North Dakota plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
North Dakota plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (North Dakota State Board of Plumbing), how to check one online, the license types, and 310 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in North Dakota?
| Who licenses them | North Dakota State Board of Plumbing |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Sewer and Water license, Water Conditioning license |
| When a license is required | License required for plumbing work in areas with public water or sewer, regardless of job size); jobs over $4,000 also need a Secretary of State contractor license |
Under NDCC 43-18, a plumbing business in an area with public water or sewer must have a licensed master plumber in charge. In towns under 1,000 people and rural areas, a licensed journeyman can run the business. Plumbing ads must show the license number. Homeowners may do their own plumbing on the home they live in, unless a local ordinance forbids it.
How do you look up a plumber's license in North Dakota?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the North Dakota plumbing license lookup run by North Dakota State Board of Plumbing.
- 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 North Dakota State Board of Plumbing.
What plumbing licenses does North Dakota issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Sewer and Water license
- Water Conditioning license
How do you get a plumbing license in North Dakota?
Licenses are issued by the North Dakota State Board of Plumbing. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official North Dakota State Board of Plumbing source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in North Dakota?
The Census Bureau counted 310 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in North Dakota in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Cass County | 90 |
|---|---|
| Burleigh County | 40 |
| Grand Forks County | 29 |
| Ward County | 28 |
| Morton County | 18 |
| Stark County | 16 |
| Williams County | 12 |
| Richland County | 11 |
What do North Dakota homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in North Dakota was built in 1981, 37% of households rent and 63% of homes are single-family houses. 41% of homes heat with utility gas and 40% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in North Dakota?
- 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: North Dakota licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.