SPEC SHEET · NY · PLUMBER
New York plumber license requirements
The answer
New York has NO statewide plumber license — licensing is by city and county. In New York City the DOB registers Journeyman Plumbers and licenses Master Plumbers: 7 years of supervised experience in the last 10 (including 2 as a registered journeyman) — or an ME degree + 5 years, or RA/PE + 3 years — plus written and practical exams.Your paths to the license
7 years supervised (2 as journeyman)
At least 7 years within the last 10 installing and planning/designing plumbing systems under the direct supervision of a US Licensed Master Plumber, with at least 2 years as a NYC-registered journeyman plumber. Supervisors sign the Experience Verification Form.
Engineering degree + 5 years
A mechanical-engineering (or appropriate) degree + 5 supervised years within the last 7 (2 in NYC).
Architect / PE + 3 years
NYS-licensed Registered Architects and Professional Engineers qualify with 3 supervised years within the last 5 (1 in NYC).
Outside New York City
Counties and cities across NY license plumbers locally (Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Buffalo…) — check the jurisdiction. Out-of-state licenses document experience but don't transfer.
License levels in New York
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / helper | Work under a licensed master plumber. | — |
| NYC Registered Journeyman Plumber | DOB registration under Article 409 — required for 2 of the master's 7 experience years. | — |
| NYC Master Plumber | Independent contractor license; 7-year experience routes + exams ($585 written / $530 practical). | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Written exam application (LIC41) | $585 |
| Practical exam application (LIC42) | $530 |
The exam
| Provider | NYC DOB (via exam vendor) |
| Fees | Written exam application $585 + practical exam $530 |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No reciprocity between jurisdictions; NYC credits US supervised experience. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: See the DOB license-type page for current license/renewal fees and terms; gas work qualifications are separate.
Watch out: Requirements shown are New York CITY's — other NY jurisdictions differ. · Gas work requires the separate NYC Gas Work Qualification.
Official sources for this page
New York plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in New York?
New York has no statewide plumber license, so there is no state hour requirement — training runs through apprenticeships (typically 4–5 years) and any licensing happens at the city/county level.
What does the New York plumber license cost?
Published fees: Written exam application (LIC41) $585 · Practical exam application (LIC42) $530. Exam-vendor fees may be extra — see the sources below.
Does New York have plumber license reciprocity?
No reciprocity between jurisdictions; NYC credits US supervised experience.
How often does the license renew?
See the DOB license-type page for current license/renewal fees and terms; gas work qualifications are separate.
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