Does Indiana license plumbers statewide?
Yes. The Indiana Plumbing Commission runs the statewide licensing system for apprentices, journeyman plumbers, plumbing contractors, temporary contractors, and plumbing corporations. The state says it is unlawful to act as a plumbing contractor or journeyman plumber without a license. See the official licensing FAQ.
Apprentice registration ties training to an approved program. A journeyman license qualifies the trade worker. A plumbing contractor license is the business-facing credential. Our Indiana contractor license guide explains why general construction licensing is more local while plumbing has a state commission.
Start with apprentice registration
An apprentice applicant must be at least 17 years old and submit certification from an approved apprenticeship sponsor. Indiana lists the apprentice requirements. The certification identifies the school and supervising journeyman plumber or plumbing contractor.
The apprentice application fee is $10. The state fee schedule lists the amount. Apprentice licenses expire October 1 of every even year, cost $10 to renew, and require confirmation that the apprentice remains enrolled in an approved Indiana program. See the renewal instructions.
The useful record is not just time worked. It connects an active registration, approved school, and supervising licensee.
Two routes to journeyman exam eligibility
| Route | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Approved Indiana apprenticeship | Completion certificate signed by the sponsor |
| Plumbing trade through another state | Current active plumbing license showing four years of trade experience, plus an employer affidavit |
Journeyman applicants must be at least 18 and pay a $30 application fee. The licensing page lists both requirements.
For the out-of-state route, the current active plumbing license must show four years of experience in the plumbing trade, and the employer must submit an experience affidavit. Read the trade-route instructions.
The Plumbing Commission must review and approve examination eligibility before the candidate registers for the examination. Indiana states the order directly. The Plumbing Home page currently directs candidates to PROV for the Indiana Plumbing Examinations bulletin. Use the current candidate-information link.
Three ways to qualify for the contractor exam
A plumbing contractor applicant may use an approved Indiana apprenticeship, plumbing-trade experience, or plumbing-business experience. Indiana publishes instructions for each route.
The trade route may use a current out-of-state plumbing license showing four years of trade experience and an employer affidavit. The business route is for nonlicensed, nonregistered applicants and requires the plumbing-business section plus an employer letter listing duties and dates.
The contractor application fee is $50, and applicants must be at least 18. The state lists those requirements. A corporation engaged as a plumbing contractor must be licensed and file an application with the Commission. The corporate instructions explain the filing.
Fees and renewal dates
| Credential | Application | Issuance | Renewal | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $10 | — | $10 | October 1 of every even year |
| Journeyman | $30 | $30 even year; $15 odd year | $30 | December 31 of every odd year |
| Plumbing contractor | $50 | $100 even year; $50 odd year | $100 | December 31 of every odd year |
| Plumbing corporation | $50 | — | $100 | December 31 of every odd year |
Indiana publishes these amounts in its live fee schedule. Check the current fee table. An application is abandoned if the applicant does not submit all requirements within one year after filing. The instructions state the one-year rule.
If a license has been expired for three or more years, the state requires reinstatement, work-history documentation, and a personal appearance before the Commission. See reinstatement instructions. Our contractor license renewal guide gives a practical document calendar.
Indiana does not offer journeyman or contractor reciprocity
Reciprocity is not available for journeyman and contractor plumbers. The Commission FAQ states that directly. An applicant instead files the application and fee, receives Board review, and, if approved, takes and passes the exam.
An out-of-state license can still support eligibility. That is evidence of experience, not an automatic Indiana license. Our contractor license reciprocity guide explains the difference.
Indiana plumbing license FAQ
Does Indiana license plumbers statewide?
Yes. Journeyman plumbers and plumbing contractors need the state credential administered through the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
How old must an apprentice be?
At least 17, with sponsor certification from an approved apprenticeship program.
How do I qualify for the journeyman exam?
Use an approved Indiana apprenticeship completion certificate or the out-of-state license route showing four years of plumbing-trade experience with an employer affidavit.
What are the application fees?
The state page lists $10 for apprentice, $30 for journeyman, and $50 for plumbing contractor applications.
Does Indiana offer plumbing reciprocity?
No reciprocity is available for journeyman and contractor plumbers. Commission approval and the Indiana examination still apply.
Official reference: Indiana Plumbing Licensing Information.