How-To Guide: Plumber License
How to Apply
- Licensure requires completing an application, getting it signed, notarized, and paying the required fee.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by November 30 of even numbered years. Late renewal is December 1 to December 31.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply. Each application has specific instructions based on license type.
Journeyman Plumber Application
Master Plumber (Restricted) Application
Master Plumber (Non-Restricted) Application
Reinstatement (Lapsed Under 3 Years)
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
- Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.
Veterans Preference Points
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>
- If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
|
Initial Application |
$30 |
|
Renewal (Master Plumber) |
$75 |
|
Late Renewal (Master Plumber) |
$100 |
|
Renewal (Journeyman Plumber) |
$35 |
|
Late Renewal (Journeyman Plumber) |
$45 |
|
Reinstatement Journeyman (less than 3 years) |
$70 (no exam required) |
|
Reinstatement Journeyman (more than 3 years) |
$70 plus re-exam |
|
Reinstatement Master (less than 3 years) |
$150 (no exam required) |
|
Reinstatement (more than 3 years) |
$150 plus re-exam |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Journeyman Plumber Application
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Background Check (through your local law enforcement agency)
- Experience Information
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Reference 1
- Reference 2
- Reference 3
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Submit a non-refundable application fee of $30.
Master Plumber (Restricted) Application
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Background Check (through your local law enforcement agency)
- Work Experience Information
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Reference 1
- Reference 2
- Reference 3
- Journeyman Plumber License Verification (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Submit a non-refundable application fee of $30.
Master Plumber (Non-Restricted) Application
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Background Check (through your local law enforcement agency)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Work Experience Information
- Reference 1
- Reference 2
- Reference 3
- Journeyman Plumber License Verification (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Submit a non-refundable fee of $30.
Reinstatement (Lapsed Under 3 Years)
If you do not renew your license before the Late Renewal period has expired, your license will lapse.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Continuing Education
- Experience Information
- Background Check (through your local law enforcement agency)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Submit a non-refundable fee of $150.
- (Journeyman reinstatement: submit a non-refundable fee of $70.)
Reinstatement (Lapsed More Than 3 Years)
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than three years, you must apply for reinstatement before you re-take the exam.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Background Check (through your local law enforcement agency)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Reference 1
- Reference 2
- Reference 3
- Experience Information
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Submit a non-refundable fee of $150.
- (Journeyman reinstatement: submit a non-refundable fee of $70.)
Renewal
If you currently hold this license and need to renew to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal by November 30 of the even-numbered year it expires to avoid late fees. Late renewal is December 1 to December 31.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
- Journeyman Plumber: Submit a non-refundable fee of $35. (Late renewal is $45.)
- Master Plumber: Submit a non-refundable fee of $75. (Late renewal is $100.)
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the Professional Licensing Portal.
To file by mail:
Once your checklist is completed, please mail all documents to:
Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource Georgia Plumbers Trade Association
- Online Resource Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Georgia
- Online Resource Georgia Plumbers Association