Skip to main content

Already have what you need to complete an application or renewal? Visit iMS, the department’s online application and renewal system, to get started

The information below will help you complete the application or renewal successfully.


Who can perform plumbing work in Minnesota?

You can perform plumbing work in Minnesota if you are:

  • At least 18 years old

  • Licensed with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) or registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed plumber, or enrolled in a DLI-registered apprenticeship program.

  • A W-2 employee of a licensed plumbing contractor or registered plumbing employer.

  • A licensed owner or officer of a licensed plumbing contractor or restricted plumbing contractor.

You can perform plumbing work without a license only if:

  • You are registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed plumber or enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program.

  • Your work falls under the scope of the work your employer is authorized to perform.

  • Your work is directly supervised at all times by a licensed journeyworker or master plumber.


How do I become a registered unlicensed plumber in Minnesota?

  • Apply online and pay the $14 initial application fee.

  • You will be assigned a registration number beginning with the letters “PA.”

  • Unlicensed plumber registrations expire June 30 each year.

To renew your registration:

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process.


How do I become licensed as a plumber in Minnesota?

Journeyworker plumber license

You must pass a written exam before you can apply for a journeyworker plumber license. To take the journeyworker exam you must:

  • Have completed a registered plumbing apprenticeship program or hold a restricted master plumber license and show five years of verifiable experience as a plumbing contractor, or

  • Provide evidence of sufficient plumbing work experience as a registered unlicensed plumber (view minimum work experience requirements), or

  • Have a current plumber’s license from another state where the licensing jurisdiction requires at least four years of practical plumbing experience and an examination to qualify for licensure.

Credit for work experience will be granted if you:

  • Were actively registered with DLI as a registered unlicensed plumber while working in Minnesota.

  • Were employed by a company licensed by DLI as a plumbing contractor or registered with DLI as a registered plumbing employer while you worked for them.


Master plumber license

You must pass a written exam before you can apply for a master plumber license. To take the master plumber exam you must:

  • Have been licensed as a journeyworker plumber for at least one year; or

  • A current master plumber license from another state where the requirements of the licensing jurisdiction are equivalent to those of Minnesota as determined by DLI; or

  • A current Minnesota restricted master plumber license and five years of verifiable experience in business as a plumbing contractor in Minnesota.


How do I apply to take a plumber license exam?

  • Apply online to take the exam and pay the $50 exam fee.

  • Once approved you will receive instructions about how to schedule the exam. View more information about exams. If you do not pass the exam you must wait 30 days before reapplying

  • Once you have passed the exam you will be given instructions on how to pay for your license.


How do I renew my license?

Journeyworker and plumber licenses expire on Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years.

To renew your license:

Access iMS to begin the license application or renewal process


Questions?

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

View additional plumbing forms and resources.