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

Yes. Maine requires a state-issued Plumbing contractor license to perform Plumbing work. Per the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board licensing pages (maine.gov): a Master Plumber applicant must have a minimum of at least one year with 2,000 hours of work in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed journeyman plumber, OR a minimum of at least four years with 8,000 hours of work in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. A Journeyman Plumber applicant must have a minimum of at least two years with 4,000 hours of work in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber, OR a minimum of 2,000 hours of work in the field as a licensed journeyman-in-training (with the 2,000 hours obtained within four years of the date of the journeyman-in-training license). A Journeyman-in-Training must complete a one-year/two-semester plumbing course at a board-approved community college, or a two-year plumbing course at a board-approved career-and-technical education program.

How much does an Plumbing license cost in Maine?

Per the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board licensing pages: Master Plumber license fee $200 + criminal background check fee $21; Journeyman Plumber license fee $200 + $21 background check; Trainee Plumber license fee $100 + $21 background check; Journeyman-in-Training license fee $200 + $21 background check. Biennial renewal fee: $200 (Master and Journeyman) or $100 (Trainee). A late fee of $50 is assessed for licenses renewed up to 90 days after the license expiration date, and a $100 penalty fee applies to renewals more than 90 days but less than 2 years late.

How often do you renew an Plumbing license in Maine?

Biennial (every two years) for Master, Journeyman, and Trainee Plumber licenses, based on the first licensure date. Journeyman-in-Training is a 4-year non-renewable license.

Does a Maine Plumbing license transfer to other states?

Maine does not publish a broad reciprocity list for plumbers in the cited source set; out-of-state experience may be evaluated by the Board on a case-by-case basis. Confirm current reciprocity status with the Board.

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

To work as a plumber in Maine, you must be licensed by the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board, which oversees a distinct four-tier licensing system. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path for each license type, from entry-level trainee to Master Plumber, detailing the state's official experience requirements, fees, and examination rules. Whether you are starting your career or advancing to the next level, this article outlines the complete process for legal and professional plumbing work in Maine.

Do You Need a Plumbing License to Work in Maine?

Yes, any individual performing plumbing installations in Maine must hold a valid license issued by the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board. This requirement ensures that all plumbing work meets state codes and standards, protecting public health and safety. The Plumbers' Examining Board, operating under Maine's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR), is the sole authority for issuing and renewing these licenses.

What Are the Maine Plumbing License Types?

Maine has a progressive, four-tier licensing system designed to guide plumbers from entry-level positions to master-level practice. The tiers are Trainee Plumber, Journeyman-in-Training Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. Each level has specific experience, education, and examination requirements that must be met before an individual can advance.

Trainee Plumber License

A Trainee Plumber license is the starting point for individuals learning the trade through on-the-job experience. Trainees must work under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber to gain the hours necessary to qualify for the Journeyman Plumber license.

Journeyman-in-Training Plumber License

A Journeyman-in-Training Plumber license is for individuals who have completed a qualifying plumbing education program. This license allows them to gain practical work experience under supervision before taking the Journeyman exam. This license is valid for four years and is not renewable.

Journeyman Plumber License

A Journeyman Plumber is licensed to install plumbing systems under the supervision of a Master Plumber. After passing the state examination, they have demonstrated the technical skill and knowledge required for competent installation work.

Master Plumber License

A Master Plumber license is the highest level of plumbing licensure in Maine. A Master Plumber can install, supervise, and contract for plumbing work. They are authorized to oversee Journeyman Plumbers, Trainee Plumbers, and Journeyman-in-Training Plumbers.

How to Get a Master Plumber License in Maine

Meet Experience Requirements: An applicant must document one of the following paths:
- At least one year with 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Maine Journeyman Plumber.
- At least four years with 8,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Maine Trainee Plumber under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
Complete the Application: Submit your application through the OPOR online licensing portal.
Submit Fees: Pay the non-refundable $200 license fee and the $21 criminal background check fee.
Pass the Master Plumber Examination: After the Board approves your application, you must schedule and pass the Master Plumber exam. The exam covers state and international plumbing codes and practices.
Await Board Approval: Once you pass the exam, the Board will issue your Master Plumber license.

How to Get a Journeyman Plumber License in Maine

Meet Experience Requirements: An applicant must document one of the following paths:
- At least two years with 4,000 hours of work as a licensed Maine Trainee Plumber under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
- At least 2,000 hours of work as a licensed Maine Journeyman-in-Training. These hours must be obtained within four years from the date the Journeyman-in-Training license was issued.
Complete the Application: File your application using the OPOR online licensing portal.
Submit Fees: Pay the $200 license fee and the $21 criminal background check fee.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination: Upon application approval, you will be eligible to take the Journeyman Plumber exam at a Board-approved testing site.
Await Board Approval: Your Journeyman Plumber license will be issued after you successfully pass the examination.

How to Become a Journeyman-in-Training Plumber in Maine

Complete Approved Education: You must successfully complete one of the following:
- A one-year or two-semester plumbing course at a Board-approved community college.
- A two-year plumbing course at a Board-approved career and technical education program.
Complete the Application: Apply through the OPOR online licensing portal.
Submit Fees: Pay the required $200 license fee and the $21 criminal background check fee.
Await Board Approval: The Board will review your application and educational credentials before issuing your license. This license is valid for four years and cannot be renewed.

How to Get a Trainee Plumber License in Maine

Meet Basic Requirements: You must secure a position with a licensed Master Plumber who will supervise your training.
Complete the Application: Submit the Trainee Plumber application via the OPOR online licensing portal.
Submit Fees: Pay the $100 license fee and the $21 criminal background check fee.
Await Board Approval: Once the application and fees are processed, the Board will issue your Trainee Plumber license, allowing you to begin accumulating work experience.

What Are the Maine Plumbing License Exam Requirements?

Candidates for Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses in Maine must pass a Board-approved examination after their application is approved. The exams are administered at state-authorized testing sites and cover subjects such as the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Maine-specific plumbing rules.

Applicants register for the exam after receiving eligibility confirmation from the Board. The specific scheduling process, exam format, passing scores, and re-testing policies are published by the Board.

How Much Does a Plumbing License Cost in Maine?

The cost of a plumbing license in Maine varies by tier, with initial application fees ranging from $100 to $200, plus a mandatory criminal background check fee of $21 for all applicants. Renewal fees and late penalties also apply.

Initial Application Fees
- Master Plumber: $200
- Journeyman Plumber: $200
- Journeyman-in-Training Plumber: $200
- Trainee Plumber: $100
Other Fees
- Criminal Background Check: $21 (for all new applicants)
- Biennial Renewal (Master & Journeyman): $200
- Biennial Renewal (Trainee): $100
- Late Renewal Penalty (up to 90 days late): $50
- Late Renewal Penalty (91 days to 2 years late): $100

What Are the Insurance and Bond Requirements for Maine Plumbers?

The Maine Plumbers' Examining Board does not impose a statewide general liability insurance or contractor bond minimum as a direct condition of state plumbing licensure. However, individual municipalities often require proof of insurance or bonding to pull permits or register as a contractor to work in their jurisdiction. Plumbers should always confirm local requirements with the city or town where work will be performed.

How Do You Renew a Maine Plumbing License?

Most Maine plumbing licenses operate on a biennial (every two years) renewal cycle based on the initial licensure date, though the Journeyman-in-Training license is non-renewable after its four-year term. Licenses can be renewed through the OPOR online portal.

The Maine Plumbers' Examining Board's published rules do not currently mandate statewide continuing education for renewal. However, regulations can change, so licensees should always confirm current CE requirements with the Board before their renewal period. Renewing a license up to 90 days late incurs a $50 penalty, while renewing between 91 days and 2 years late incurs a $100 penalty.

Does Maine Have Plumber License Reciprocity?

Maine does not publish a broad reciprocity agreement for plumber licenses with other states. The Plumbers' Examining Board evaluates out-of-state experience and licensure on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with licenses from other states must submit a full application and provide detailed documentation of their training and work history for the Board's review.

How to Verify a Maine Plumbing License?

Anyone can verify the status of a Maine plumbing license using the official license search tool on the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation website. This is a critical step for consumers hiring a plumber and for employers verifying the credentials of a potential employee.

What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Maine?

Performing plumbing work in Maine without the appropriate license is a violation of state law. Penalties can include significant fines and other legal action. The specific penalties are outlined in Title 32, Chapter 49 of the Maine Revised Statutes, which governs the plumbing trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a plumbing license in Maine?

Requirements vary by license tier. A Trainee needs a Master Plumber supervisor. A Journeyman-in-Training needs to complete a Board-approved education program. A Journeyman needs 4,000 hours as a Trainee or 2,000 hours as a Journeyman-in-Training and must pass an exam. A Master needs 2,000 hours as a Journeyman or 8,000 hours as a Trainee and must pass an exam.

How much does a plumbing license cost in Maine?

Initial license fees are $200 for Master, Journeyman, and Journeyman-in-Training, and $100 for a Trainee. All new applicants must also pay a $21 fee for a criminal background check.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses in Maine?

Maine has four types of plumbing licenses: Trainee Plumber, Journeyman-in-Training Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber.

Is continuing education required for plumbers in Maine?

The Maine Plumbers' Examining Board does not currently publish a statewide continuing education requirement for license renewal in the cited sources. Plumbers should always confirm current requirements directly with the Board.

Does Maine recognize out-of-state plumbing licenses?

Maine does not have automatic reciprocity with other states. The Plumbers' Examining Board reviews out-of-state experience and licensure on a case-by-case basis to determine if it meets Maine's standards.

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Maine?

Master, Journeyman, and Trainee Plumber licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years). The Journeyman-in-Training license is valid for a single four-year term and is not renewable.

State	License	Classes	Exam	Renewal
Maine This guide	Required	4 classes	Required	Biennial ($200 Master/Journeyman, $100 Trainee)
Alabama	Required	5 classes	Required	Annual
Alaska	Required	3 classes	Required	Every 2 years
Arizona	Required	3 classes	Required	Every 2 years
Arkansas	Required	5 classes	ADH-administered (monthly at ADH Auditorium)	Annual (Dec 31, late fee $5/mo after Feb 1)