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How to get a plumbing license in Kentucky

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing licenses plumbing contractors in Kentucky.

Who licenses plumbing work in Kentucky

CredentialState license
BoardKentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing official statement
Official lookupSearch plumbing licenses
License typesMaster Plumber, Journeyman Plumber

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Kentucky Department of Housing as a Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber.
    Board page
  2. Exam required for master and journeyman plumber licenses (written and practical sections). source
  3. Experience: master plumber: a journeyman plumber license held at least 2 years within the past 5 (other routes exist for engineers and out-of-state plumbers). source
  4. Carry general liability insurance of at least $250,000, plus proof of workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance. source
  5. Pay the master plumber license fee: $250. source
  6. Plumber licenses renew every year by the end of the licensee's birth month. source

Plumbing requirements in Kentucky

Plumbing: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamExam required for master and journeyman plumber licenses (written and practical sections). source
ExperienceMaster plumber: a journeyman plumber license held at least 2 years within the past 5 (other routes exist for engineers and out-of-state plumbers). source
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance of at least $250,000, plus proof of workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance. source
RenewalPlumber licenses renew every year by the end of the licensee's birth month. source
ReciprocityReciprocity only with states that have a statewide plumbing code, an exam at least equal to Kentucky's, and agree to reciprocate. source
Fees
  • $250 (Master plumber license fee). source
  • $150 (Master plumber exam fee (non-refundable)). source
  • $250 (Master plumber annual renewal fee). source
  • $60 (Journeyman plumber license fee). source
  • $50 (Journeyman plumber exam fee (non-refundable)). source
  • $60 (Journeyman plumber annual renewal fee). source

Hiring a plumbing contractor?

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

How to verify a contractor license in Kentucky

Questions

Do you need a plumbing license in Kentucky?
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing licenses plumbing contractors in Kentucky.
How do I check a plumbing license in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing keeps the record for plumbing contractors in Kentucky. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a plumbing license cost in Kentucky?
$250 (Master plumber license fee). $150 (Master plumber exam fee (non-refundable)). $250 (Master plumber annual renewal fee). $60 (Journeyman plumber license fee). $50 (Journeyman plumber exam fee (non-refundable)). $60 (Journeyman plumber annual renewal fee).
How much experience do you need for a plumbing license in Kentucky?
Master plumber: a journeyman plumber license held at least 2 years within the past 5 (other routes exist for engineers and out-of-state plumbers).
How often does a plumbing license renew in Kentucky?
Plumber licenses renew every year by the end of the licensee's birth month.

Other trades in Kentucky

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.