Do you need a license to do Plumbing work in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires a state-issued Plumbing contractor license to perform Plumbing work. Per Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1808, an applicant for a Master Plumber license must either: (1) have received a journeyman's certificate issued in any state following completion of a plumbing apprenticeship program that meets or exceeds the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Standards, and thereafter performed plumbing services for 2 years under the supervision of a master plumber (or similar-licensee in another state); or (2) have performed plumbing services for 7 years under the supervision of a master plumber (or similar-licensee in another state), and thereafter successfully completed the apprenticeship equivalency test approved by the Board and administered by a Delaware vocational-technical school.

How much does an Plumbing license cost in Delaware?

Per the DPR Fee Schedule for the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, the Plumber license application fee is $173, and the Plumber or HVACR Temporary application fee is $40. Renewal fees are set biennially by the Division per Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1811 and are not enumerated in the cited page (DPR's general fee schedule notes the renewal fee is calculated biennially). Commercial Hood System Examination is $50.

How often do you renew an Plumbing license in Delaware?

Biennial (every two years), with late renewal permitted up to one year after the designated renewal date per Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1812(c). Inactive status is available for up to 5 years.

Does a Delaware Plumbing license transfer to other states?

Per Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1810, the Board grants a license by reciprocity to an applicant presenting proof of current licensure in good standing in another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to Delaware's, plus the verified evidence in § 1808(a)(3)-(5). Where the other jurisdiction's standards are not substantially similar, the applicant must have practiced for a minimum of 7 years after licensure. The DPR Master Plumber Licensure page identifies CT, IA, and MD as substantially similar; AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, MI, NH, NJ, NC, OH, RI, SC, VA, and WV as requiring 7 years' post-licensure practice; and any state not listed must be evaluated by the Board.

How to Get a Plumbing License in Delaware (2026 Guide)

Performing plumbing work in Delaware requires a specific Master Plumber license regulated by the state to ensure high standards of professional practice and public safety. This license is issued directly by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. This guide provides a definitive overview of the requirements, application process, and regulations for obtaining your Master Plumber license in Delaware.

Do You Need a Plumbing License in Delaware?

Yes, performing plumbing services in Delaware requires a Master Plumber license issued by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. State-level licensing ensures that all plumbers meet established standards for competency and knowledge, which protects public health and safety.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in Delaware

In Delaware, the primary license tier for independent plumbing work is the Master Plumber license, with an Apprentice Plumber designation for those working under supervision. The state licensing board directly oversees the Master Plumber credential, which is the focus of this guide.

Apprentice Plumber

An Apprentice Plumber is an individual in training who must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. This designation is the first step in the career path and is typically managed through approved apprenticeship programs registered with the Delaware Department of Labor. Apprentices are not licensed for independent practice.

Master Plumber

A licensed Master Plumber is authorized to independently perform and supervise all forms of plumbing work as defined by state regulations. This license holder is responsible for ensuring all installations and repairs comply with the Delaware Uniform Plumbing Code. The license is issued and governed by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.

Delaware Master Plumber License Requirements

To qualify for a Master Plumber license, you must meet specific criteria for age, education, and hands-on experience. The state provides two distinct pathways to fulfill the experience requirement.

Age and Education

The Board's rules establish the specific age and educational prerequisites for licensure; confirm the current minimum age and any high school diploma or GED requirements directly with the Board before applying.

Qualifying Experience Pathways

Per Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1808, applicants must satisfy the experience requirements through one of two distinct pathways:

Path 1: Certified Journeyman + Supervised Experience
- Obtain a journeyman's certificate from a plumbing apprenticeship program that meets or exceeds the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Standards.
- After receiving the certificate, perform plumbing services for an additional two years under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
Path 2: Extensive Supervised Experience + Apprenticeship Equivalency
- Perform plumbing services for a total of seven years under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
- After completing the seven years of experience, you must pass an apprenticeship equivalency test approved by the Board and administered by a Delaware vocational-technical school.

The Delaware Master Plumber Licensing Exam

All applicants for a Master Plumber license in Delaware, except those qualifying by reciprocity, must pass a written, standardized examination designated by the Board and administered by a Board-approved testing service.

Exam Content and Format

The exam is a written, standardized test designed to assess your knowledge of plumbing theory, codes, and practical application. While the primary licensing exam is administered by a state-authorized testing service, certain journeyman and apprenticeship equivalency components may be administered by Delaware Department of Labor apprenticeship schools, such as New Castle County Vo-Tech, PolyTech, or Sussex Tech.

Scheduling and Fees

Applicants must register for the exam through the Board-approved testing service. The specific exam fee is published by the testing service; confirm the current fee and scheduling process directly with the provider authorized by the Board.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The testing service provides specific rules for exam day. Typically, you will need to present a valid government-issued ID. Policies on permitted materials, such as codebooks, and the duration of the exam are set by the testing provider; review their candidate bulletin carefully before your test date.

Applying for Your Delaware Master Plumber License

Once you have met the experience requirements and passed the state exam, you can submit your application to the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR).

Application Process Overview

Complete the Application: Fill out the official Application for Master Plumber License available on the DPR website.
Gather Documentation: Collect all required supporting documents, including proof of your qualifying experience and exam score.
Pay Fees: Submit the required application fee with your application packet.
Submit Application: Send the completed application form, all documentation, and payment to the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.

Required Documentation Checklist

You will need to submit various documents to verify your qualifications. While the official application form provides the definitive list, common requirements include:

Completed, signed, and notarized application form.
Official verification of your passing score on the Master Plumber exam.
Affidavits or letters from supervising Master Plumbers verifying your years and type of experience.
A copy of your journeyman's certificate, if applying via Path 1.
Proof of passing the apprenticeship equivalency test, if applying via Path 2.

Application Fees

Fees are set by the Division of Professional Regulation. According to the Board's official fee schedule:

Master Plumber Application Fee: $173
Plumber or HVACR Temporary Application Fee: $40
Commercial Hood System Examination Fee: $50

Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Delaware Plumbers

Delaware does not impose a statewide bond or liability insurance minimum for the Master Plumber license itself, but local jurisdictions may require these for contractors operating within their boundaries.

It is critical to check with the county or municipality where you plan to perform work to ensure compliance with local bonding and insurance ordinances. Additionally, per Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1806(a)(12), all vehicles used in the performance of plumbing work must display "Licensed Plumber" and the license number.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Delaware Plumbing License?

The total time to obtain a Master Plumber license in Delaware varies significantly depending on the chosen experience pathway, with several years dedicated to gaining qualifying experience, followed by application processing. The experience portion takes a minimum of two years post-apprenticeship (Path 1) or seven years (Path 2). After meeting these prerequisites and passing the exam, you can submit your application. Current application processing and exam scheduling timelines vary; confirm with the Division of Professional Regulation and its approved testing service.

Renewing Your Delaware Master Plumber License

Delaware Master Plumber licenses must be renewed biennially, with renewal fees set by the Division of Professional Regulation.

Renewal Cycle and Deadlines

Master Plumber licenses are renewed every two years. The Division provides a late renewal period of up to one year after the designated renewal date, as established in Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1812(c).

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

The Board determines the specific continuing education (CE) requirements for license renewal. These requirements are established to ensure licensees remain current with industry standards, codes, and technology.

Renewal Fees

Renewal fees are calculated biennially by the Division. The exact fee amount will be provided on your renewal notice. You can find information on current fees on the DPR's general fee schedule or by contacting the Board directly.

Inactive Status

If you are not actively practicing, you may be able to place your license in an inactive status for up to five years. Contact the Board for details on the application process and requirements for reactivating an inactive license.

Delaware Plumbing License Reciprocity and Endorsement

Delaware grants Master Plumber licenses by reciprocity to applicants holding current licensure in good standing from another state whose standards are substantially similar, or who have practiced for a minimum of seven years post-licensure in certain other jurisdictions.

Substantially Similar States

The Division of Professional Regulation recognizes the following states as having licensure standards that are substantially similar to Delaware's:

Connecticut (CT)
Iowa (IA)
Maryland (MD)

Applicants from these states must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and meet other documentation requirements outlined in Del. Code tit. 24, ch. 18, § 1808(a)(3)-(5).

States Requiring Seven Years' Post-Licensure Practice

For states whose standards are not deemed substantially similar, applicants may qualify for reciprocity if they have practiced as a licensed plumber for a minimum of seven years after their initial licensure. These states include:

Alabama (AL)
Arkansas (AR)
District of Columbia (DC)
Florida (FL)
Georgia (GA)
Michigan (MI)
New Hampshire (NH)
New Jersey (NJ)
North Carolina (NC)
Ohio (OH)
Rhode Island (RI)
South Carolina (SC)
Virginia (VA)
West Virginia (WV)

Other States

If your license is from a state not listed above, the Board must evaluate your home state's standards to determine eligibility for reciprocity.

General Reciprocity Application Steps

All reciprocity applicants must submit an application that includes proof of a current license in good standing from their home jurisdiction and the verified evidence specified in state statute.

Official Licensing Authority and Regulations

Your primary sources for information, forms, and regulations are the state board and the official Delaware Code.

The Governing Board

Name: Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
Oversight: Division of Professional Regulation (DPR)

Key Delaware Statutes and Administrative Code

Statute: Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 18, Subchapter II, § 1807 et seq. governs the licensing of plumbers.
Regulations: Delaware Administrative Code, Title 24, Chapter 1800 contains the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a license required for plumbers in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware requires a state-issued Master Plumber license to perform plumbing services independently. The license is issued by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.

How do I get my master plumbing license in Delaware?

You must meet the experience requirements through one of two pathways (journeyman certificate plus 2 years of experience, or 7 years of experience plus an equivalency exam), pass the state-approved Master Plumber examination, and submit a complete application with the required fee to the Division of Professional Regulation.

What are the types of plumbing licenses in Delaware?

The two primary designations are Apprentice Plumber, for those in training under supervision, and Master Plumber, which is the license required for independent practice and is issued by the state board.

What are the specific experience pathways for a Master Plumber license in Delaware?

There are two paths: 1) Hold a journeyman's certificate from a federally approved apprenticeship program and then work for two years under a Master Plumber. 2) Work for seven years under a Master Plumber and then pass a board-approved apprenticeship equivalency test.

What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Delaware?

The initial application fee for a Master Plumber license is $173. There may also be separate fees for the required examination, which are set by the testing service, and a $40 fee for a temporary license if applicable.

What are the continuing education requirements for plumbers in Delaware?

The Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners determines the specific continuing education (CE) requirements for each biennial renewal cycle. You must verify the current CE requirements with the Board before renewing your license.

Does Delaware have reciprocity for plumbing licenses?

Yes. Delaware offers reciprocity to licensed plumbers from states with substantially similar standards (CT, IA, MD) and to those from certain other states (including AL, FL, GA, NJ, NC, OH, VA) who have at least seven years of post-licensure practice.

Do Master Plumbers need insurance or bonding in Delaware?

The state of Delaware does not mandate a specific bond or liability insurance amount for the Master Plumber license itself. However, individual counties and municipalities may have their own insurance or bonding requirements for contractors, so you must check local regulations.