Plumber license requirements in Minnesota.
Minnesota licenses plumbers statewide through the Department of Labor and Industry. Even unlicensed workers must register before doing plumbing work, and the business itself needs a separate contractor license backed by a master plumber, a bond, and insurance.
What Minnesota requires.
Registered Unlicensed Individual
Formerly the apprentice. Anyone not yet licensed may only perform plumbing work in Minnesota if registered with DLI in this category.
Journeyworker Plumber
Requires at least four years of recorded practical experience as a DLI-registered unlicensed individual, or completion of a DLI-registered apprenticeship, then the exam.
Master Plumber
Requires holding the journeyworker license for at least one year before sitting the master exam.
Plumbing Contractor (business license)
The business credential. Requires employing a licensed master plumber as the responsible individual, plus a bond and insurance.
Getting the Registered Unlicensed Individual
- Register with DLI as an unlicensed individual before performing any plumbing work
- Journeyworker: four years of recorded practical experience as a registered unlicensed individual, or a DLI-registered apprenticeship, then the exam (exam fee $50)
- Master: hold the journeyworker license at least one year before taking the master exam
- Contractor: employ a licensed master plumber at all times as the responsible individual, carry a $25,000 surety bond from a corporate surety licensed in Minnesota, plus general liability and workers’ compensation coverage
- · Minnesota renamed the tiers — journeyworker replaced journeyman, and registered unlicensed individual replaced apprentice.
Verified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Minnesota plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in Minnesota?
Yes, and even unlicensed workers need to register. An individual who is not licensed may only perform plumbing work in Minnesota if registered with the Department of Labor and Industry as a registered unlicensed plumber — what other states call an apprentice.
How do you become a journeyworker plumber in Minnesota?
Accumulate at least four years of recorded practical plumbing experience as a DLI-registered unlicensed individual, or complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship program, then apply and pass the exam.
How do you become a master plumber in Minnesota?
Hold a Minnesota journeyworker plumber license for at least one year, then sit the master plumber exam.
What does a Minnesota plumbing contractor license require?
The business must employ a licensed master plumber as its responsible individual at all times, carry a $25,000 surety bond written by a corporate surety licensed in Minnesota, and maintain general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
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