illinois
Statewide license required · $351 in initial government fees · IDFPR
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois requires a statewide plumber license through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
How much does a plumber license cost in Illinois?
The estimated initial cost is $500, including application, exam, and license fees. A $20,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Illinois?
Must be employed as a licensed apprentice plumber for a minimum of 4 years. Must have completed at least 2 years of high school or equivalent, plus an approved course of instruction through a college, university, or trade school. Education substitute: Completion of an approved college, university, or trade school plumbing program is required in addition to (not as a substitute for) the 4-year apprenticeship. Chicago plumber license holders may apply for a state license without examination via reciprocity.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Illinois?
You must pass the Written Section and Drawing Section and Practical Section exams. A passing score of 61% minimum on each section, 75% overall to pass is required. Exams are administered by Administered by IDPH.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Illinois?
Yes, a $20,000 surety bond is required. Plumbing contractors must deposit cash or maintain a $20,000 surety/indemnification bond or letter of credit. Bond expires annually on September 30.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Illinois?
Processing time is typically Submit application at least 30 days before exam date. Overall process varies. after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Illinois?
Yes, 4 hours per every year is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Illinois— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: IDPH