District of Columbia plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
District of Columbia plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (DLCP), how to check one online, the license types, and 37 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in District of Columbia?
| Who licenses them | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades |
|---|---|
| License types | Apprentice Plumber/Gasfitter, Journeyman Plumber/Gasfitter, Master Plumber/Gasfitter, Plumbing/Gasfitting Contractor |
| When a license is required | License required for plumbing/gasfitting work; no dollar exemption found |
DLCP licenses plumbers/gasfitters at apprentice, journeyman and master levels. A plumbing/gasfitting contractor company needs a designated DC-licensed master plus $5,000 surety bonds for both company and master; permits are pulled separately through DC building authorities.
How do you look up a plumber's license in District of Columbia?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the District of Columbia plumbing license lookup run by DLCP.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the plumber about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DLCP.
What plumbing licenses does District of Columbia issue?
- Apprentice Plumber/Gasfitter
- Journeyman Plumber/Gasfitter
- Master Plumber/Gasfitter
- Plumbing/Gasfitting Contractor
How do you get a plumbing license in District of Columbia?
Licenses are issued by the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DLCP source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which District of Columbia city is the job in?
How many plumbers are there in District of Columbia?
The Census Bureau counted 37 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in District of Columbia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| District of Columbia | 37 |
|---|
What do District of Columbia homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in District of Columbia was built in 1957, 59% of households rent and 33% of homes are single-family houses. 49% of homes heat with utility gas and 46% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in District of Columbia?
- Ask for the license number and look it up yourself on the state or city license search. Licensing is set by the state in some places and by the city or county in others.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit. Water heater swaps, gas work and moving fixtures often do, and the licensed plumber pulls it.
- Get the price in writing: a flat rate for the job, or the hourly rate, the trip fee and how parts are billed.
- For emergencies, ask what the after-hours rate is before the plumber drives out.
- Ask who does the work. A licensed master can send helpers, but the license holder is responsible for the job.
Plumbers in other states
Sources: District of Columbia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.