How do I check a plumbing license in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program keeps the record for plumbing contractors in Illinois. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.

How much does a plumbing license cost in Illinois?

Plumbing contractor annual registration fee of $150. Plumber's license fee of $150 (initial or renewal), paid by the individual plumber. Plumber's exam fee of $175 for an Illinois licensed apprentice. Plumber's exam fee of $225 for an applicant licensed in another state. Plumbing contractor reinstatement or late fee of $100.

How much experience do you need for a plumbing license in Illinois?

At least 4 years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber before the plumber's exam.

How often does a plumbing license renew in Illinois?

Every year: plumbing contractor registrations expire on the last day of September.

How to get a plumbing license in Illinois

Edited by John Voll. Last verified October 6, 2026.

Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program licenses plumbing contractors in Illinois.

Who licenses plumbing work in Illinois

Credential	State license
Board	Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program official statement
Official lookup	Search plumbing licenses We could not load this lookup when we checked, so confirm the link on the board site.
License types	Plumber, Apprentice Plumber, Plumbing Contractor (annual registration), Irrigation Contractor (annual registration)

How to get licensed

Apply to Illinois Department of Public Health for a credential such as Plumber, Apprentice Plumber or Plumbing Contractor (annual registration).
Board page
The licensed plumber behind the contractor must pass the state plumber's exam, held at least every three months. source
Experience: at least 4 years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber before the plumber's exam. source
Post a plumbing contractor indemnification bond or letter of credit of $20,000. source
Carry general liability of at least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate bodily injury, $50,000 property damage (or $300,000 combined single limit), and $500,000 workers' compensation employer's liability. source
Pay the plumbing contractor annual registration fee of $150: $150. source
Every year: plumbing contractor registrations expire on the last day of September. source

Plumbing requirements in Illinois

Plumbing: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
Exam	The licensed plumber behind the contractor must pass the state plumber's exam, held at least every three month. source
Experience	At least 4 years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber before the plumber's exam. source
Bond	Plumbing contractor indemnification bond or letter of credit of $20,000. source
Insurance	General liability of at least $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate bodily injury, $50,000 property damage (or $300,000 combined single limit), and $500,000 workers' compensation employer's liability. source
Renewal	Every year: plumbing contractor registrations expire on the last day of September. source
Reciprocity	No reciprocity: a plumber licensed in another state must still pass the Illinois plumber's exam. source
Fees	Plumbing contractor annual registration fee of $150. source Plumber's license fee of $150 (initial or renewal), paid by the individual plumber. source Plumber's exam fee of $175 for an Illinois licensed apprentice. source Plumber's exam fee of $225 for an applicant licensed in another state. source Plumbing contractor reinstatement or late fee of $100. source

Hiring a plumbing contractor?

See every official lookup in Illinois, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Illinois

Questions

Do you need a plumbing license in Illinois?: Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program licenses plumbing contractors in Illinois.
How do I check a plumbing license in Illinois?: The Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program keeps the record for plumbing contractors in Illinois. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a plumbing license cost in Illinois?: Plumbing contractor annual registration fee of $150. Plumber's license fee of $150 (initial or renewal), paid by the individual plumber. Plumber's exam fee of $175 for an Illinois licensed apprentice. Plumber's exam fee of $225 for an applicant licensed in another state. Plumbing contractor reinstatement or late fee of $100.
How much experience do you need for a plumbing license in Illinois?: At least 4 years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber before the plumber's exam.
How often does a plumbing license renew in Illinois?: Every year: plumbing contractor registrations expire on the last day of September.

Other trades in Illinois

Plumbing license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.