How to Check if a Plumber is Licensed and Insured (Step-by-Step)
Verifying a plumber's license and insurance takes less than 5 minutes and can save you from thousands of dollars in denied insurance claims, code violations, and shoddy workmanship. Here is a simple, step-by-step process that works in every US state.
Part of: Complete Guide to Hiring a Plumber
Key Takeaways
- License verification takes under 5 minutes using your state's online lookup tool
- Always ask for the certificate of insurance — not just verbal confirmation
- Check that insurance is current — expired coverage is useless
- Verify the license is for the right category of work (plumbing, not just general contractor)
- If a plumber hesitates to provide credentials, that hesitation is your answer
Step 1: Ask for the License Number Before Scheduling
Before a plumber even comes to your home, ask: "What is your plumbing license number?" A licensed plumber knows this number immediately — it's their professional ID. Record the number and the plumber's full name.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 480,600 plumbers employed in the United States with a median annual wage of $61,550. The U.S. EPA reports that household water leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons per year.
If a plumber says they'll bring paperwork when they arrive, or gives any other reason not to provide the number upfront, this is a significant warning sign. You need the number to verify before scheduling.
Step 2: Find Your State's License Lookup Tool
Each state maintains an online database for contractor license verification. To find yours:
- Google: "[your state] plumber license lookup" or "[your state] contractor license verification"
- The official state government website (ending in .gov) is always the authoritative source
- Common licensing authorities: State Contractors Board, Division of Professional Licensing, Department of Labor, or similar
Browse our state guides — each includes a link to that state's licensing board.
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Get Free Quotes — HomeAdvisorStep 3: What to Verify on the License
Once you find the plumber's license record, confirm all of these:
- Active status: License is current and not expired, suspended, or revoked
- License type: Matches the work — "plumbing contractor" or "master plumber" for major work
- Name match: License is in the name of the company or individual you're hiring
- Disciplinary history: No recent serious complaints or license actions
- Expiration date: License does not expire before your job is completed
Step 4: Verifying Insurance
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) — not just a verbal assurance. A COI is a one-page summary from the insurance company showing:
- General liability insurance: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence. Covers damage to your property during the job.
- Workers' compensation: Required in most states. Covers injuries to workers on your property.
- Policy effective and expiration dates: Confirm coverage is currently active.
Pro tip: Ask the insurance company named on the COI to email you a copy directly (rather than accepting one the plumber hands you — occasionally these are altered).
Step 5: What About Being 'Bonded'?
Being bonded means the contractor has purchased a surety bond — a form of insurance that protects clients if the contractor fails to complete work or causes certain damages. Most states require licensed plumbing contractors to be bonded.
Bonding is typically verified through the same state licensing board lookup that shows license status. A contractor who is licensed and insured is typically bonded as well.
For full pre-hire guidance: Complete Guide to Hiring a Plumber and 15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do not hire them for licensed work until they renew. An expired license means the plumber cannot legally perform permit-required work, and their insurance may also be invalidated. Ask them to renew first.
No — a general contractor license allows overall project management but typically does not authorize performing plumbing work directly. Plumbing requires a specific plumbing contractor or plumbing license.
Yes — state licensing databases allow lookup by company name, individual name, or license number. Any of these methods works.
A few states have limited statewide licensing requirements and defer to local jurisdictions. In these cases, check with your city or county building department for local license requirements. As a minimum, still verify insurance.