District of Columbia plumber license & renewal
The requirements, the timing and the official sources. Everything we’ve verified, in one place.
License fee
—
Not verified yet
Required hours
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Not verified yet
Exam
A nationally certified apprenticeship completion can waive the journeyman examination.
Renewal
Regardless of when they are obtained, licenses expire March 31 on even-numbered years.
Before you begin
Agency guidance
Contractors need a designated DC-licensed master to supervise work and personnel; the contractor license itself has no examination.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
This individual must be a DC licensed master tradesperson ... There is no exam required to obtain a contractor’s license.Official source
Agency guidance
Initial licenses: journeyman USD 110; master USD 120; contractor USD 120. Renewals: journeyman USD 110; master USD 155; contractor USD 180.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Journeyman (All types): $110.00 ... Master (All types): $120.00 ... Contractor: $120.00 ... Renewal: ... Journeyman (All types): $110.00 ... Master (All types): $155.00 ... Contractor: $180.00Official source
How to get this license
Use the agency’s requirements below to plan your next steps. Missing details stay marked.
Start with the licensing authority
Licensing board
District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades
Official agency page
Check the qualifications
Experience
Examination route: journeyman four years/8,000 work hours; master eight years/16,000 hours, documented by tax records and employment verification.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Journeyman Exam 4 years/8,000 work hours Tax Records and Employment Verification Letter ... Master Exam 8 years/16,000 hours Tax Records and Employment Verification Letter
Official sourceExam
A nationally certified apprenticeship completion can waive the journeyman examination.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
With proof of completion of a nationally-certified apprenticeship program, you may waive the journeyman exam.
Official sourceBond
Trade contractors must provide surety bonds for both the company and designated master.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
surety bonds for both the company and master are required.
Official sourceReview fees and apply
Application fee
$65.00
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Plumbers/Gasfitters ... Application: $65.00
Official sourceExam fee
Not verified yet
License fee
Not verified yet
Apply with the agency
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
NEW APPLICANTS – Begin your online application (https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/newoplalicenses)
Official source
Reciprocity
Not verified yet
Official sources and verification (10)
Last verified 2026-10-24. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
NEW APPLICANTS – Begin your online application (https://govservices.dcra.dc.gov/newoplalicenses)Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Journeyman Exam 4 years/8,000 work hours Tax Records and Employment Verification Letter ... Master Exam 8 years/16,000 hours Tax Records and Employment Verification LetterOfficial source
Verified 2026-10-24
With proof of completion of a nationally-certified apprenticeship program, you may waive the journeyman exam.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
surety bonds for both the company and master are required.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Regardless of when they are obtained, licenses expire March 31 on even-numbered years.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
This individual must be a DC licensed master tradesperson ... There is no exam required to obtain a contractor’s license.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Journeyman (All types): $110.00 ... Master (All types): $120.00 ... Contractor: $120.00 ... Renewal: ... Journeyman (All types): $110.00 ... Master (All types): $155.00 ... Contractor: $180.00Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Keep exploring.
Same license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
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- Hawaii
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- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
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- Missouri
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- Nebraska
- 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
- Wyoming
Last verified 2026-10-24.
Official sources (3)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.