Quick Reference Table – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
License Type | Details |
|---|---|
Regulating agency | Idaho Plumbing Board (DOPL) |
License classifications | Plumbing Contractor, Journeyman, Apprentice, Specialty Contractor, Specialty Journeyman, Specialty Apprentice |
Experience | Journeyman: principal occupation must be plumbing, see board for OJT/school requirements; Contractor: must be skilled journeyman or employ one |
Exam required | Yes (PSI/IAPMO) |
Exam link | |
Renewal term | Contractor, Journeyman: 3 years; Apprentice: 5 years |
Continuing Education | None required for plumbing |
Fees (as of 2026) | Application: $22.50 (all) |
Links |
Who Needs a License in Idaho? – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
Anyone performing plumbing work for hire in Idaho generally must hold a state-issued license. Plumbing license requirements in Idaho are set by statute and enforced by the Idaho Plumbing Board. You are legally prohibited from contracting, supervising, or advertising plumbing work without the proper license category.
Idaho law does allow several narrow exemptions (Idaho Code §54‑2602). For example, a property owner can perform plumbing on their own single-family or duplex dwelling. Other exemptions exist for farming and industrial buildings outside city limits, employer-maintained premises with in-house plumbers, and certain utility contractors. However, most for-hire work requires an Idaho plumbing license regardless of dollar value, since the usual $2,000 construction threshold does not exempt licensed plumbers.
If you are a general contractor, you cannot self-perform plumbing work unless you also hold the relevant Idaho plumbing license. Otherwise, you must subcontract to a licensed plumber and declare that person or business to the project owner. Employees directly hired by a licensed plumbing contractor (or specialty contractor for applicable specialty work) can perform work under supervision, but cannot independently contract plumbing jobs.
Plumbing License Types – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
Plumbing license requirements in Idaho distinguish between six main classification levels. Each license type defines what kind of work you can perform and the supervision or employment structure needed.
Plumbing Contractor: May contract for plumbing work, plan, supervise, employ journeymen/apprentices, and must be a journeyman or employ one. Responsible for overall project compliance.
Plumbing Journeyman: May install, alter, or improve plumbing systems under the employ or supervision of a licensed contractor.
Plumbing Apprentice: Must register and can only assist in plumbing work under direct supervision of a journeyman.
Specialty Contractor: Can contract and supervise for a named specialty (e.g., waste piping, water treatment), and must be a specialty journeyman or employ one.
Specialty Journeyman: Installs or services systems within that specialty area only. Must work under a specialty contractor.
Specialty Apprentice: Assists under direct supervision in that specialty area after registration.
There is no single "plumber" license that covers all work: choose the exact type that fits your business activities. Plumbing license requirements in Idaho also make clear that apprentices must be supervised, while contractors must demonstrate a journeyman-level skill or direct employment of a journeyman.
How to Get Licensed in Idaho – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
To meet plumbing license requirements in Idaho, follow these step-by-step actions for your category:
Check if your intended work falls under plumbing as defined by Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 26, and that no exemption applies.
If you are an apprentice, register with the board using the required form from the official DOPL plumbing page.
Accumulate on-the-job training (OJT) and/or complete formal schooling. To qualify for the journeyman exam, guidelines suggest either 8,000 hours OJT plus 4 years schooling, or 16,000 hours work experience. Document this experience as you go.
Register for the required exam(s) through PSI, following scheduling instructions and submitting exam fees as required by PSI.
After passing your exam, apply for licensure online via the DOPL portal. You will need to create a user account and upload all supporting documents (such as exam pass results, work log, etc).
Pay the application processing fee ($22.50) along with your initial license fee, based on your sought classification (see Fees section).
If applying as a contractor or specialty contractor, obtain a compliance bond up to $2,000 and upload all bond documentation with your application.
Wait for license processing and review communications from the board or portal for your official approval and license number assignment.
All application forms, including apprentice registration and contractor license applications, are found at the DOPL Plumbing page. All applicants must pass the relevant licensing exam before submitting a license application.
Application Requirements – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
Meeting plumbing license requirements in Idaho means submitting various forms and proof of qualification. The specifics differ for each license class.
Experience and Age
Apprentices must log on-the-job training hours, usually verified by a licensed employer. Journeyman applicants must show plumbing was their principal occupation and meet extensive OJT or schooling benchmarks (commonly about 8,000 hours over four years or the equivalent). For contractor or specialty contractor licenses, the applicant must document journeyman status or directly employ a licensed journeyman. Minimum age and citizenship criteria are not specified in board materials, verify eligibility at DOPL's Plumbing Board site.
Bond and Insurance
For plumbing contractor and specialty contractor licenses, a compliance bond up to $2,000 is required under Idaho law. The bond must cover the license term and be filed before official license issuance. Be prepared to contact a bonding company and submit the bond form with your license application. No explicit general liability insurance proof is listed as a requirement for plumbing licensure, but contractors may need insurance for other legal or business needs. Confirm specifics with the board and your insurer.
Other Documentation
The board does not require financial statements for plumbing licensing. There is also no required background or fingerprint check listed for plumbing applications. EPA 608 (refrigerant handling) is not required for standard or specialty plumbing license types in Idaho.
Exams – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
Examinations are required for all Idaho plumbing licenses except apprentice-level. Plumbing license requirements in Idaho state that these exams are administered by PSI, an independent testing company, using the IAPMO exam set.
Applicants must schedule the exam with PSI after completing their experience requirements. Exams cover technical plumbing code knowledge and, for some licenses, basic business or law topics. Tests are proctored and follow the rules set out in the PSI Candidate Bulletin, which allows open-book access to reference manuals (binder format only, no written notes permitted inside).
PSI publishes candidate handbooks outlining content areas and permitted materials. Details on question count, passing score, and retake rules are not included in board summaries; verify these on the official PSI exam scheduling portal.
Fees – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
Plumbing license requirements in Idaho mandate several types of licensing fees, payable to the DOPL at time of application and renewal. All fees are current as of 2026, but confirm the latest schedule at the official board site (see DOPL fee schedule).
Application Processing Fee (all categories): $22.50 (as of 2026, verify at DOPL link above)
Initial License Fees:
- Contractor: $147
- Journeyman: $29.40
- Apprentice: $50
- Specialty Contractor: $147
- Specialty Journeyman: $29.40
- Specialty Apprentice: $30 (as of 2026, verify at DOPL fee schedule)Renewal Fees (3-year term unless noted):
- Contractor: $108
- Journeyman: $21.60
- Apprentice: $50 (5-year term)
- Specialty Contractor: $108
- Specialty Journeyman: $21.60
- Specialty Apprentice: $30 (as of 2026, verify at DOPL fee schedule)Reinstatement Fee: Equal to the initial license fee for each class
Compliance Bond: Up to $2,000 for contractor and specialty contractor (as of 2026, Idaho Code §54‑2606; bond company fees vary, see official bond guidance)
Exam fees are paid directly to PSI when scheduling and are not published on DOPL's website. For current exam fees, always consult the official exam page.
Renewal and Continuing Education – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
To maintain an Idaho plumbing license, you must renew on schedule and pay the required fee. Plumbing license requirements in Idaho set these terms by classification.
Apprentice: 5-year license term (renew for $50 as of 2026)
Contractor, Journeyman, Specialty Contractor, Specialty Journeyman, Specialty Apprentice: 3-year license term
Idaho does not currently require any continuing education (CEUs) for plumbing license renewal. There are no mandatory topics or course hour requirements for plumbers in Idaho at this time. If you miss your renewal window, you must pay the reinstatement fee, which equals your initial license fee for your license class. The board has not published a strict late renewal policy for lengthy lapses. Always contact the board if your license is more than a few weeks expired.
Reciprocity – Plumbing license requirements in Idaho
Reciprocity allows out-of-state plumbers to apply for licensing in Idaho based on their existing credentials in another state. Plumbing license requirements in Idaho include a reciprocal application process, but the board does not list explicit states with which it has formal agreements.
To pursue reciprocity, you must submit a reciprocal license application, provide proof of your out-of-state license, and satisfy all Idaho application requirements, including exam and bonding if the board determines these are not covered by the other state's standards. Contractors should refer to the DOPL plumbing reciprocity page for further updates or contact the board for case-by-case assessments.
