Official-source review: August 24, 2026
Minnesota plumbing license: Minnesota requires unlicensed plumbing workers to register and work under supervision. Journeyworker exam applicants generally document four years of practical experience, including 2,000 hours each in water distribution and DWV plus 1,000 fixture hours; contractor businesses designate an active Master Plumber.
What the Minnesota plumbing license covers
Minnesota requires unlicensed plumbing workers to register and work under supervision. Journeyworker exam applicants generally document four years of practical experience, including 2,000 hours each in water distribution and DWV plus 1,000 fixture hours; contractor businesses designate an active Master Plumber.
- Plumbing work within the individual and contractor licenses.
- Work only within the credential issued.
- Obtain every permit and inspection.
Compare related occupations and states in the License Finder.
Minnesota plumbing license requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | Registered unlicensed plumber to Journeyworker and Master Plumber plus licensed plumbing contractor |
| Experience | Journeyworker: four years of recorded practical experience or an approved equivalent route; Master follows the published licensed-experience requirements. |
| Exam | Pass the 5.5-hour examination unless approved through plumbing reciprocity. |
| Fees | Registration, examination, individual, contractor, bond and permit fees apply; initial unlicensed registration is published at $14. |
| Insurance or bond | Maintain every bond, insurance and workers compensation requirement attached to the business and project. |
| Renewal | Personal licenses renew biennially; unlicensed registrations expire June 30 annually. |
Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.
How to complete the Minnesota plumbing license process
- Identify every individual and business credential triggered.
- Complete required education and documented experience.
- Obtain approval and pass each examination.
- Submit applications, records and fees.
- Complete bond, insurance, business and permit requirements.
- Renew on time and retain records.
Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.
Important Minnesota rules and boundaries
- Individual and company credentials may be separate.
- State licensing does not replace local permits.
- Related classifications are not interchangeable.
- The responsible authority makes the final decision.
Minnesota may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.
Minnesota plumbing license cost and renewal
Budget separately for applications, exams, training, bonds, insurance, business filings and permits.
Renew individual and company credentials separately and verify current fees.
Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.
Minnesota plumbing license checklist
- Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
- Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
- Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
- Use the current official form and fee schedule.
- Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
- File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
- Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
- Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this credential statewide?
The principal credential is statewide, but local permits and inspections remain separate.
Is an exam required?
Pass the 5.5-hour examination unless approved through plumbing reciprocity.
When does it renew?
Personal licenses renew biennially; unlicensed registrations expire June 30 annually.
Are local permits separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Jurisdiction
- state license, certification, registration or bond plus local permits, depending on scope
- Licensing authority
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
- Fees
- Registration, examination, individual, contractor, bond and permit fees apply; initial unlicensed registration is published at $14.
- Experience
- Journeyworker: four years of recorded practical experience or an approved equivalent route; Master follows the published licensed-experience requirements.
- Exams
- Pass the 5.5-hour examination unless approved through plumbing reciprocity.
- Insurance or bond
- Maintain every bond, insurance and workers compensation requirement attached to the business and project.
- Continuing education
- Complete required code continuing education; registered unlicensed plumbers complete two hours annually.
- Renewal period
- Personal licenses renew biennially; unlicensed registrations expire June 30 annually.
Official sources
Official sources last checked August 23, 2026.
Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.