How to get a Journeyworker plumber license in Minnesota
Minnesota licenses plumbers statewide through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).1 For the Journeyworker plumber license you need at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training2 and a passing score on the Minnesota journeyworker plumber license exam (written)3. The board lists $50 for the application4. You renew every 2 years5 and complete at least 16 hours of continuing education6.
Who issues it
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)
Training and experience
Experience: at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Exam
Minnesota journeyworker plumber license exam (written)3
Fees the board lists
Application fee: $504
On this page
- Minnesota plumber licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journeyworker plumber license
- Requirements for a Journeyworker plumber license
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to Minnesota with a license from another state
- Registered unlicensed plumber
- Restricted journeyworker plumber
- Master plumber
- Restricted master plumber
- Plumbing contractor
- Restricted plumbing contractor
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Plumber licenses in other states
Minnesota plumber licenses
Minnesota issues 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing) | Works as a W-2 employee of a licensed plumbing contractor (or registered employer, on its premises) learning and assisting in plumbing, only under direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyworker plumber of the same employer; may not supervise others. Members of a DLI-registered apprenticeship program are covered separately.2 | – | – | $143 |
| Journeyworker plumber | Works as an employee of (or under the direction of) a master plumber installing plumbing statewide, interior and exterior (water service, sanitary and storm sewer within property lines); may directly supervise registered unlicensed plumbers of the same employer.8 | Experience 7,000 hours2 | Yes5 | $504 |
| Restricted journeyworker plumber | Plumbing work only outside cities and towns of more than 5,000 people (most recent federal census).9 | Experience 2 years9 | No9 | $309 |
| Master plumber | Plans, superintends and installs plumbing statewide (interior and exterior within property lines) and may serve as the responsible licensed individual for one plumbing contractor; may also work as a journeyworker or restricted plumber.8 | Experience 1 year10 | Yes5 | $504 |
| Restricted master plumber | Plumbing work only outside cities and towns of more than 5,000 people (most recent federal census).9 | Experience 4 years9 | No9 | $309 |
| Plumbing contractor | Contract to perform plumbing work anywhere in Minnesota through licensed and registered employees; required for plumbing work in communities over 5,000.1 | – | No11 | $18811 |
| Restricted plumbing contractor | Contract for plumbing statewide except in cities and towns over 5,000 population.1 | – | No11 | $18811 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Minnesota 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 7)
How to apply
- Apply online
- dli.mn.gov3
- Application form
- dli.mn.gov12
Renewal
- Renew online
- dli.mn.gov3
2. Every license level except Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing)
Renewal
3. Every license level except Plumbing contractor and Restricted plumbing contractor
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old3
Renewal
- Approved courses
- DLI-approved courses only; sponsors report attendance to DLI, online classes allowed.6
4. Every license level except Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing), Master plumber and Restricted master plumber
Renewal
- When it expires
- Expires December 31 of each odd-numbered year.5
5. Every license level except Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing), Plumbing contractor and Restricted plumbing contractor
Renewal
- Continuing education
- At least 16 hours each renewal period6
- Required topics
- At least 8 of the 16 hours on the State Plumbing Code; the other 8 on the Plumbing Code, plumbing technical topics, the State Building Code or Minnesota plumbing statutes (all 16 may be code).6
- Exemptions
- Plumbers holding more than one license type need only meet the highest CE requirement.6
6. Every license level except Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing), Restricted journeyworker plumber and Restricted master plumber
Renewal
- If it expires
- Renewal is possible up to 2 years after expiry by paying all missed renewal fees plus the late fee and the current renewal fee; after 2 years you must apply for a new license (and, per DLI, retake the exam).17
7. Every license level except Journeyworker plumber, Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing) and Master plumber
Requirements
8. Journeyworker plumber, Registered unlicensed plumber (unlicensed individual - plumbing) and Master plumber
From another state
Military service members, veterans and spouses: U.S. military plumbing work experience can count toward license qualification (submit DD-214 and supporting documents).10
9. Journeyworker plumber and Master plumber
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $504 | DLI | Not refundable |
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.
10. Restricted journeyworker plumber and Restricted master plumber
What it covers
Plumbing work only outside cities and towns of more than 5,000 people (most recent federal census).9
Requirements
- Also required
- Closed to new applicants: restricted licenses were issued only on applications filed before October 1, 2008 (with a one-time window October 1-15, 2009); existing holders may keep renewing.9
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $309 | DLI | Historical: applications received October 1-15, 2009 only |
How to apply
- New restricted licenses are not issued. Existing holders renew every 2 years (same fee and 16 h CE as the unrestricted license) and must not let the license lapse more than 12 months.9
Renewal
- If it expires
- Renewal is possible up to 2 years after expiry by paying all missed renewal fees plus the late fee and the current renewal fee; after 2 years you must apply for a new license (and, per DLI, retake the exam).17
Restricted licenses are permanently forfeited if not renewed within 12 months after expiration.9
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- Closed to new applicants: restricted licenses were issued only on applications filed before October 1, 2008 (with a one-time window October 1-15, 2009); existing holders may keep renewing.9
11. Plumbing contractor and Restricted plumbing contractor
Requirements
- Surety bond
- $25,0001
- Insurance
- Public liability incl. products liability at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per occurrence and $10,000 property damage, from a Minnesota-licensed insurer; DLI listed as certificate holder.11
- Insurance
- Workers' compensation compliance on a DLI-approved form.11
- Business requirements
- Disclose business owners, partners, officers and members on the DLI form; business name must match the Secretary of State filing.11
- Business requirements
- If the responsible individual leaves: notify DLI within 15 business days and replace within 60 days or the license terminates.1
- Business requirements
- Company name and license number on each side of every work vehicle (letters at least 3 inches high).1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $18811 | DLI | Not refundable |
| Other fee | $1005 | DLI | Biennial bond filing fee (persons giving bond who are not licensed contractors, e.g. pipe layers). Not charged to licensed contractors; shown for pipe-layer bond registrants |
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
- Get the liability insurance certificate (DLI as certificate holder), workers' comp form, $25,000 bond and owner disclosure on DLI forms.11
- Apply in iMS (upload the forms) and pay the $188 fee.11 Form (PDF, dli.mn.gov)13
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $18811
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity for the contractor license; any business meeting the responsible-master, bond and insurance rules may apply.11
Who needs a Journeyworker plumber license
Works as an employee of (or under the direction of) a master plumber installing plumbing statewide, interior and exterior (water service, sanitary and storm sewer within property lines); may directly supervise registered unlicensed plumbers of the same employer.8
Exemptions and dollar thresholds:
- A homeowner may do plumbing that meets the code in the home he or she owns and occupies, unless a local ordinance forbids it.1
- No plumber license is needed for building sewer or water service installation by people who completed state pipe-laying training (certified pipelayer card), or by manufacturer/distributor employees servicing commercial chemical dispensers or dishwashers who meet the 25/20/100-hour training rule.1
- Employees maintaining and repairing their employer's own plumbing need no contractor license if the employer files a certificate of responsible individual (master plumber), $100 per filing, renewed every 2 years.5
- General contractors that subcontract all plumbing to licensed plumbing contractors do not need their own plumbing contractor license.11
- Licensed well contractors (water service pipe from a well to a pressure tank, etc.) and licensed manufactured-home installers (exterior connections) are exempt.1
Requirements for a Journeyworker plumber license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 8 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.
- Experience
- At least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Practical plumbing experience as a DLI-registered unlicensed plumber (or complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship)10
Supervision: Hours must be certified by the licensed master plumber responsible for the work, while registered with DLI and employed by a licensed contractor/registered employer; max 1,750 hours per year; at most 2 years of out-of-state experience unless licensed in that state.10
Substitute: Alternatives: DLI-registered apprenticeship; current restricted journeyworker/master license plus 2 years of experience while restricted; another state's license requiring 4 years + exam; military, approved school or out-of-state apprenticeship experience; up to 24 months of pre-registration experience.18 - Exam
- Minnesota journeyworker plumber license exam (written)3
Given by: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (state-administered; St. Paul office and regional sites, scheduled in iMS)5
When you can take it: Apply online with the $50 fee; once approved you get scheduling instructions.3
Retakes: If you fail, wait 30 days before reapplying; each retest needs a new application and $50 fee.14
Time limit: Exam time limit: 5.5 hours. Registered unlicensed applicants who do not take the exam within 2 years after completing the 4 years of training forfeit the experience (hardship extensions possible).18
Exam waived: Exam waived only under the North Dakota / South Dakota reciprocity agreements.7
How to apply
- Register as an unlicensed plumber (or enter a DLI-registered apprenticeship) and log 4 years / 7,000 verified hours with the required category minimums.2
- Apply for the journeyworker exam in iMS and pay the $50 application/exam fee (non-registered applicants attach the work experience form).3
- Schedule and pass the written exam (5.5 hours) at DLI St. Paul or a regional site.3
- Pay the license fee using the instructions DLI sends after you pass.3
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal fee
- $533
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Minnesota Journeyworker plumber license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to Minnesota with a license from another state
These are the routes DLI publishes for the Journeyworker plumber license. The other plumber licenses have their own routes in their sections below.
- Route
- Reciprocity agreements
- What the board says
- License without exam for journeyworker plumbers who got the same or higher class license by state-level exam in North Dakota or South Dakota, have held it at least 1 year, are in good standing and never failed the Minnesota exam. Pay the $50 application/exam fee; on approval, pay the license fee within 180 days.7
- States on Minnesota's list
- North Dakota and South Dakota7
This is the list of states whose licenses Minnesota accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Minnesota license. - Conditions
- License must be obtained by state-level exam (not via a city reciprocal agreement); not under any Minnesota denial/suspension order.7
Upon approval, 180 days to pay the license fee; then normal CE and renewal apply.7 - Fee
- $507
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Other states: a current plumber license from a state requiring 4 years of experience and an exam qualifies you to sit the Minnesota journeyworker exam (exam still required).3
Registered unlicensed plumber
Works as a W-2 employee of a licensed plumbing contractor (or registered employer, on its premises) learning and assisting in plumbing, only under direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyworker plumber of the same employer; may not supervise others. Members of a DLI-registered apprenticeship program are covered separately.2
Requirements
- Experience
- Supervision: Direct supervision: the licensed plumber is physically present and immediately available at all times (electronic supervision does not count) and reviews the work before it is operated.20
- Also required
- Each year, submit a work experience verification form (max 1,750 qualifying hours per July 1-June 30 period) signed by the employer's responsible master plumber.2
Fees
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
- Get hired (W-2) by a licensed plumbing contractor or registered plumbing employer.2
- Register online in iMS (or on the paper form) and pay $14; you get a registration number starting "PA".3
- Renew by June 30 each year: 2 hours of CE, the renewal fee and your work experience form.3
- After 4 years / 7,000 hours (incl. 2,000 water distribution, 2,000 DWV and 1,000 fixture hours) apply for the journeyworker exam.2
Renewal
- How often
- Every year18
- When it expires
- Annual; all registrations expire June 30.18
- Continuing education
- At least 2 hours each renewal period6
- Required topics
- 2 hours code-related (no carry-over of extra hours).2
- Late renewal
- Reinstatement fee: $2415 (expired more than 12 months; accrued experience during the gap is lost)
- If it expires
- Renewing before expiry protects accrued work experience; if reinstated after more than 12 months, experience during the unregistered period is lost.15
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity for registration; anyone may register without experience.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Restricted journeyworker plumber
Requirements
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $533 (JR = restricted journeyworker)
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 7 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.
Master plumber
Plans, superintends and installs plumbing statewide (interior and exterior within property lines) and may serve as the responsible licensed individual for one plumbing contractor; may also work as a journeyworker or restricted plumber.8
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 1 year10
Licensed journeyworker plumber experience10
Substitute: Or a current master license from a state with requirements equivalent to Minnesota's, or a current Minnesota restricted master license plus 5 years of verifiable experience in business as a Minnesota plumbing contractor.10 - Exam
- Minnesota master plumber license exam (written)3
Given by: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (state-administered; St. Paul office and regional sites, scheduled in iMS)5
When you can take it: Apply online with the $50 fee; once approved you get scheduling instructions.3
Retakes: If you fail, wait 30 days before reapplying; each retest needs a new application and $50 fee.14
Time limit: Exam time limit: 5.5 hours.21
Exam waived: Exam waived only under the North Dakota / South Dakota reciprocity agreements.7
How to apply
- Hold a Minnesota journeyworker license for at least 1 year (or qualify by an equivalent out-of-state master license or restricted master + 5 years in business).3
- Apply for the master exam in iMS and pay the $50 application/exam fee.3
- Pass the written master exam (5.5 hours).3
- Pay the license fee per DLI's instructions after passing.3
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $933
From another state
- Route
- Reciprocity agreements
- What the board says
- License without exam for master plumbers who got the same or higher class license by state-level exam in North Dakota or South Dakota, have held it at least 1 year, are in good standing and never failed the Minnesota exam. Pay the $50 application/exam fee; on approval, pay the license fee within 180 days.7
- States on Minnesota's list
- North Dakota and South Dakota7
This is the list of states whose licenses Minnesota accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Minnesota license. - Conditions
- License must be obtained by state-level exam (not via a city reciprocal agreement); not under any Minnesota denial/suspension order.7
Upon approval, 180 days to pay the license fee; then normal CE and renewal apply.7 - Fee
- $507
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Other states: a current plumber license from a state requiring equivalent requirements qualifies you to sit the Minnesota master exam (exam still required).10
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5, group 6, group 8 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.
Restricted master plumber
Requirements
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $933 (MR = restricted master)
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5, group 7 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.
Plumbing contractor
Contract to perform plumbing work anywhere in Minnesota through licensed and registered employees; required for plumbing work in communities over 5,000.1
Requirements
- Experience
- Responsible licensed individual must hold an active master plumber license1
- Business requirements
- Designate a responsible licensed individual: an active master plumber who is an owner/officer/member or a W-2 employee actively doing the company's plumbing, responsible for only one contractor.1
How to apply
- Name a responsible master plumber for the business.11
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 6, group 7 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.
Restricted plumbing contractor
Contract for plumbing statewide except in cities and towns over 5,000 population.1
Requirements
- Experience
- Responsible licensed individual must hold an active master or restricted master plumber license1
- Business requirements
- Designate a responsible licensed individual: an active master or restricted master plumber who is an owner/officer/member or a W-2 employee actively doing the company's plumbing, responsible for only one contractor.1
How to apply
- Name a responsible master or restricted master plumber for the business.11
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 6, group 7 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Plumbing contractorCities with waterworks or sewers (and large towns) may adopt plumbing permit, plan-review and inspection ordinances; they may not demand extra bonds or insurance beyond the state ones, and only pre-1933 licensing cities may keep their own plumber licenses.22
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | City plumbing license required ("Plumbers working in Minneapolis need a license"); the application needs a surety bond (the page links the State of Minnesota $25,000 bond form). Master and journeyman plumbers also need a City Certificate of Competency card: the Plumber/gas specific exam requires a state plumbing license at the same trade level and gas-specific education (at least 1,600 hours of fuel-gas experience or training), and applicants need at least four years of work experience. Saint Paul competency cards are accepted reciprocally to expedite a Minneapolis card. The city license fee is in the City's License Fee Schedule.23 | Official page23 |
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a plumber in Minnesota, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Minnesota is on the Minnesota license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- dli.mn.gov11
- File a complaint
- dli.mn.gov8
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- Minn. Stat. 326B.42 (plumbing definitions, incl. direct supervision)
- Minn. Stat. 326B.44 (local regulations)
- Minn. Stat. 326B.46 (licensing, bond and insurance)
- Minn. Stat. 326B.47 (unlicensed individuals)
- Minn. Stat. 326B.475 (restricted plumber license)
- Minn. Stat. 326B.48 (reciprocity with other states)
- Minn. Stat. 326B.49
- Minn. Stat. 326B.092
- Minn. Stat. 326B.094 (renewal; expiration)
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journeyworker plumber license in Minnesota?
The rules set at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training2 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 Minnesota?
DLI publishes these routes for the Journeyworker plumber license: reciprocity agreements7 and license by endorsement3. 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
- Michigan
- 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.
- Minn. Stat. 326B.46 Licensing, bond and insuranceMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Registered unlicensed plumbersMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing license basicsMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.092 FeesMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.49 Applications, feesMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Continuing education requirements for plumbersMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing reciprocityMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing license types and credentialsMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.475 Restricted plumber licenseMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing license experience requirementsMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing contractor licensing basicsMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Personal plumber license forms and resourcesMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing contractor / restricted contractor license applicationMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryDated August 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Plumber license examination applicationMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryDated August 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Unlicensed plumber registration formMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryDated August 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Plumber license renewal formMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryDated August 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.094 Renewal of licensesMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.47 Unlicensed individualsMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumber reciprocity applicationMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryDated August 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.42 DefinitionsMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- License exam scheduleMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 7, 2026
- Minn. Stat. 326B.44 Local regulationsMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing license (Minneapolis Business Licenses)City of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (Business Licenses & Consumer Services)Checked November 7, 2026