How to Get Your
Illinois Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Illinois Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
16 years (Apprentice)
Experience Required
4 years as apprentice
License Fee
$100 - $175
Licensing Bodies
IDPH & City of Chicago
Renewal Period
Annual (April 30)
Continuing Education
4 hours/year
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Illinois?
There are two departments in Illinois authorized to provide a plumbing license in this state:
Illinois Licensing Authorities
Illinois Department of Public Health
IDPHIssues plumbing licenses valid throughout Illinois (except Chicago requires additional steps)
Department of Buildings, City of Chicago
Chicago DOBIssues plumbing licenses specifically for work within Chicago city limits
IDPH and City of Chicago Reciprocity
Important: Getting licensed by one board doesn't automatically allow you to work throughout Illinois.
- An IDPH-issued plumbing license is valid in Chicago only if you work under a Chicago plumbing contractor.
- If you're a Chicago licensed plumber, you need to submit a completed reciprocity application along with required documents and a $150 license fee to IDPH for providing plumbing services outside of Chicago.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Illinois
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level license for those learning the trade under supervision of a licensed plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be sponsored by a licensed Illinois plumber
- Pay $100 license fee
Plumber License (Journeyman)
Full license to provide plumbing services independently without supervision.
Key Requirements
- 4 years apprentice experience (5,600 hours)
- Pass the plumbing examination
- Pay $175 license fee
Plumbing Contractor License
Required for those who want to start their own plumbing business and take contracts.
Key Requirements
- Registered business entity
- Licensed plumber on staff
- $20,000 surety bond
Retired Plumber License
For licensed plumbers over 62 who want to maintain their credentials without active practice.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 62 years of age
- Hold current Illinois plumber license
- Pay only $25/year renewal
Requirements for Illinois Plumbing Licenses
IDPH Requirements
Illinois State Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Submit a completed apprentice plumber license form
- Verify on the application that you are sponsored by a licensed Illinois plumber
- Pay the required license fee of $100
2Plumber License
For licensed apprentice plumbers
Plumber License
For licensed apprentice plumbers
- 4 years of experience as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber under supervision
- Minimum of 1,400 hours of work experience per year (5,600 hours total)
- OR 2 years apprentice experience + 2 years approved plumbing courses
- Pass the IDPH plumbing examination
- Pay examination and license fees
3Plumbing Contractor
For business owners
Plumbing Contractor
For business owners
- Business registered as sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation
- A person having a plumbing license (you, your partner, or an employee)
- Certificate of Insurance: $100,000 general liability, $300,000 bodily injury, $50,000 property damage, $500,000 workers' compensation
- Surety/indemnification bond of $20,000 or letter of credit
- Pay the registration fee
4Retired Plumber
For plumbers over 62
Retired Plumber
For plumbers over 62
- Have an Illinois plumber license
- Must be at least 62 years of age
- Voluntarily submit plumbing license in exchange for retired status
- Submit completed retired plumber application
Chicago Plumbing License Requirements
Chicago DOB Requirements
City of Chicago Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber (Chicago)
Entry-level in Chicago
Apprentice Plumber (Chicago)
Entry-level in Chicago
- Be at least 16 years old
- Get a letter from a licensed plumbing contractor or approved apprenticeship program
- Letter must state you will receive training under supervision of a licensed plumber
- Apply online for an apprentice license
- Pay the license fee of $15
2Journeyman Plumber (Chicago)
Full license for Chicago
Journeyman Plumber (Chicago)
Full license for Chicago
- Be at least 21 years old
- 4 years of plumbing experience as an apprentice
- OR successfully complete approved plumbing course from trade school, college, or university
- Pass written and practical examinations
3Plumbing Contractor (Chicago)
Business license for Chicago
Plumbing Contractor (Chicago)
Business license for Chicago
- Registered business with a Chicago-licensed plumber (sole prop, partnership, or corporation)
- File a $20,000 performance bond payable to City of Chicago
- Pay initial license fee of $100
- Application must be filed by the Chicago licensed plumber
Plumbing License Costs in Illinois
Illinois State Fees
IDPH License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | — | $100 | $100 |
| Plumber (IL Apprentice) | $175 | $150 | $150 |
| Plumber (Reciprocity) For Chicago or out-of-state licensed plumbers | $225 | $150 | $150 |
| Retired Plumber | — | $25 | $25 |
| Contractor | — | $150 | $150 |
Source: Illinois Administrative Code 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.1100
City of Chicago Fees
Chicago License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | — | $15 | $15 |
| Journeyman | $149 | $30 | $30 |
| Contractor | — | $100 | $60 |
License Renewal Information
IDPH: All plumber licenses expire on April 30 each year. Initial licenses issued after February 15 expire one year after the next April 30. You must complete 4 hours of continuing education to renew.
City of Chicago: Licenses expire one year after issuance or renewal. 4 hours of continuing education required annually.
Illinois Plumbing Exam Details
IDPH Plumbing Exam
State Exam Structure
IDPH Plumbing Examination
Theory and code knowledge
Blueprint reading and interpretation
Hands-on skills assessment
Chicago Plumbing Exam
Written Exam Topics
Chicago Journeyman Plumbing Exam
Water supply, drainage, venting
Job safety and plumbing theory
System component assembly
Maintenance and diagnostics
Blueprint interpretation
Building rehab codes
Plumber and contractor codes
Chicago Exam Process
You must pass the written exam first before you can take the practical exam. The practical exam tests hands-on plumbing skills.
Steps to Get Your Illinois Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 16 years of age and complete 2 years of high school (requirements may vary for different apprentice programs).
Choose Your Licensing Path
Decide between State plumbing license (IDPH) or City of Chicago license. Consider where you plan to work primarily.
Find a Sponsor or Apprenticeship
Find a licensed plumber to sponsor you or enroll in an authority-approved apprenticeship program.
IDPH Apprentice ApplicationApply for Apprentice License
Submit your apprentice plumber license application to either IDPH or City of Chicago, depending on your chosen path.
Complete Required Experience
Gain 4 years of plumbing experience (minimum 5,600 hours) as a licensed apprentice under supervision of a licensed plumber.
Apply for and Pass the Exam
Apply for the plumbing license examination and pass all required sections. IDPH requires 75% average with 61% minimum per section.
IDPH Exam ApplicationCongratulations! You're Licensed!
You are now a licensed plumber in Illinois and can work independently without supervision.
Register Your Business (Optional)
If you want to become a contractor, register your plumbing business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.
Obtain Bond and Insurance
Get the required $20,000 surety bond and insurance coverage for contractor licensing.
Apply for Contractor License
Submit your contractor license application to IDPH or City of Chicago to legally take plumbing contracts.
IDPH Contractor ApplicationCongratulations! You're a Licensed Contractor!
You can now legally operate a plumbing business and take contracts from clients in Illinois.
Pro Tip
You don't need to have a plumber's license yourself to become a plumbing contractor. You just need a business partner, member, or officer who is a licensed plumber.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a state plumbing license in Illinois?
You need to apply offline by mailing or submitting your form and required documents to the IDPH office at 525 W. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62761.
If you already have a license and need to renew, you can do it online:
Can I provide any plumbing service legally without a license in Illinois?
No, you cannot. It is mandatory to have an appropriate license to provide any plumbing service in Illinois. If found guilty of unlicensed practice, the board has the right to take legal action against you, including fines and penalties.
How much money can I make as a plumber in Illinois?
Plumbers in Illinois enjoy a lucrative salary of approximately $38.43 per hour on average, according to Indeed. This is comparatively higher than many other U.S. states, making Illinois an attractive location for plumbing careers.
What's the difference between IDPH and Chicago licenses?
The IDPH license is issued by the state and is valid throughout Illinois. The Chicago license is issued by the City of Chicago and is specifically for work within Chicago city limits. If you have an IDPH license, you can work in Chicago only if you're employed by a Chicago-licensed contractor. Chicago licensees need to apply for IDPH reciprocity to work outside the city.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Illinois?
The typical path takes about 4-5 years. You'll need 4 years of apprentice experience (minimum 5,600 hours) before you're eligible to take the licensing exam. If you combine work experience with approved plumbing courses, you may be able to reduce this to around 4 years total.
Conclusion
Now you're ready to start your plumbing journey in Illinois with a clear roadmap to follow. If you're new to the plumbing trade, start by joining an apprenticeship program and work your way up to becoming a licensed plumber.
Career Advice
Aim to become a plumbing contractor and start your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential. With the average plumber in Illinois earning $38.43/hour, owning your own business can significantly increase your income.
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