Plumber License Requirements in Minnesota
| Licensing Authority | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Plumbing Board (DLI) |
| License Type | Journeyworker / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyworker: 4 years (7,000 hours) of practical plumbing experience under a licensed plumber. Master: journeyworker license + 1 additional year (1,750 hours) working as a journeyworker plumber. |
| Education Substitute | DLI-approved plumbing apprenticeship programs satisfy the experience requirement. Technical school plumbing programs may count toward hours at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyworker Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $38 |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $38 |
| Est. Initial Total | $126 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Journeyworker initial license | $38 |
| Journeyworker renewal | $43 |
| Master Plumber initial license | $68 |
| Master Plumber renewal | $73 |
| Plumbing Contractor license | $128 |
| Exam fee | $50 |
Renewal: $43 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyworker Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: DLI
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 Minnesota
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 Minnesota. 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 register with DLI, work under licensed plumber supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyworker Plumber
4 years (7,000 hours) of practical plumbing experience under a licensed plumber
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Journeyworker license + 1 additional year (1,750 hours) as a journeyworker
Exam: Required
Notes
- Minnesota has very low licensing fees compared to most states
- Exams are 5.5 hours long
- Plumbing contractor license requires a master plumber on staff
- Contractor may work statewide with a single license
You're licensed in Minnesota 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.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Plumbing Board issues the Journeyworker / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Minnesota 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.
Minnesota requires a $25,000 surety bond. Plumbing contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond with DLI. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Minnesota requires general liability insurance for this license. Plumbing contractors must maintain general liability insurance and workers comp. A plumbing contractor must have a licensed master plumber as a responsible individual at all times. 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 $43. Continuing education: 16 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Minnesota
- General Contractor license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $200 in initial government fees · DLI
- Electrician license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $64 in initial government fees · DLI
- HVAC Technician license in Minnesota
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Minnesota
Statewide license required · $180 in initial government fees · DLI
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota requires a statewide plumber license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Plumbing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Minnesota?
The estimated initial cost is $126, including application, exam, and license fees. A $25,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Minnesota?
Journeyworker: 4 years (7,000 hours) of practical plumbing experience under a licensed plumber. Master: journeyworker license + 1 additional year (1,750 hours) working as a journeyworker plumber. Education substitute: DLI-approved plumbing apprenticeship programs satisfy the experience requirement. Technical school plumbing programs may count toward hours at the Board's discretion.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Minnesota?
You must pass the Journeyworker Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by DLI.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Minnesota?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required. Plumbing contractors must file a $25,000 surety bond with DLI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Minnesota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Minnesota?
Yes, 16 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Minnesota— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLI