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How to get a plumber license in Delaware

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority, sourced from Delaware's official board.

Statewide board, but the state-issued plumbing credential is the Master Plumber license (no separate statewide journeyman license); apprentices are registered.

Issuing authority: Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, Division of Professional Regulation (24 Del. C. Ch. 18). Official page: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers

License levels in Delaware

Delaware plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsDelaware licenses plumbers primarily at the Master level. Master Plumber applicants must document required trade experience/journey-level work under a licensed master and pass the exam; apprentices register and work under supervision.
ReciprocityYes, as a case-by-case substantial-similarity test with no named states. Under 24 Del. C. §1810(a), upon submission and acceptance of a written application the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners shall grant a license to each applicant who presents proof of current licensure in good standing in another state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to Delaware's. Under §1810(b), an applicant licensed by a state whose standards are not substantially similar must have practised for a minimum of 7 years after licensure, in addition to meeting the other qualifications for reciprocity. The implementing rule, 24 DE Admin. Code 1800 §2.3 ('Licensure by Reciprocity'), requires the applicant to demonstrate that the standards for licensure of the state through which reciprocity is sought are equivalent to Delaware's and to provide that state's laws and regulations governing licensure to the Board. General conditions require certified certificates of good standing from every jurisdiction where the applicant is or has been licensed, verifying disciplinary and complaint history, with no unresolved discipline. No reciprocity-specific fee is stated.
RenewalRenewed through the DELPROS licensing system; continuing education requirements apply beginning with the 2026 renewal cycle (specific hours set in Board regulations, 24 Del. Admin. C. 1800).
NotesStatewide board, but the state-issued plumbing credential is the Master Plumber license (no separate statewide journeyman license); apprentices are registered.

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Common questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Delaware?
Statewide board, but the state-issued plumbing credential is the Master Plumber license (no separate statewide journeyman license); apprentices are registered.
What plumber license levels does Delaware have?
The levels are Master Plumber, Master HVACR, Master Restricted HVACR, Apprentice (registered).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Delaware?
Delaware licenses plumbers primarily at the Master level. Master Plumber applicants must document required trade experience/journey-level work under a licensed master and pass the exam; apprentices register and work under supervision.
Does Delaware have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, as a case-by-case substantial-similarity test with no named states. Under 24 Del. C. §1810(a), upon submission and acceptance of a written application the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners shall grant a license to each applicant who presents proof of current licensure in good standing in another state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to Delaware's. Under §1810(b), an applicant licensed by a state whose standards are not substantially similar must have practised for a minimum of 7 years after licensure, in addition to meeting the other qualifications for reciprocity. The implementing rule, 24 DE Admin. Code 1800 §2.3 ('Licensure by Reciprocity'), requires the applicant to demonstrate that the standards for licensure of the state through which reciprocity is sought are equivalent to Delaware's and to provide that state's laws and regulations governing licensure to the Board. General conditions require certified certificates of good standing from every jurisdiction where the applicant is or has been licensed, verifying disciplinary and complaint history, with no unresolved discipline. No reciprocity-specific fee is stated.

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Sources: dpr.delaware.gov, regulations.delaware.gov, delcode.delaware.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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