North Dakota plumbing licensing and regulations for residents and plumbers
Wrapping your head around plumbing laws can be a little overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know about North Dakota's plumbing licensing requirements.
Rachel Murphy,
Sarah Drolet,
Jennifer CullenFri, February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC
Add Yahoo Local on GoogleIf you're planning plumbing work in North Dakota, hiring a properly licensed plumber is essential. North Dakota maintains strict licensing requirements for plumbers to ensure they have the training and experience necessary to complete work safely and effectively. Understanding the state's licensing structure can help you make informed decisions and protect your home from potential problems caused by unqualified contractors.
What does it take to become a licensed plumber in North Dakota? How can you verify that the plumber you're considering is properly credentialed? Here's what you need to know about North Dakota's plumbing licensing requirements and how to verify them.
North Dakota plumbing licensing requirements
In North Dakota, plumbers are regulated by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board, which oversees licensing, examinations and enforcement of plumbing standards throughout the state. The board maintains three distinct levels of licensing: Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Plumber. Each level has specific requirements and allows different scopes of work.
North Dakota Apprentice Plumber
Apprentice plumbers represent the entry level and must work under supervision while gaining experience. According to the board's FAQ page, apprentice plumbers must be registered within 30 days of starting work to receive credit for hours worked. First, second and third-year apprentices must work under direct supervision of a Master or Journeyman plumber, while fourth and fifth-year apprentices may work independently. Those interested in becoming an apprentice can find the application on the board's website.
North Dakota Journeyman Plumber
The Journeyman license allows plumbers to work more independently and represents the intermediate level of licensure. To qualify, applicants must have completed four years and 7,600 hours of experience as an Apprentice Plumber working under a licensed Master Plumber. The application for Journeyman licensure requires documentation of this experience before candidates can sit for the licensing examination.
North Dakota Master Plumber
The Master Plumber license is the highest level of plumbing licensure in North Dakota. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have completed two years and 3,400 hours of experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber. Master Plumbers can supervise other plumbers, pull permits and operate plumbing businesses. The same application form is used for both Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses.
Beyond initial licensing, North Dakota requires ongoing education to maintain active licenses. According to the board's continuing education requirements, Master and Journeyman Plumbers must complete two to four credit hours of continuing education within a two-year period. While Apprentice Plumbers are not required to complete continuing education, they are encouraged to attend sessions, which are offered free of charge.
Verifying a plumber's license in the Peace Garden State
North Dakota makes it straightforward to verify whether a plumber holds a valid license. The state maintains a public license search database on the North Dakota State Plumbing Board website. This tool allows you to search for individual plumbers and verify their current license status, license type and other relevant information. Before hiring any plumber, take a few minutes to confirm their credentials through this official database.
Consumer protection and filing complaints
If you experience problems with a plumber or suspect unlicensed plumbing work, North Dakota provides resources for consumer protection. The North Dakota Attorney General handles consumer complaints through its Consumer Protection Division. If you're a North Dakota resident or your dispute involves a transaction with a North Dakota business, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division. The state allows complaints to be filed online, ensuring that consumer concerns are documented and addressed appropriately.
More state licensing articles from Yahoo Local
Taking the extra steps to find a quality plumber
While verifying that a plumber holds a valid license is an important first step, it shouldn't be your only consideration when hiring a contractor. Take time to read customer reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Many reputable plumbers are happy to provide references from previous customers.
Plumbing work can be costly, particularly for major repairs or installations. That's why it's worth investing time upfront to thoroughly research potential contractors and ensure you're comfortable with their qualifications and business practices. Hiring an unlicensed plumber can expose your home to serious risks, including code violations, safety hazards and substandard work that may require expensive corrections. By verifying licenses, checking references and doing your homework, you can find a qualified professional who will complete your plumbing project correctly the first time.
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