Plumbing contractor licensing basics

Businesses and individuals that contract to perform work on plumbing systems in Minnesota must have a plumbing contractor license or a restricted plumbing contractor license.

• Plumbing systems include all potable water, building supply, and distribution pipes; all plumbing fixtures and traps; all drainage and vent pipes; and all building drains and building sewers, including their respective joints and connections, devices, receptors, and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises and includes potable water piping, potable water treating or using equipment, and nonpotable water piping serving plumbing fixtures.

• A plumbing contractor license is required for plumbing work in Minnesota communities with a population over 5,000.

• Plumbing work in communities with a population less than 5,000 may be performed by employees of a licensed restricted plumbing contractor.

• Restricted plumbing contractors cannot contract to perform work in communities with a population over 5,000.

• Employees of a licensed plumbing contractor are not required to have their own plumbing contractor license.

• Employees who perform plumbing work must be licensed as a journeyworker plumber, master plumber, registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed plumber, or enrolled in a registered plumbing apprenticeship program.

• General contractors and construction management firms that contract with licensed subcontractors to perform plumbing work are not required to have their own plumbing contractor license.

How do I get a plumbing contractor license?

1. Identify a responsible licensed individual for your company’s license. Your responsible licensed individual must:

• Hold an active master plumber license (or restricted mater plumber for a restricted plumbing contractor license),

• Be an owner, officer, or member of the business applying for the license, or a W-2 employee who is actively engaged in the company’s plumbing work,

• Not be the responsible licensed individual for any other plumbing contractor,

• Be responsible for all plumbing work performed by the company’s employees, and

• Record and approve the work experience of all registered unlicensed plumbers employed by the company.

2. Provide proof of a public liability insurance policy.

• Policy must be written by an insurance company licensed to sell insurance in Minnesota.

• Proof of insurance can be an ACORD certificate or a DLI-approved certificate. The certificate must be produced and signed by a licensed insurance agent.

• Policy must provide products liability insurance with limits of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence and property damage insurance with limits of at least $10,000.

3. Provide a $25,000 surety bond.

• Bond must be on a DLI-approved form.

• Bond must be written by a corporate surety licensed to do business in Minnesota.

4. Submit the required license application forms and pay the license application fee.

• All forms must be completed.

• Forms can be uploaded during the online license application process or mailed to DLI with a check for the application fee.

• The initial license application and license renewal fee is $128.

What are my responsibilities as a licensed plumbing contractor?

• Ensure that all employees who perform plumbing work are always actively licensed as a plumber, registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed plumber, or enrolled in a registered plumbing apprenticeship program.

• Ensure that unlicensed employees are always supervised by a licensed journeyworker or master plumber.

• Submit plumbing plans for review by DLI or applicable municipality prior to beginning work on commercial projects.

• Obtain required permits for plumbing work performed by company employees.

• Call for required inspections when work is ready to be inspected.

• Respond in a timely manner to requests for information from DLI staff and plumbing inspectors.

• Maintain accurate records of the work experience of unlicensed employees performing plumbing work and provide those records upon request.

• Notify DLI in writing within 15 days of the loss of your responsible licensed individual.

• Make sure your company’s license number appears on company vehicles.

• Ensure your contractor license is renewed. Plumbing contractor licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years.

What is direct supervision?

Minnesota’s plumbing laws require that unlicensed plumbers be directly supervised by a licensed plumber. Minn. Stat. 326B.42, subd. 2, defines direct supervision:

• At all times while the plumber's apprentice or registered unlicensed individual is performing plumbing work, the supervising plumber is present at the location where the plumber's apprentice or registered unlicensed individual is working;

• The supervising plumber is physically present and immediately available to the plumber's apprentice or registered unlicensed individual at all times for assistance and direction;

• Electronic supervision does not meet the requirement of physically present;

• The supervising plumber reviews the plumbing work performed by the plumber's apprentice or registered unlicensed individual before the plumbing is operated; and

• The supervising plumber is able to determine that plumbing work performed by the plumber's apprentice or registered unlicensed individual is performed in compliance with the plumbing code.

Where can I find information about personal licensing requirements?

View personal plumbing licensing requirements.

Questions?

Contact us at dli.license@state.mn.us or 651-284-5034.