Nevada plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Nevada plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (NSCB), how to check one online, the license types, and 906 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Nevada?
| Who licenses them | Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) |
|---|---|
| License types | C-1 Plumbing and Heating (contractor license; subclassifications such as C-1d plumbing and C-1h water heaters) |
| When a license is required | Contractor license required for plumbing work of any value: the under-$1,000 repair exemption in NRS 624.031(6) does not cover plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, heating or air-conditioning work |
Nevada licenses plumbing contractor businesses through the NSCB, and each license carries a monetary limit on job size; check the license number, which must appear in all of the contractor's ads. Residential homeowners harmed by a licensed contractor may claim up to $40,000 from the state Residential Recovery Fund.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Nevada?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Nevada plumbing license lookup run by NSCB.
- 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 NSCB.
What plumbing licenses does Nevada issue?
- C-1 Plumbing and Heating (contractor license; subclassifications such as C-1d plumbing and C-1h water heaters)
How do you get a plumbing license in Nevada?
Licenses are issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official NSCB source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in Nevada?
The Census Bureau counted 906 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Nevada in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Clark County | 631 |
|---|---|
| Washoe County | 170 |
| Douglas County | 34 |
| Carson City | 23 |
| Nye County | 13 |
| Lyon County | 12 |
| Elko County | 11 |
| Churchill County | 7 |
What do Nevada homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in Nevada was built in 1996, 41% of households rent and 65% of homes are single-family houses. 58% of homes heat with utility gas and 35% with electricity.
How do you choose a plumber in Nevada?
- 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: Nevada licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.