Plumber License in Illinois - Exam Required
Check with Illinois local jurisdictions for the current plumber licensing and verification process before signing a contract.
Requirements recorded for this license
Installs and repairs water, gas, and drainage systems
License Type
Master Plumber License
Journeyman to master pathway. Some states also require contractor registration.
Requirements at a Glance
Exam Required
Yes, Exam Required
Experience Required
4 years minimum
Surety Bond
No bond required
Liability Insurance
Minimum $300K coverage
Continuing Education
6 hours required per renewal
License Fee
$50-$250
The bond, insurance, and fee figures above reflect an industry-typical baseline for plumber licensing, per-state statutory research for this trade is still in progress, so this is not yet a confirmed dollar figure specific to Illinois. Confirm the exact current requirement with the Illinois local jurisdictions before relying on a specific number.
How to Apply
- 1 Document at least 4 years of relevant work experience
- 2 Pass the required licensing exam, contact the board for approved testing centers
- 3 Purchase general liability insurance with at least $300K coverage
- ✓ Submit application and pay the license fee ($50-$250) to Illinois local jurisdictions
Compare Plumber Requirements Across States
47 of 51 states require a plumber license. See how Illinois compares.
View All States for Plumber →What the Illinois Plumber Record Shows
Illinois requires plumber contractors to hold a Master Plumber License before performing licensed work. Of 47 US states that license plumber work, Illinois's regime applies a partial screen, combining some but not all of the exam, bond, and insurance requirements seen in peer states. Licensing is administered through the Illinois local jurisdictions, which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.
The specific entry requirements for plumber contractors in Illinois are: a qualifying exam, 4 years of documented work experience, no surety bond, liability insurance with at least $300K in coverage, and 6 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. License fees in this classification run $50-$250. Additional notes from the licensing board: Journeyman to master pathway. Some states also require contractor registration.
For homeowners in Illinois, confirm any plumber contractor holds an active state license before work begins, ask for the license number and verify it directly with Illinois local jurisdictions. Request a certificate of insurance, a copy of any required surety bond, and check the state's complaint history on the contractor before signing a contract. Keep written records of all scope, pricing, and milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of license do plumber contractors need in Illinois?
Illinois requires plumber contractors to hold a Master Plumber License. A licensing exam is required. Contact the Illinois local jurisdictions for the most current application process.
How much does a plumber license cost in Illinois?
License fees for plumber contractors in Illinois are typically around $50-$250 (an industry-typical baseline; per-state fee research for this trade is still in progress). Additional costs may include exam fees, bonding premiums, and insurance. Fees are subject to change, verify current amounts with the Illinois local jurisdictions.
Is insurance required for plumber contractors in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois requires plumber contractors to carry liability insurance with a typical minimum coverage of $300K (an industry-typical baseline, not yet a confirmed state-specific figure). Even where not legally required, hiring an insured contractor protects homeowners from liability for on-site accidents.
How do I verify a plumber contractor's license in Illinois?
Contact the Illinois local jurisdictions to verify a plumber contractor's credentials. Ask for the license number, status, and any past complaints.
When do I need a licensed plumber versus doing it myself?
Simple repairs like replacing faucets are generally allowable for homeowners. However, new pipes, moving water lines, gas lines, or water heaters almost always require a licensed plumber and permit. Only licensed plumbers can work on gas lines in most states.
Other Trades in Illinois
View all trades in Illinois →Disclaimer: Requirements shown are from state licensing boards and NCSL. Always verify current requirements directly with Illinois local jurisdictions.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
States With Similar Plumber Licensing Strictness
Other states that license plumber contractors with a similar exam/bond/insurance/CE requirement profile to Illinois's.
Every figure on PlainHireCheck is rendered directly from state licensing board source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on state licensing board source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
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| Sources | Public state contractor licensing board records |