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).
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 websiteLicense Type
Plumbing Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
Register your LLC or corporation with the Illinois Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Illinois requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
Illinois requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Check if Illinois or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
File your application with Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for Illinois sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
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
Our AI compliance assistant creates a personalized checklist for your specific situation in Illinois.
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.