Official-source review: August 24, 2026
Missouri water well driller license: Missouri DNR permits well and pump installation contractors and apprentices. Applicants use the Well Information Management System, pass the applicable open-book test at 70 percent or higher, submit the contractor application and fee, provide financial assurance and register vehicles as required.
What the Missouri water well driller license covers
Missouri DNR permits well and pump installation contractors and apprentices. Applicants use the Well Information Management System, pass the applicable open-book test at 70 percent or higher, submit the contractor application and fee, provide financial assurance and register vehicles as required.
- Well drilling, pump installation and related contracting within the DNR permit class.
- Work only within the authority issued.
- Obtain every project permit and inspection.
Compare related occupations and states in the License Finder.
Missouri water well driller license requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | DNR Well or Pump Installation Contractor permit, apprentice route, open-book testing and financial assurance |
| Experience | Complete the applicable apprentice and experience route for the contractor permit class. |
| Exam | Pass the applicable open-book online test with at least 70 percent. |
| Fees | DNR lists a $50 combined testing fee and $150 contractor/apprentice permit application fee; financial assurance and vehicle costs are separate. |
| Insurance or bond | Maintain required business, liability, bond, workers compensation and project coverage. |
| Renewal | Renew the permit and financial assurance on the DNR schedule. |
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 Missouri water well driller license process
- Classify the work and jurisdiction.
- Complete education and experience.
- Apply and pass required examinations.
- Register the business and provide insurance or bond.
- Obtain permits and inspections.
- Renew credentials 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 Missouri rules and boundaries
- State and local credentials may overlap.
- Business and individual credentials are separate.
- Licensing does not replace permits.
- The responsible authority makes the final decision.
Missouri 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.
Missouri water well driller license cost and renewal
Budget separately for training, exams, applications, insurance, business filings and permits.
Renew each state and local credential 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.
Missouri water well driller 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 guide identifies whether the credential is statewide, optional statewide or local; permits and inspections remain separate.
Is an exam required?
Pass the applicable open-book online test with at least 70 percent.
When does it renew?
Renew the permit and financial assurance on the DNR schedule.
Are permits separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Jurisdiction
- state credential or local contractor license, depending on scope
- Licensing authority
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Well Installation Section
- Fees
- DNR lists a $50 combined testing fee and $150 contractor/apprentice permit application fee; financial assurance and vehicle costs are separate.
- Experience
- Complete the applicable apprentice and experience route for the contractor permit class.
- Exams
- Pass the applicable open-book online test with at least 70 percent.
- Insurance or bond
- Maintain required business, liability, bond, workers compensation and project coverage.
- Continuing education
- Complete every education and continuing-education requirement published for the credential.
- Renewal period
- Renew the permit and financial assurance on the DNR schedule.
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.