How to get a plumbing license in Iowa
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL) licenses plumbing contractors in Iowa. The Active Iowa Construction Contractor Registrations (Iowa Data Hub dataset 1052), Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing lists 1,436 active plumbing records as of October 5, 2026.
Who licenses plumbing work in Iowa
| Credential | State license |
|---|---|
| Board | Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL) official statement |
| Official lookup | Search plumbing licenses |
| License types | Apprentice License, Journey Level License, Master Level License, Contractor License, Specialty licenses |
How to get licensed
- Apply to DIAL for a credential such as Apprentice License, Journey Level License or Master Level License.
- Yes. The contractor must hold or employ a master of record, and master licenses require passing the board master exam for the discipline. source
- Experience: 2 years (Master of record: a journeyperson license plus two years of journeyperson work experience in the discipline (journeyperson exam requires a 36-month registered apprenticeship)). source
- Post a surety (performance) bond of at least $5,000 covering the contractor's customers, plus the $25,000 registration bond if based out of state. source
- Carry public liability insurance of at least $500,000. source
- Pay the new contractor license plus contractor registration, full 3-year period ($250 license plus $150 registration); prorated lower later in the period: $400. source
- Licenses run on a fixed 3-year period (current period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029). source
Plumbing requirements in Iowa
| Exam | Yes. The contractor must hold or employ a master of record, and master licenses require passing the board master exam for the discipline. source |
|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years (Master of record: a journeyperson license plus two years of journeyperson work experience in the discipline (journeyperson exam requires a 36-month registered apprenticeship)). source |
| Bond | Surety (performance) bond of at least $5,000 covering the contractor's customers, plus the $25,000 registration bond if based out of state. source |
| Insurance | Public liability insurance of at least $500,000. source |
| Renewal | Licenses run on a fixed 3-year period (current period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029). source |
| Reciprocity | Reciprocity with South Dakota for journeyperson and master plumbing licenses obtained by written exam; no reciprocity found for the contractor license itself. source |
| Fees |
|
Hiring a plumbing contractor?
See every official lookup in Iowa, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need a plumbing license in Iowa?
- Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL) licenses plumbing contractors in Iowa.
- How do I check a plumbing license in Iowa?
- The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL) keeps the record for plumbing contractors in Iowa. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
- How much does a plumbing license cost in Iowa?
- $400 (New contractor license plus contractor registration, full 3-year period ($250 license plus $150 registration); prorated lower later in the period). $250 (Contractor license renewal fee per 3-year period (registration fee added)). $150 (Contractor registration renewal fee per 3-year period (license fee added)). $240 (Master license fee per 3-year period). $35 (Exam application fee per trade exam, paid to the board). $95 (Exam sitting fee paid to Kirkwood Community College for each attempt). $25 (Extra fee for a paper contractor application). $60 (Late renewal fee per license after August 1).
- How much experience do you need for a plumbing license in Iowa?
- 2 years (Master of record: a journeyperson license plus two years of journeyperson work experience in the discipline (journeyperson exam requires a 36-month registered apprenticeship)).
- How often does a plumbing license renew in Iowa?
- Licenses run on a fixed 3-year period (current period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029).
Other trades in Iowa
- General contractor license in Iowa
- Electrical license in Iowa
- HVAC license in Iowa
- Roofing license in Iowa
- All Iowa trades
Plumbing license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical
- https://amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us/adpereh/portal/#/public/public-search
- https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure/contractor-license
- https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure/master-license
- https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure/examination
- https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure/licensing-period-fees
- https://data.iowa.gov/datasets/1052
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.