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How to get a plumber license in New York

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for New York plumbing licenses, pulled from official NY sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No state board: cities and counties license plumbers (largest: NYC Department of Buildings)
  • State journeyman license: No (New York State does not issue a statewide plumber license. Cities and counties do (for example NYC Master Plumber; see the local table).)
  • Plumber license (local): Set by each city or county. New York City Master Plumber (common path): at least 7 years of total experience within the prior 10 years in installation and planning/design of plumbing systems under a Licensed Master Plumber, including at least 2 years as a registered journeyman plumber — or alternate degree / RA-PE pathways on the DOB page.
  • Exam: see below, via Set locally (e.g., NYC Department of Buildings)
  • Code edition: New York State publishes statewide plumbing provisions in the Uniform Code / Plumbing Code of New York State for construction, but occupational plumber licensing is local. NYC exams follow NYC Construction Codes / Plumbing Code.

Requirements by license

Plumber license (local)

ExperienceSet by each city or county. New York City Master Plumber (common path): at least 7 years of total experience within the prior 10 years in installation and planning/design of plumbing systems under a Licensed Master Plumber, including at least 2 years as a registered journeyman plumber — or alternate degree / RA-PE pathways on the DOB page.Source: nyc.gov · as of
ExamSet locally (e.g., NYC Department of Buildings). Closed book. Each jurisdiction runs its own process. NYC: written multiple-choice exam (no references, 70% to pass, $585) then practical exam ($530) within 24 months of written notification; then DOB NOW background application.Source: nyc.gov · as of
FeesSet locally / not listedSource: nyc.gov · as of · Set by each city or county; see the local table for NYC exam and renewal dollars.
RenewalSet locally. NYC Master Plumber: renew online 30–90 days before the date on your license card; late fees apply after expiration. See the local table.Source: nyc.gov · as of
CE to renewSet locally. NYC Master Plumber renewal requires a 7-hour continuing education certificate (plus LIC62 physical exam form).Source: nyc.gov · as of

License types in New York

  • No statewide plumber license
  • Local master / journeyman / contractor licenses (varies by city and county)
  • NYC Master Plumber (example below)
Source: dos.ny.gov · as of

Local plumber licenses (by city/county)

New York has no state plumber license. Below is New York City (the largest market). Elsewhere, ask the city or county building or consumer-affairs office before you apply.

New York City

Office: NYC Department of Buildings, Licensing & Exams
Licenses journeymen?NYC issues a Master Plumber license (and related piping licenses). Journeyman registration is part of the experience path under Article 409; the DOB license card path documented here is Master Plumber.
ExperienceAt least 18; English R/W; fit and good moral character. Common path: 7 years experience within 10 years under a Licensed Master Plumber including 2 years as a registered journeyman — or bachelor's in mechanical engineering/tech + 5 years (2 in NYC), or NYS RA/PE + 3 years (1 in NYC), or other DOB-listed alternatives.
ExamNYC DOB (exam administrator after DOB NOW payment). closed book. Written multiple-choice on NYC codes (no references, 70%) then practical exam. Apply via DOB NOW License Exam Application/Payment
FeesWritten exam: $585
Practical exam: $530
Renewal license fee: $150
Renewal seal fee: $75
RenewalEvery 3 years (per DOB license card date). Submit renewal in DOB NOW 30–90 days before expiration with LIC62 and 7-hour CE certificate. Late: +$50 (1–30 days) or +$100 (31 days–1 year) on top of $225
CE7 hours · Original 7-hour continuing education certificate required at renewal.
NotesAs of Feb 23, 2026, Master Plumber applications go through DOB NOW: Licensing (no walk-in/paper).
Still openExact license-card term length if your card differs from the common 3-year pattern
ContactNYC DOB Licensing & Exams · (212) 393-2259 (source)
Source: nyc.gov · as of

If your city or county is not listed, contact the local building department or consumer-affairs licensing office.

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

There is no statewide plumber reciprocity because there is no statewide plumber license. Local boards set their own out-of-jurisdiction rules (NYC lists alternate experience paths and reviews applications case by case).Source: dos.ny.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does New York State license plumbers?

No. The Department of State says contractor/trades licensing is local. Cities and counties (for example NYC) issue plumber licenses.

What license does NYC require for plumbing contractors?

A Master Plumber license from the NYC Department of Buildings, after written and practical exams and a DOB NOW background application.

Already licensed? See New York plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.