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Illinois Plumbing

Illinois plumbing license guide

Illinois plumbing licensing is handled by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This guide separates the individual plumber license path from plumbing contractor registration and points to the official IDPH forms.

The short answer

Illinois requires people who plan, inspect, install, alter, extend, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in the state to be licensed through IDPH. The IDPH plumbing page says applicants generally pass a state exam after working as a licensed apprentice for a 48- to 72-month period.

Who this applies to

  • Individuals performing regulated plumbing work in Illinois should review the IDPH plumber licensing path.
  • Businesses should review plumbing contractor registration in addition to individual plumber licensing.
  • Contractors working in cities such as Chicago should also check local requirements before advertising or pulling permits.

Requirement snapshot

Authority Illinois Department of Public Health
Licensed work IDPH says individuals who plan, inspect, install, alter, extend, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in Illinois must be licensed.
Apprentice experience IDPH says applicants must pass a state licensing exam after working under a licensed plumber as a licensed apprentice for a 48- to 72-month period.
Exam application timing IDPH says initial applicants must submit the Plumber's License Application for Examination at least 30 days before the exam date.
Exam fees The IDPH examination application lists a $175 fee for Illinois licensed apprentice plumbers and $225 for plumbers registered or licensed in Chicago or outside Illinois as of the last check date.
Contractor registration The IDPH plumbing contractor registration form says contractor registration expires September 30 of the current year and is non-transferable for ownership changes.

Practical application path

  1. Start on IDPH's Plumbing page and identify whether you need apprentice, plumber, contractor, irrigation, or retired plumber information.
  2. If pursuing an individual plumber license, complete the apprentice period and submit the examination application at least 30 days before the exam date.
  3. If operating a business, complete or renew plumbing contractor registration with IDPH.
  4. Confirm any local licensing, permit, or contractor registration requirement in the city or county where you will work.
  5. Keep individual license, contractor registration, and insurance/bond documents aligned before advertising plumbing jobs.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • An individual plumber license and a plumbing contractor registration are related but not identical.
  • IDPH contractor registration is non-transferable for ownership changes, so acquisitions or entity changes need fresh review.
  • Illinois state plumbing licensing does not eliminate local permit or city licensing requirements.

Official source links

IDPH Plumbing https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html IDPH plumbing contractor registration application https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/forms/plumbing-contractor-application-renewal-042616.pdf IDPH plumber license examination application https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing/plumber-license-examination-application-06242021.pdf

FAQ

Who licenses plumbers in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Public Health handles Illinois plumbing licensing and plumbing contractor registration resources.

How long is the Illinois apprentice path before the plumber exam?

IDPH says applicants work under a licensed plumber as a licensed apprentice for a 48- to 72-month period before taking the state licensing exam.