How to get a Journey plumber license in Michigan
Michigan licenses plumbers statewide through the Bureau of Construction Codes.1 For the Journey plumber license you need at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training1, a passing score on the Journey plumber examination1 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $40 for the initial license1 and $100 for the exam1, each a separate charge.
Who issues it
Bureau of Construction Codes
Training and experience
Experience: at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training1
Exam
Journey plumber examination1
On this page
- Michigan plumber licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journey plumber license
- Requirements for a Journey plumber license
- How much a Journey plumber license costs
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Apprentice plumber registration
- Master plumber
- Plumbing contractor
- City and county rules
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Plumber licenses in other states
Michigan plumber licenses
Michigan issues 4 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice plumber (registration) | Learns and assists in installing plumbing as a principal occupation, only under direct, on-site, in-person supervision of a journey or master plumber.1 | – | – | $151 |
| Journey plumber | Performs the practical installation of plumbing (only master and journey plumbers may perform plumbing); may supervise up to 2 apprentices on a jobsite. Cannot pull permits or contract for plumbing work.1 | Experience 6,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $402 |
| Master plumber | Plans and supervises plumbing installations and is in charge of and responsible for code compliance; represents one plumbing contractor at a time and pulls permits under the contractor's license number (or for a single business employer under an annual affidavit).1 | Experience 4,000 hours1 | Yes1 | $3002 |
| Plumbing contractor | The business license to contract for plumbing; only licensed plumbing contractors may obtain plumbing permits, through a designated full-time master plumber. Branch offices need a master plumber in charge at each branch.1 | – | Yes1 | $3001 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Michigan plumber licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
1. Every license level (all 4)
Requirements
How to apply
- Temporary or provisional license
- LARA may grant a nonrenewable temporary license to an applicant who holds a current license in good standing in the same occupation in another state, D.C., a U.S. territory or a foreign country, valid until exam results, licensure or the next exam date; a separate 6-month temporary license (renewable once) is available to dependents of armed-forces or uniformed-services members and veterans who hold an out-of-state license.1
From another state
- Route
- Temporary license or permit
- What the board says
- LARA may grant a nonrenewable temporary license to an applicant who holds a current license in good standing in the same occupation in another state, D.C., a U.S. territory or a foreign country, valid until exam results, licensure or the next exam date; a separate 6-month temporary license (renewable once) is available to dependents of armed-forces or uniformed-services members and veterans who hold an out-of-state license.1
- Conditions
- Must not previously have had a license denied, revoked or suspended; no more than 2 such temporary licenses in 4 years.1
- Route
- Military service members and spouses
- What the board says
- License without examination for armed-forces or uniformed-services members, veterans and their dependents who have held a substantially equivalent license in good standing in another state for at least 1 year (exam passed there if required), with no unresolved discipline, and who are of good moral character.1
2. Every license level except Plumbing contractor
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate or replacement license | $302 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Lost or destroyed license or registration: new license or registration, without examination, fee |
3. Every license level except Apprentice plumber (registration)
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $1001 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
4. Journey plumber and Master plumber
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old1
Renewal
- Required topics
- Code-update course: as a condition of renewal, complete a board-approved course on any update or change in the state construction code within 12 months after the change (applies only in years the code changes). Courses and instructors are approved by LARA; the provider issues a completion certificate with the course approval number.1
5. Master plumber and Plumbing contractor
Fees
Renewal
Who needs a Journey plumber license
Performs the practical installation of plumbing (only master and journey plumbers may perform plumbing); may supervise up to 2 apprentices on a jobsite. Cannot pull permits or contract for plumbing work.1
Work that does not need this license:
- No license is needed for minor repair (clearing stoppages, repairing or replacing a faucet or valve, reinstalling the same fixture, residential water treatment equipment) - but replacing a backflow preventer or air admittance valve, or repairs that are part of a larger renovation, are not minor repair.1
- No license is needed to install a building sewer or water service pipe, or residential water treatment and filtering equipment, if a permit is obtained and inspections are done.1
- A homeowner may do the plumbing, building sewer or private sewer in his or her own single-family home if a permit is obtained.1
- Medical gas piping may be installed without a plumbing license if a licensed plumbing contractor supervises.1
Requirements for a Journey plumber license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
- Experience
- At least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training1
Apprentice plumber experience in the practical installation of plumbing under a master plumber1
Supervision: Under the supervision of a master plumber (apprentice work itself requires direct, on-site, in-person journey/master supervision).1 - Exam
- Journey plumber examination1
When you can take it: Eligible for examination after meeting article 4 and proving the required experience (or equivalent) to the board with notarized statements from current and past employers and master plumbers.1
Practical skill portion2
Written examination portion2
Retakes: The exam fee is paid before scheduling and forfeited on a no-show; a candidate who fails all or part may retest, if eligible, after paying the fee for the full exam or the failed parts.1
Time limit: 365 days from receipt of the application to pass both parts; otherwise fees are forfeited, the application is void and a new application is needed.2
Exam waived: Exam may be waived for armed-forces / uniformed-services members, veterans and dependents licensed in another state (MCL 339.5223); LARA may also license where requirements are shown not to be a fair measure (MCL 339.5203).1
How much a Journey plumber license costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $402 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
| Initial license fee | $401 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.
How to apply
- Register as an apprentice plumber and log at least 6,000 hours over at least 3 years under a master plumber.1
- Apply to LARA on its form with notarized experience statements from employers and master plumbers, and pay the $100 exam fee.1
- Pass both the practical and written parts of the journey exam within 365 days of LARA receiving your application.2
- Pay the $40 license fee; carry the license and photo ID on the job.1
Renewal and continuing education
- When it expires
- Annual fee; renew no more than 60 days after the renewal date (R 339.5117 December 31 expiry applies "unless otherwise specified in the act").2
- Renewal fee
- $401
- Approved courses
- LARA approves code-update courses and instructors; providers issue a certificate with the course approval number.2
- Late renewal
- Reinstatement fee: $501 (not renewed within 60 days of expiration; within 3 years: relicensure fee plus annual renewal fee for each unrenewed year)
- If it expires
- Not renewed within 60 days: relicensure fee + renewal fee for each year missed, no re-exam within 3 years; after more than 3 consecutive years, meet the experience requirements and pass the exam again.1
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Michigan Journey plumber license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Apprentice plumber registration
Learns and assists in installing plumbing as a principal occupation, only under direct, on-site, in-person supervision of a journey or master plumber.1
Requirements
- Also required
- Register within 30 days after starting employment as an apprentice.1
- Also required
- Registration becomes invalid 5 years after initial registration unless the apprentice applies for and takes the journey exam; the board may grant extensions.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | $151 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Initial registration (annual). Not refundable |
| Application fee | $151 | Bureau of Construction Codes | Not refundable |
Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.
How to apply
- Get hired by a plumbing contractor as an apprentice plumber.1
- Within 30 days of starting, register with LARA on its form and pay the $15 annual registration fee.1
- Work only under direct, on-site, in-person supervision of a journey or master plumber (max 2 apprentices each), logging hours toward the 6,000 needed for the journey exam; apply for the journey exam within 5 years.1
Renewal
- When it expires
- Annual fee; renew no more than 60 days after the renewal date. R 339.5117 sets a December 31 expiry "unless otherwise specified in the act".2
- Renewal fee
- $151
- Late renewal
- Reinstatement fee: $201 (not renewed within 60 days of expiration; within 3 years: relicensure fee plus annual renewal fee for each unrenewed year)
- If it expires
- After 60 days unrenewed: apply to the board for relicensure and pay relicensure + renewal fees; within 3 years no re-exam, but the renewal fee is due for each year missed.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.
Master plumber
Plans and supervises plumbing installations and is in charge of and responsible for code compliance; represents one plumbing contractor at a time and pulls permits under the contractor's license number (or for a single business employer under an annual affidavit).1
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training1
Experience as a licensed journey plumber, immediately before applying1
License you must hold first: Michigan journey plumber license (this article or former 2002 PA 733)1 - Exam
- Master plumber examination1
When you can take it: Eligible for examination after meeting article 4 and proving the required experience (or equivalent) to the board with notarized statements from current and past employers and master plumbers.1
Retakes: The exam fee is paid before scheduling and forfeited on a no-show; a candidate who fails all or part may retest, if eligible, after paying the fee for the full exam or the failed parts.1
Time limit: All licensure requirements must be completed within 1 year after LARA receives the application (or mails an incomplete notice), otherwise fees are forfeited and the application is void.1
Exam waived: Exam may be waived for armed-forces / uniformed-services members, veterans and dependents licensed in another state (MCL 339.5223); LARA may also license where requirements are shown not to be a fair measure (MCL 339.5203).1 - Also required
- A master plumber may not hold an active journey license at the same time, but may work as a journey plumber.1
- Also required
- Must notify LARA in writing within 30 days after ceasing to represent a plumbing contractor.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $3001 | Bureau of Construction Codes | License of up to 3 years; prorated yearly if applying outside April 30-June 30 of a renewal year. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Hold a Michigan journey plumber license and log 4,000 hours as a journey plumber over at least 2 years right before applying.1
- Apply to LARA with notarized experience statements and pay the $100 exam fee.1
- Pass the master plumber exam and pay the $300 license fee.1
Renewal
- When it expires
- Initial license up to 3 years, then renewable for 3-year periods; fees prorated yearly for applications outside April 30-June 30 of the renewal year.1
- Approved courses
- LARA approves code-update courses and instructors.2
- If it expires
- Not renewed within 60 days: apply to the board, pay renewal fee + $100 relicensure fee. After more than 3 consecutive years, meet experience requirements and retest.1
Inactive status: a master license may be held inactive for up to 3 years; to reactivate pay the relicensure fee and keep the journey license renewed every year while inactive.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Plumbing contractor
The business license to contract for plumbing; only licensed plumbing contractors may obtain plumbing permits, through a designated full-time master plumber. Branch offices need a master plumber in charge at each branch.1
Requirements
- Experience
- Hold a master plumber license or employ a master plumber as representative1
License you must hold first: Master plumber license (applicant or employed representative)1 - Exam
- Plumbing contractor examination1
When you can take it: Eligible for examination after meeting article 4 and proving the required experience (or equivalent) to the board with notarized statements from current and past employers and master plumbers.1
Retakes: The exam fee is paid before scheduling and forfeited on a no-show; a candidate who fails all or part may retest, if eligible, after paying the fee for the full exam or the failed parts.1
Time limit: All licensure requirements must be completed within 1 year after LARA receives the application (or mails an incomplete notice), otherwise fees are forfeited and the application is void.1
Exam waived: Exam may be waived for armed-forces / uniformed-services members, veterans and dependents licensed in another state (MCL 339.5223); LARA may also license where requirements are shown not to be a fair measure (MCL 339.5203).1 - Also required
- Only a sole proprietor, partner, corporate officer or LLC member may apply.1
- Also required
- Application lists every residence and business address for the past 5 years, the business and owner names, and the representing master plumber's name, address and license number.1
- Also required
- Display a sign at the business entrance with the business name and the master plumber's name and license number in letters at least 3 inches high.1
- Also required
- Register the license with each local enforcing agency that requires it (fee no more than $15).1
Fees
You pay the Bureau of Construction Codes (initial license fee) and local enforcing agency (registration fee).
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $3001 | Bureau of Construction Codes | License of up to 3 years, prorated yearly. Not refundable |
| Registration fee | $151 | local enforcing agency | Maximum; amount set by each governmental subdivision |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Hold a master plumber license yourself or employ a master plumber full-time as your representative; the applicant must be an owner, partner, officer or LLC member.1
- File the LARA application with 5 years of address and business history and the master plumber's details, pay the $100 exam fee and pass the contractor exam.1
- Pay the $300 license fee, post the required sign, and register with local permit offices that require it (up to $15).1
Renewal
- If it expires
- Not renewed within 60 days: apply to the board, pay the renewal fee and $100 relicensure fee.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Apprentice plumber (registration)Plumbing licenses are state-only in Michigan: cities, villages, townships and counties may not issue their own plumbing licenses. A local enforcing agency that issues plumbing permits may require a state-licensed plumbing contractor to register the license with it, for a fee of no more than $15, valid until the state license expires.1
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- MCL 339.6101-339.6127 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407, Article 11: plumbers and plumbing contractors)
- MCL 339.5201-339.5223 (Article 2: issuance of licenses, preliminary determination, temporary license, military licensure)
- MCL 339.6121
- MCL 339.5401-339.5411
- Mich. Admin. Code R 339.5101-339.5412 (Skilled Trades Regulation Rules, incl. Part 11 R 339.5411-339.5412 plumbing)
Rule changes since January 2024
- April 2, 2025: 2024 PA 172 (eff. Apr. 2, 2025) required direct, on-site, in-person supervision of apprentice plumbers and added a 1 journey/master to 2 apprentices jobsite ratio with fines of $5,000 and $10,000 and a 90-day contractor license suspension for repeat violations.1
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journey plumber license in Michigan?
The rules set at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training1 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.
Can I transfer my plumber license to Michigan?
The Bureau of Construction Codes publishes this route for the Journey plumber license: temporary license or permit1. Conditions and forms.
Plumber licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407 (MCL 339.5101-339.6133), full act PDFMichigan Legislature (Legislative Council)Dated May 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Mich. Admin. Code R 339.5101-339.5412 Skilled Trades Regulation RulesMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (Michigan Administrative Code via ARS)Dated May 3, 2023Checked November 7, 2026