Plumber License Requirements in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Plumbing Division (LARA/BCC) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber / Plumbing Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 6,000 hours (3 years) as a registered apprentice. Master: additional 4,000 hours (2 years) as a licensed journeyman immediately preceding application. Plumbing Contractor: same experience as Master plus proof of being an owner or officer of a Michigan plumbing business. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam + Plumbing Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours Journeyman: 5 hours every 3 years; Master/Contractor: 6 hours every 3 years. A 5-hour code update course is required within 1 year whenever a new Michigan Plumbing Code edition takes effect. |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Master Plumber application | $300 |
| Plumbing Contractor application | $300 |
| Apprentice registration | $15 |
| Master/Contractor renewal (3 years) | $300 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,055 |
Renewal: $40 every 1 year for Journeyman (April 30 deadline); 3 years for Master/Contractor
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Plumbing Contractor Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Apprentice
Entry level — must register within 30 days of employment ($15 fee)
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
6,000 hours (3 years) as a registered apprentice
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
4,000 hours (2 years) as a licensed journeyman plumber immediately preceding application
Exam: Required
Plumbing Contractor
Same as Master Plumber plus proof of ownership/officer status of a plumbing business in Michigan
Exam: Required
Notes
- Apprentices must register within 30 days of employment
- All plumbing exams are open book
- Out-of-state plumbers must take the Michigan exam but can receive partial credit for prior experience with notarized documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires a statewide plumber license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Plumbing Division.
How much does a plumber license cost in Michigan?
The estimated initial cost is $140, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC