Quick Reference Table: Plumbing License Requirements in Delaware
License Type | Master Plumber |
|---|---|
Regulating Agency | Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (official board homepage) |
Experience Required | 2 years post-apprenticeship (with journeyman certificate) OR 7 years supervised work (with exam) |
Exam Required | Yes – Master exam (ProV) |
Passing Score | 70% minimum |
Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every two years) |
Continuing Education | 5 hours every renewal: 3 Code changes, 1 safety, 1 cross-connections/back-flow |
Application Fee | $173 (as of 2026 – fee schedule) |
Renewal Fee | Not published – verify on official fee schedule |
Contractor Registration Fee | $75 annually (as of 2026 – Division of Revenue) |
Official Links |
Who Needs a License in Delaware?
Every contractor who performs or offers plumbing work in Delaware must hold a Master Plumber license issued by the Board. Plumbing license requirements in Delaware are strict, unlicensed work carries fines of $1,500 to $3,000 for a first offense, and up to $6,000 for repeat violations (see 24 Del. C. §1807).
"Plumbing services" as defined in Delaware law cover the design, installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of water supply lines, fixtures, traps, vent pipes, drainage, and gas piping. This includes all residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Even if you only bid work or run a plumbing business (without doing hands-on labor), Plumbing license requirements in Delaware still apply.
However, there is one important exception: homeowners may do plumbing in their own homes if the property is not for sale or rent. Homeowners must still obtain permits from county or local health authorities before performing any plumbing work under this exemption (per 16 Del. C. §7906).
To contract plumbing work for others, you must also register as a contractor with the Delaware Division of Revenue and pay the $75 annual fee. Employees of a licensed Master Plumber do not need a separate state license themselves but must work under that licensee’s supervision.
Plumbing License Types
The Delaware Board only issues one class of plumbing license: the Master Plumber. There are no journeyman or apprentice licenses issued by the state, although a federally recognized journeyman certificate can be used to qualify for Master Plumber licensing more quickly. Plumbing license requirements in Delaware do not differentiate by project size or type, there is no limited or residential-only tier for plumbing.
Holding a Master Plumber license allows you to:
Design and install plumbing and gas piping systems
Repair, replace, alter, or modify any plumbing or piping system
Supervise unlicensed employees performing plumbing work
Other categories for HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration) work have their own licenses in Delaware, but these are separate from plumbing.
How to Get Licensed in Delaware
The Plumbing license requirements in Delaware follow a structured process. You must apply online, meet the required work experience, and pass an exam.
Create a DELPROS Account. Register on the DELPROS online licensing system at delpros.delaware.gov. All applications are completed through this portal.
Determine Eligibility. If you have a journeyman certificate from a federally approved apprenticeship, you need 2 years of supervised work under a licensed Master Plumber. If not, you must document 7 years of supervised experience and pass the Apprenticeship By‑Pass Exam.
Gather Documentation. Collect employment verification, W‑2 or tax forms, apprenticeship completion documents, and out-of-state license verifications where relevant.
Submit Application and Pay Fees. File your application through DELPROS and pay the $173 application fee (as of 2026). Any service request fees (such as temporary status or status changes) also apply at this stage.
Board Review. The Board holds applications for review at its monthly meeting, usually the second Tuesday in Dover.
Take Required Examination. Those on the 7‑year experience pathway must first pass the Apprenticeship By‑Pass Exam at a listed vocational-technical school. All Master Plumber candidates must then pass the Master Plumber exam administered by ProV Exam.
Receive Exam Packet and Schedule Exam. After Board approval, you receive a candidate packet to schedule the Master exam with ProV Exam. Passing score is 70% or higher.
Get License Issued. Once you pass the exam, the Board processes your license. Issuance may take up to two weeks after your score is validated. You will receive confirmation by mail or electronically via DELPROS.
If your application is incomplete for more than six months, you must start over. DELPROS lets you track your application’s progress at all stages.
Experience and Application Documentation
Applicants should prepare: letters from supervisors, pay stubs, W‑2s or tax returns, or a notarized affidavit confirming employment. Out-of-state verification must be sent directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Application Requirements for Delaware Plumbing License
Plumbing license requirements in Delaware include strict documentation and, for most applicants, experience verification. Here is the breakdown:
Experience and Age
You must meet one of two pathways:
Complete a federally approved apprenticeship and hold a journeyman certificate, then work at least 2 additional years under a licensed Master Plumber’s supervision OR
Without a journeyman certificate, provide evidence of at least 7 years of supervised plumbing work, then pass the Apprenticeship By‑Pass Exam.
No minimum age or citizenship restrictions are listed in Delaware plumbing board regulations. If you are under 18, however, check with your Board contact for additional information (see Plumber FAQs).
Bond and Insurance
Statewide plumbing license applicants do not need to post a bond or hold liability insurance according to the Board rules. However, local governments or counties may have bond requirements for permitting or for sewer/water contractor registration. Always check with local building officials for specific project bidding.
Background Check and Certificates
No criminal background check or fingerprinting is required by Delaware for plumbing licensure. Federal HVAC or environmental certifications (like EPA-608) are not needed unless your work crosses into those trade areas.
Exams for Delaware Plumbing Licensing
Delaware requires all Master Plumber applicants to pass the Master Plumber exam, administered by ProV Exam. Plumbing license requirements in Delaware also require a separate Apprenticeship By‑Pass Exam if you do not have a journeyman certificate.
Master Plumber Exam: You may only schedule once approved for testing by the Board; you receive a candidate packet with instructions and materials. The format and length of the exam are not published by the Board but will be detailed in your candidate packet. Passing score is 70% or better.
Apprenticeship By‑Pass Exam: This test is for the 7-year experience pathway only and is offered at three Delaware vocational-technical schools, as listed on the application page.
If you do not pass, you should review Board rules or contact ProV Exam directly for information about exam retakes.
For more details, see the official exam information page.
Fees for Delaware Plumbing License
The costs associated with Plumbing license requirements in Delaware are set by official fee schedules. As of 2026:
Application fee (Master Plumber): $173 (source)
Temporary Plumber: $40 (same source)
Commercial Hood System Exam: $50
Inactive License Status Change Service Request: $45
Verification of Licensure: $35
Verification (including exam scores/hours): $45
CE Course Provider Approval: $45
Annual Contractor Registration: $75, via Division of Revenue (contractor registration page)
The renewal and reactivation fees are not published on the plumbing-specific fee page. Always verify with the official fee schedule for current amounts.
Renewal and Continuing Education
To maintain active licensing status, you must renew your Master Plumber license every two years through the DELPROS system. Plumbing license requirements in Delaware include proof of continuing education (CE) each cycle.
Renewal Cycle and Process
The renewal window opens prior to license expiration. Licensees must complete the renewal form, pay the current fee, and attest to completing all CE requirements. The process is online and user-friendly, though Board audit reviews can add steps.
Continuing Education Hours
Standard renewal requires 5 hours per biennial cycle, broken down as:
3 hours in Delaware Board-approved Code changes
1 hour in worksite safety
1 hour in cross-connection or back-flow prevention
These CE hours do not carry over from previous cycles. For first-time renewals, check your license issuance date, as CE requirements vary:
Licensed after November 1 of an even year but before November 1 of the following odd year: 3 hours required
Licensed after November 1 of an odd year but before July 1 of the next even year: 0 hours required
Licensed July 1 to November 1 of an even year: 5 hours required
For details, review the Board’s Continuing Education & Audit page.
Audit and Documentation
Starting 2026, the Board will randomly audit 5% of all renewal applications for CE compliance. You must enter your CE courses into DELPROS’ CE Tracker. If selected for a CE audit, you will be required to upload certificates or other proof.
Inactive Status and Reactivation
Plumbers may request "inactive" status for up to five years by written application and fee. To reactivate, submit the reactivation form, documentation that you have met the CE requirements for each lapsed renewal, and pay the fee. Practicing while inactive is illegal.
Reciprocity: Delaware Plumbing License
Delaware offers license reciprocity with several states. Plumbing license requirements in Delaware for reciprocal applicants vary depending on the jurisdiction:
Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland: No experience verification needed, license is recognized as substantially similar; apply directly and provide verification from the issuing state.
Other listed states (including AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, MI, NH, NJ, NC, OH, RI, SC, VA, WV): You must have a license from that state and submit proof (affidavits or records) of at least 7 years of post-licensure practice.
Unlisted states/jurisdictions: Submit laws and regulations from your home state. The Delaware Board reviews each case individually and decides if you meet local Plumbing license requirements in Delaware through endorsement.
Check the official licensure page for recognized states and required forms.
Official Links for Delaware Plumbing Licensure
Use only official Board resources and forms. Always confirm you have the latest documents and announcements for Plumbing license requirements in Delaware:
