Plumbing Contractor Requirements in Illinois (2026)
Complete guide to plumbing contractor requirements in Illinois. Illinois plumbers are licensed by IDPH, not IDFPR. One of the few states where the health department regulates the trade. Requires 4-6 years as a licensed apprentice under a licensed plumber plus state exam (75% overall, 61% per section).
- Licensed Plumber
- Apprentice Plumber
- Plumbing Contractor
Last verified: 2026-04-18.
Illinois plumbers are licensed by IDPH, not IDFPR. One of the few states where the health department regulates the trade. Requires 4-6 years as a licensed apprentice under a licensed plumber plus state exam (75% overall, 61% per section). Issued by: Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program. A licensing exam is required. Minimum 4 years of experience required.
Visit official licensing websiteQuick Facts
License Type
Plumbing Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
How to Get Your Plumbing Contractor in Illinois
Register your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Illinois Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Obtain your EIN
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Meet experience requirements
Illinois requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
Pass required exams
Illinois requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Get required insurance
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Obtain surety bond if required
Check if Illinois or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
Submit your license application
File your application with Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for state and local taxes
Register for Illinois sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Insurance Requirements in Illinois
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
Need help with licensing?
Our AI compliance assistant creates a personalized checklist for your specific situation in Illinois.
Related Guides
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Illinois's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.