Louisiana plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Louisiana plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (transferring to LSLBC effective January 1, 2027 under Act 908 of 2026)), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,612 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Louisiana?
| Who licenses them | State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (transferring to LSLBC effective January 1, 2027 under Act 908 of 2026) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Apprentice Plumber |
| When a license is required | Plumbing projects over $10,000 (labor and materials) on commercial work also require an LSLBC contractor license |
Individual plumbers are licensed by the State Plumbing Board (roster at public.spbla.com); starting January 1, 2027 plumbing licensing moves to LSLBC, and plumbing businesses must hold the appropriate contractor license. After that date, verify through LSLBC's contractor search.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Louisiana?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Louisiana plumbing license lookup run by State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (transferring to LSLBC effective January 1, 2027 under Act 908 of 2026).
- 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 State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (transferring to LSLBC effective January 1, 2027 under Act 908 of 2026).
What plumbing licenses does Louisiana issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Apprentice Plumber
How do you get a plumbing license in Louisiana?
Licenses are issued by the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (transferring to LSLBC effective January 1, 2027 under Act 908 of 2026). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (transferring to LSLBC effective January 1, 2027 under Act 908 of 2026) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in Louisiana?
The Census Bureau counted 1,612 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Louisiana in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Jefferson Parish | 240 |
|---|---|
| St. Tammany Parish | 146 |
| East Baton Rouge Parish | 137 |
| Lafayette Parish | 112 |
| Caddo Parish | 94 |
| Calcasieu Parish | 77 |
| Livingston Parish | 69 |
| Ouachita Parish | 53 |
What do Louisiana homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in Louisiana was built in 1982, 33% of households rent and 68% of homes are single-family houses. 32% of homes heat with utility gas and 65% with electricity.
How do you choose a plumber in Louisiana?
- 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: Louisiana licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.