Idaho requires plumbing work to be done by licensed plumbers, and the state licenses apprentices, journeymen and plumbing contractors. Before work starts, ask the contractor for license details and check them with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses at dopl.idaho.gov.
The license levels
Idaho licensing runs through the Idaho Plumbing Board within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Per Housecall Pro’s summary, the three levels are:
- Apprentice. Works under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor.
- Journeyman. Has completed the required apprenticeship hours and coursework and passed an exam.
- Plumbing contractor. A journeyman who has met the additional requirements to run a plumbing business, including an exam and proof of insurance and bonding.
Requirement details change, so the state’s own pages are the authority.
Why licensing matters
A license tells a homeowner that the person doing the work has met the state’s training and testing rules. It also gives a place to take a complaint. Plumbing mistakes tend to show up later as leaks inside walls, so the work is worth getting right the first time.
How this site fits in
This is an advertising site. The call connects to a participating local contractor, and the contractor holds any license. The site does not hold one and does not do plumbing work. Anyone who wants to confirm credentials should ask on the call and verify with the state.
Where to look
The Idaho DOPL plumbing FAQs answer common licensing questions, and the state’s main site links to license verification and the plumbing board.
Questions to ask a contractor about licensing
- What is the Idaho plumbing license number, and is it a contractor license or an individual journeyman license?
- Who will actually be in the home: the licensed person or an apprentice, and who supervises?
- Does the business carry liability insurance, and can proof be sent?
- Who pulls the permit and schedules the inspection when one is needed?
Why the license level matters
Idaho licenses apprentices, journeymen and contractors at different levels, and each level is allowed to do different things. An apprentice works under supervision. A journeyman can do plumbing work. A contractor license is what lets a business take on and bid jobs. The state licensing division explains the levels and has a lookup so a license number can be checked in a minute.
What to do if something looks wrong
If a license number does not match the name given, or the contractor will not provide one, that is reason to pause before any work starts. The state division handles complaints about licensed work, and the lookup is the quickest first check. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Referral calls and licensing
The number on this site connects to a participating local contractor. The caller can ask for the license details on the call and check them on the state site before the visit.
Sources
Common questions
Does Idaho require a plumbing license?
Yes. Idaho requires plumbing work to be performed by licensed plumbers, with apprentice, journeyman and plumbing contractor levels.
How can a plumber's license be verified in Idaho?
Ask the contractor for the license details and look them up through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses at dopl.idaho.gov.
What is the difference between a journeyman and a contractor?
A journeyman has completed the apprenticeship and passed an exam. A plumbing contractor is a journeyman who has met additional requirements to run a plumbing business.
Does this website hold a plumbing license?
No. This is an advertising and referral site. The participating local contractor on the call holds any license and performs the work.
Why does licensing matter for a small repair?
A license shows the person has met state training and testing rules and gives a place to file a complaint if the work goes wrong.