Quick Reference Table
Item | Details |
|---|---|
License Types | Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, Temporary Plumbing Contractor, Plumbing Corporation |
Regulating Agency | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA), Indiana Plumbing Commission |
Minimum Experience | Journeyman/Contractor: 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent; Apprentice: enrolled in approved training |
Exam Required | Journeyman & Contractor: Yes, via PROVexam; other types: No |
Renewal Cycle | Biennial; Apprentice: Oct 1 even years; Journeyman/Contractor/Corporate: Dec 31 odd years |
Continuing Education | None required (verify at Indiana PLA plumbing info) |
Fees (as of July 20, 2026) | Application: $10–$50; Renewal: $10–$100; Late/Reinstatement: varies by license and date |
Key Links |
Who Needs a License in Indiana?
Anyone performing plumbing work for compensation must meet the plumbing license requirements in Indiana. Indiana law makes it illegal to perform any plumbing work, regardless of dollar amount or project type, without a valid state license from the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
This includes both residential and commercial plumbing work. There is no minimum monetary threshold that exempts small projects, and general contractors cannot legally perform, offer, or subcontract plumbing work unless they or their subcontractor hold the appropriate state license. The law applies to all plumbing construction, installation, and repair work.
The only exceptions cover helpers, laborers, and apprentices if directly supervised and not holding themselves out as plumbers. Local municipalities may occasionally allow very limited permits for homeowners working on their own property, but most importantly, plumbing must generally be done or directly supervised by a state-licensed plumber. See the Indiana plumbing code and statutes for definitions and exclusions.
Plumbing License Types in Indiana
Indiana offers several license types under its structured ladder. Each step corresponds to different experience requirements and scope of authority. Meeting the plumbing license requirements in Indiana depends on applying for the correct category:
Apprentice Plumber: Entry-level, must be at least 17, enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program. May only work under supervision. No exam required.
Journeyman Plumber: Must be at least 18, completed a 4-year Indiana-approved apprenticeship or equivalent, or hold an out-of-state license with proof of 4 years experience. Can perform plumbing for hire after passing the state exam.
Plumbing Contractor: Also age 18 minimum. Requires journeyman-level minimum experience and must pass the contractor exam. Can operate a plumbing business, employ or supervise journeymen and apprentices, and obtain permits for projects.
Temporary Plumbing Contractor: For emergencies (owner’s death/incapacity), age 18+. Discretionary, valid for six-month increments (maximum two years). No exam required, but may only serve to keep a business open until a fully licensed contractor is secured.
Plumbing Corporation: The corporate license. Must designate a licensed Plumbing Contractor who remains responsible for all permitted work. No separate exam but strict corporate application process.
You cannot combine nonlicensed managers or owners with a Plumbing Corporation license; the designated responsible individual must hold an active Indiana Plumbing Contractor license at all times. Temporary Contractor licensure is not a pathway to regular licensing.
How to Get Licensed in Indiana
To meet plumbing license requirements in Indiana, follow these steps based on your chosen license class:
Determining Your License Classification
Determine License Classification. Decide if you are applying as Apprentice, Journeyman, Contractor, Temporary Contractor, or Corporation. Each uses a different application form.
Confirm Eligibility. Check age (17 for apprentice, 18 for all others), confirm completed apprenticeship or qualified experience, secure employer sponsorship (if apprentice), and ensure you have a valid Social Security Number.
Gathering and Submitting Documents
Gather Documentation. Collect apprenticeship certificates, out-of-state licensure documents (if applicable), experience affidavits (Form 27522), and supporting records. You will need these for the application and, if a journeyman/contractor, for eligibility review.
Complete Application Form. Download, fill out, and sign the correct state form:
Submit Application and Pay Fees. Send your form and supporting documents online via the Indiana PLA portal, or by mail as indicated in the instructions. Include the appropriate fee by check or credit card (fee table below).
Review, Exam, and Final Steps
Wait for Eligibility Review. IPA reviews applications within 10 business days after receipt. Mailed items may add 10 extra days. You may be asked for additional documentation if required.
Register for Exam (if required). Journeyman and Contractor applicants, once approved, receive instructions to register with PROVexam. Pay exam fee as instructed (fee not published on the state site).
Take and Pass Required Exam. Exam details are sent after registration. Passing unlocks license issuance.
Receive License Certificate and Pay Issuance Fee. On passing the exam, you receive a license certificate and pay the balance of dues, which may differ depending on the year you are licensed. You are then authorized to practice as a plumber, contractor, or corporation as indicated.
Be aware: No state-level fingerprinting or EPA 608 requirements exist for plumbing licensure in Indiana as of July 20, 2026. See the PLA plumbing licensing information page for official step-by-step checklists.
Application by Mail vs Online
Applicants may submit by mail or start applications online. Online applications move faster, but mailed packets are accepted. All forms must be complete and signed, and checks made payable to "Indiana Professional Licensing Agency." Incomplete or incorrect submissions can cause delays, which will impact your ability to legally contract for work.
Processing Timeline and Communication
Application review is normally within 10 business days from receipt. The board contacts you if documents are missing or further explanation is needed. It is your responsibility to monitor correspondence from the IPLA to ensure you respond timely and avoid delays or application abandonment.
Application Requirements
The plumbing license requirements in Indiana are clear for each classification. All applicants must meet strict eligibility standards at the time of application.
Age and Experience
Apprentices: Must be at least 17 and actively enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship. The sponsor or training provider must certify your agreement and status on the application form.
Journeyman/Contractor: Must be at least 18. Must document four years of plumbing trade experience, either through an Indiana apprenticeship certificate or equivalent experience/active license from another state (requires Form 27522 affidavit or proof).
Citizenship/Social Security
All license applicants must provide a valid U.S. Social Security Number. This information is mandatory and used to confirm identity and prevent duplicate records as required by Indiana law. No explicit U.S. citizenship requirement is stated, but you must have a valid Social Security Number to apply.
Background and Criminal History Disclosure
Applicants respond to background/disclosure questions about disciplinary action or criminal convictions. If you answer "yes," you must attach supporting documentation. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but incomplete or misleading disclosures may result in denial or later revocation. There is no fingerprinting requirement stated in official guidance.
Bond and Insurance Requirement
Indiana Plumbing Commission does not list a statewide bond or insurance requirement for plumbers, contractors, or corporations. Local municipalities may impose their own bond or insurance rules. Therefore, you should verify any city or county-specific requirements before bidding jobs in specific locations. State-level bond amounts are not published; Verify at PLA licensing page.
Supporting Documents for Experience
Journeyman and Contractor applicants must submit proof of training or experience. This usually means a copy of completed apprenticeship certificate or the Experience in a Plumbing Trade Affidavit (Form 27522), plus any out-of-state proof such as a license certificate. Failure to provide complete and clear experience documentation will result in application delays or denial.
Exams
The plumbing license requirements in Indiana include passing an official exam for both Journeyman and Plumbing Contractor classifications.
Exam Provider and Process
Exams are administered by PROVexam, which handles plumbing exam scheduling and proctoring. Indiana law requires that IPA must first approve your license application before you can register for the exam. Once approved, you receive instructions to schedule the exam with PROVexams.
Exam Format and Passing Score
The official state site does not publish the exam format, question count, passing score, or retake waiting times. State guidance allows up to seven exam attempts within a two-year eligibility window. For the latest details on permissible materials, structure, and content, review the PROV candidate bulletin (not provided on state sites; see exam registration materials provided post-application completion). For specifics: verify directly with Indiana PLA plumbing licensing.
Fees
The plumbing license requirements in Indiana include set state fees for every step, from application to renewal and reinstatement. The following are current as of July 20, 2026. Always verify at the PLA plumbing fee schedule for updates.
Apprentice Plumber: Application $10.00; Renewal $10.00; Reinstatement (3+ years expired) $20.00
Journeyman Plumber: Application $30.00; Even-year issuance $30.00; Odd-year issuance $15.00; Renewal $30.00; Expired renewal (after Dec 31 through Feb 28/29) $45.00; Expired (after Mar 1) $130.00; Reinstatement (3+ years) $60.00
Plumbing Contractor: Application $50.00; Even-year issuance $100.00; Odd-year issuance $50.00; Renewal $100.00; Expired renewal (after Dec 31 through Feb 28/29) $115.00; Expired after Mar 1 $300.00; Reinstatement (3+ years) $150.00
Temporary Plumbing Contractor: Application $25.00; 6-month renewal/extension $25.00
Plumbing Corporation: Application $50.00; Renewal $100.00; Expired (after Dec 31 through Feb 28/29) $115.00; Expired after Mar 1 $300.00; Reinstatement (3+ years) $200.00
No bond amounts or fees are specified on the state site as of July 20, 2026. For payment methods, instructions, and updated fee details, see the Indiana PLA plumbing fee schedule.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Renewal deadlines, term lengths, and late penalties form part of the plumbing license requirements in Indiana. No continuing education is required at the state level according to the official source.
Renewal Cycle and Deadlines
Apprentice License: Biennial; expires October 1 in even-numbered years. Renewal fee: $10.00
Journeyman/Contractor/Corporation: Biennial; expires December 31 in odd-numbered years. Renewal fee: $30.00 (journeyman), $100.00 (contractor or corporation)
Late Renewals and Lapse Consequences
If a license lapses:
Less than three years expired: Pay additional late/lapsed fee ($15–$200 depending on license and how late).
Expired three or more years: Reinstatement required. Submit a new application, pay application and renewal fees, provide a resume/work history since lapse, and appear before the commission for review. Your entire record may be examined, and there is no automatic right to reinstatement.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirement
As of July 20, 2026, there is no continuing education requirement in Indiana for any plumbing license type. For future updates, verify at the PLA plumbing info page.
Reciprocity
Indiana does not offer formal reciprocity for plumbing licenses. Even out-of-state journeyman or contractor plumbers must meet the plumbing license requirements in Indiana and pass the state exam.
If you hold an out-of-state plumbing license and can document at least four years of experience, you may apply for journeyman or contractor with proof of active license and submit the standard application and fee. However, you will not be granted a license by endorsement without passing Indiana’s exam. Your experience is reviewed, but passing the state test is required before you may perform or advertise plumbing work in Indiana (see official policy).
Official Links
Plumbing statutes and code compilation (PDF)
