Plumber Licensing in Georgia

Georgia Plumber License Verification

In Georgia, all individuals engaging in plumbing work, whether as a contractor or an employee, are legally required to hold a current state license as either a Master Plumber or a Journeyman Plumber. The governing body for plumbing licensure in the state is the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, specifically the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, operating under the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division.

There are three primary categories of plumbing licenses: Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber Class I (restricted), and Master Plumber Class II (non-restricted). To qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license, applicants must document a minimum of three years of experience as an apprentice, helper, or trainee under a licensed master plumber, which can include approved vocational training programs for up to one year of secondary experience. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and provide three reference forms from licensed plumbers, with at least one being a master plumber.

To advance to a Master Plumber Class I license, five years of plumbing experience are required, including at least two years as a licensed journeyman, plumbing contractor, foreman, superintendent, or military plumber. This license is restricted to plumbing for single-family dwellings, one-level dwellings for up to two families, and commercial structures not exceeding 10,000 square feet. The Master Plumber Class II (non-restricted) license also requires five years of experience, with at least two years specifically in commercial or industrial plumbing. All applicants must pass a state-administered examination, conducted by PSI Testing Services, with a score of 70% or higher. As of May 1st, 2026, these exams will be based on the 2024 editions of the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Licenses must be renewed in even-numbered years, requiring eight hours of continuing education per two-year cycle (four hours annually).

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

Plumbers in Georgia are subject to specific insurance and bonding requirements. All licensed contractors, including plumbers, are mandated to carry general liability insurance. State requirements specify coverage of at least $100,000 for bodily injury per person and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, businesses with one or more employees must obtain Workers' Compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages for on-the-job injuries.

Master plumbers planning to operate independently or bid on projects typically need to secure a surety bond. This bond is often deposited with a probate court judge in the county of their primary business. While specific amounts can vary by local jurisdiction, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, a licensed plumber who has filed a bond with the probate court is generally exempt from additional local code compliance bond requirements. If a contractor cannot meet the state's minimum net-worth requirements for a contractor license (e.g., $25,000 for residential basic or light commercial, $150,000 for general contractor), a state contractor license bond, often set at $25,000, may be required.

Permitting and Local Regulations

All plumbing work performed in Georgia must adhere to state and local building codes. Permits are a critical component of regulatory compliance and are typically required for significant plumbing projects such as water heater installations, sewer line replacements, or major bathroom and kitchen remodels. These permits ensure that installations and repairs meet safety standards and are compliant with legal requirements. Property owners should always verify that their plumbing contractor has obtained the necessary permits by requesting a copy of the permit or by contacting their local city or county building department directly. Many local jurisdictions, including counties like Fulton and DeKalb, provide online tools for permit verification. Local governments have the authority to adopt and enforce their own codes, further emphasizing the importance of checking regional requirements.

Official Georgia Resources

For the most current and authoritative information regarding plumbing licenses, regulations, and forms in Georgia, please refer to the following official resources:

Validation Disclaimer

Regulations can change. We recommend contacting the Georgia licensing board directly before performing any work. Unlicensed contracting may carry significant legal penalties in this jurisdiction.