Hawaii plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Hawaii plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (DCCA), how to check one online, the license types, and 403 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Hawaii?
| Who licenses them | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Board of Electricians and Plumbers (individuals); Contractors License Board (C-37 plumbing contractors) |
|---|---|
| License types | Journey Worker Plumber, Master Plumber, C-37 Plumbing Contractor |
| When a license is required | A license is required for any person who performs plumbing work; plumbing permits required for work over $500 in a 12-month period |
Hire a licensed C-37 plumbing contractor, and expect licensed plumbers (who must wear their license on the job) to do the hands-on work. Only licensees can pull plumbing permits; contact your county planning and permitting department for permit questions.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Hawaii?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Hawaii plumbing license lookup run by DCCA.
- 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 DCCA.
What plumbing licenses does Hawaii issue?
- Journey Worker Plumber
- Master Plumber
- C-37 Plumbing Contractor
How do you get a plumbing license in Hawaii?
Licenses are issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Board of Electricians and Plumbers (individuals); Contractors License Board (C-37 plumbing contractors). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DCCA source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in Hawaii?
The Census Bureau counted 403 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Hawaii in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Honolulu County | 249 |
|---|---|
| Hawaii County | 64 |
| Maui County | 62 |
| Kauai County | 28 |
What do Hawaii homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in Hawaii was built in 1979, 37% of households rent and 63% of homes are single-family houses. 3% of homes heat with utility gas and 41% with electricity.
How do you choose a plumber in Hawaii?
- 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: Hawaii licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.