To work as a plumber in Michigan, you need a license issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The Michigan plumbing license requirements run through three tiers — apprentice, journey plumber, and master plumber — and moving from the first to the last takes a minimum of five years of documented, supervised work plus a state examination at each licensed level.
The Three License Levels
Each tier has a defined scope of authority.
- An apprentice plumber works only under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed journey or master plumber and cannot perform plumbing work independently.
- A journey plumber installs and repairs plumbing systems. A licensed master plumber must be in charge of the overall operation, but the journey plumber handles the day-to-day work.
- A master plumber holds the highest individual license. Master plumbers supervise apprentices and journey plumbers, pull permits, and take responsibility for the code compliance of all work performed under their supervision.
Registering as an Apprentice
Everyone starts here. You must register as an apprentice with LARA within 30 days of beginning employment with a licensed plumbing company. The registration fee is $15 and renews each year.1Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Plumbing Apprentice Registration
Keep that registration current. Any hours you accumulate while it is lapsed or expired do not count toward the 6,000 hours needed to qualify for a journey plumber license. Military veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents can have the initial registration fee waived.1Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Plumbing Apprentice Registration
Qualifying for the Journey Plumber License
To sit for the journey plumber exam, you need at least 6,000 hours of practical plumbing experience gained over a minimum of three years as a registered apprentice, all performed under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.2Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Application for Journey Plumber Examination and License
The application goes to LARA along with notarized documentation from your employers verifying your hours, the type of plumbing experience gained, and the name and license number of the master plumber who supervised you. The license fee is $40, paid at the time of application.2Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Application for Journey Plumber Examination and License
The exam has two parts: a written test and a practical skills assessment. You must pass both. The written portion covers plumbing codes, system design, and safety regulations, and Michigan requires a score of 75% or higher to pass.3Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Out of State License Verification
Qualifying for the Master Plumber License
The master plumber license requires at least 4,000 hours of work as a licensed journey plumber over a period of not less than two years immediately before your application date. Any lapse in your journey plumber license during those two years disqualifies you.4Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Plumbing Examination, Licensing/Registration and Application Information
You must be at least 18 years old and submit notarized employment verification letters documenting your dates of employment, hours gained, type of experience, and the licensed master plumber who supervised you. The application fee is $300.5Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Application for Master Plumber/Plumbing Contractor Examination and License
The master exam also has written and practical components, with a 75% passing score on the written side. The written material is more advanced, including complex plumbing systems and the business management knowledge needed to run a plumbing operation and supervise other licensees.
If You Already Hold a License in Another State
Michigan does not offer reciprocity with any other state. You still have to apply through LARA and pass the Michigan examination.3Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Out of State License Verification
Your packet includes a copy of your current out-of-state license, a completed Out-of-State License Verification Form sent to the issuing jurisdiction for confirmation, and notarized letters documenting your hours, years of experience, and licensed supervision. The applicable licensing board meets quarterly to review out-of-state applications. If approved, you become eligible to schedule your exam.3Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Out of State License Verification
Renewal and Continuing Education
Journey and master licenses are on different schedules. A journey plumber license renews annually by April 30 with a $40 fee. A master plumber license renews every three years by April 30 with a $300 fee. Missing either deadline triggers a $100 late fee.6Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. License/Registration Renewals
Both levels require continuing education on the Michigan Plumbing Code. Journey plumbers complete three hours each year. Master plumbers complete three hours over each three-year renewal cycle. Approved providers and programs are listed through LARA. Apprentice registrations also renew annually, and as noted earlier, hours worked during a lapsed registration don’t count toward the 6,000-hour journey requirement.4Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Plumbing Examination, Licensing/Registration and Application Information
When a License Isn’t Required
Michigan does not require a plumbing license for a homeowner performing work on a single-family dwelling they own and occupy, or will occupy, as their primary residence. The exemption is narrow. You are still responsible for following the state construction code, pulling the required permits, and scheduling inspections. It does not cover rental properties, investment properties, or work on someone else’s home.
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Performing plumbing work without a license in Michigan is a criminal offense. Under the Occupational Code, a first offense is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of $5,000 to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 93 days.7Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 339.601 – Violation of Act, Rule, or Order; Penalties An unlicensed person who causes property damage or injury through faulty work also faces civil liability, and insurers generally will not cover claims arising from work performed by someone without a valid license.