- No dollar exemption is stated. An owner or renter living in a single family home may do the plumbing on that home.
- At least 4 years as a licensed apprentice plumber, at least 2 years of high school or equivalent, and an approved course of instruction.
- Plan for a trade exam.
- Contractors: $20,000 indemnification bond or a letter of credit for the same amount.
- Plumber licenses renew by April 30 each year with 4 hours of continuing education. Contractor registrations expire the last day of September each year.
Do you need a state license in Illinois?
Illinois licenses plumbing work at the state level through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Plumbing Program. Below is what the board asks for, in the order you will run into it.
No dollar exemption is stated. An owner or renter living in a single family home may do the plumbing on that home.
Local governments that require plumbing permits must check that the applicant holds a valid plumbing license.
Illinois license types for plumbing work
Illinois splits the work into 3 licenses. Pick the one that matches the jobs you take, since working outside its scope is the same as working without one.
| License | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Licensed plumber | All plumbing and plumbing design must be done by licensed plumbers or licensed apprentices. |
| Apprentice plumber | Age 16 or older, sponsored by an Illinois licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program. |
| Plumbing contractor registration | Any licensed plumber or apprentice who works for another person must register each year. |
Steps to get licensed in Illinois
- Get an apprentice plumber license with a sponsoring Illinois licensed plumber or approved program.
- Work at least 4 years as a licensed apprentice and finish an approved course.
- Send the Application for Examination at least 30 days before the exam date and pass the state exam.
- Get liability and workers' compensation insurance and a $20,000 bond or letter of credit.
- Register your plumbing contractor business with IDPH and renew every year.
Experience and other requirements
Experience. At least 4 years as a licensed apprentice plumber, at least 2 years of high school or equivalent, and an approved course of instruction.
The license to apply for. Illinois plumber license, plus plumbing contractor registration for your business.
Illinois plumbing exams
Trade exam. Illinois state plumbing licensing exam. Apply at least 30 days before the exam date.
Business and law exam. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).
What it costs in Illinois
We could not confirm the current fee schedule on an official page. Check with the board before you budget: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Plumbing Program.
Insurance and bond
Insurance. Contractors: general liability of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury, property damage of $50,000 (or $300,000 combined single limit), and workers' compensation with $500,000 employer's liability.
Bond. Contractors: $20,000 indemnification bond or a letter of credit for the same amount.
Renewal and licenses from other states
Renewal. Plumber licenses renew by April 30 each year with 4 hours of continuing education. Contractor registrations expire the last day of September each year.
Reciprocity. There is a reciprocity application for plumbers licensed by the City of Chicago. Check with the department about other states.
Good to know in Illinois
- Every plumbing ad must show the plumbing license number.
- Your contractor registration names a licensed plumber of record.
After you are licensed
The license lets you take the work. Getting the work is the next job.
- Register the business. If you work under a name other than your own, register it where your state asks (often the Secretary of State, sometimes the county), and keep the name the same on your license, your truck and your invoices.
- Claim your Google Business Profile. It is the listing people see when they search for a plumber near them. Fill in your service area, hours and real photos of your work.
- Put up a website that shows the license. Customers look for it before they call. Koira builds a contractor website for you and keeps it current.
- See where you stand. The free Koira report checks how your business shows up in search and on maps against shops near you.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page comes from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Plumbing Program and the official pages below, checked October 8, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you file.
More for your trade: how plumbing companies run on Koira.