Plumber Licensing in Delaware

Delaware Plumber License Verification

In Delaware, all individuals performing plumbing work are required to be licensed. The governing body for plumber licensing is the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners, operating under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR).

The state licenses plumbers at various levels, including Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. To obtain a Master Plumber license, applicants must generally complete an approved apprenticeship program, or hold a journeyman license from another state with two years of verifiable work experience as a journeyman, or have seven years of verifiable plumbing work experience. A Master Plumber license requires passing a state examination and receiving permission from the Board to sit for the exam.

All applications for licensure are processed through the DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services) portal, which requires applicants to create a user account. A background check and documentation of any criminal convictions related to the profession are also required for licensure. Licenses typically expire on October 31 of even years. Starting October 31, 2026, continuing education will be required, with licensees needing to complete five hours of approved CE during each renewal period.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

Plumbing contractors in Delaware are mandated to carry specific insurance coverage. All contractors are required to obtain liability insurance and, if they employ staff, workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance. General liability insurance is recommended and often required for permits or commercial projects, with minimum coverage often cited at $300,000 per occurrence. Electronic insurance submissions will be required starting January 15, 2026.

Surety bonds may also be necessary depending on the scope of work and location. For instance, Master Plumber Contractors performing work in New Castle County are required to submit a surety bond of $10,000. Similarly, the city of Newark requires various classifications of subcontractors, including plumbing, to obtain surety bonds, with amounts varying based on the classification (e.g., $200,000 for Unlimited Subcontractor and $50,000 for Limited Subcontractor).

Permitting and Local Regulations

In addition to state licensure, plumbers must adhere to permitting and local regulations, which can vary by jurisdiction. For residential plumbing jobs at the state level, the Delaware Division of Public Health issues plumbing permits and enforces the Delaware plumbing code. A fee of $100 is assessed for all plumbing permits issued by the Division of Public Health, with apartments and condominiums charged per individual unit.

However, many local jurisdictions, including counties and cities like Kent County, Newark, and Wilmington, maintain their own plumbing programs and fee schedules. These local offices should be contacted directly for their specific permit information. Delaware jurisdictions typically adopt the International Plumbing Code (IPC), with Kent County, for example, adopting the International Plumbing Code 2021. Projects involving new plumbing or alterations, fixture relocations, and new connections to the potable water supply generally require a permit. It is unlawful to work as a master plumber in Delaware without appropriate licensure and permits.

Official Delaware Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding plumbing licensure and regulations in Delaware, consult the following official resources:

Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR): https://dpr.delaware.gov/

DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services): https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage

Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbershvacr/

Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship and Training: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/employment-training/apprenticeship-training/

Delaware Division of Public Health (for state plumbing permits): https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/plumbingprog.html

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