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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $140 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master Plumber application | $300 |
| Plumbing Contractor application | $300 |
| Apprentice registration | $15 |
| Master/Contractor renewal (3 years) | $300 |
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
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 Michigan
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 Michigan. 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
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
You're licensed in Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Plumbing Division issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber / Plumbing Contractor; the business that invoices Michigan 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.
Bond: none required by the state.
Michigan does not require a surety bond for this license — No state-level surety bond required. Some local jurisdictions may require bonds ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Michigan requires general liability insurance for this license. Plumbing contractors must carry liability insurance: $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate recommended. Workers comp required if you have 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 year for Journeyman (April 30 deadline); 3 years for Master/Contractor at $40. 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.
Other licenses in Michigan
- General Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $312 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Electrician license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- HVAC Technician license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $325 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Roofing Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $302 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
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.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Michigan?
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.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Michigan?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam and Plumbing Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% (all exams are open book) is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Michigan?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Michigan?
Yes, 6 hours per 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. is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Michigan— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC