Rhode Island plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Rhode Island plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers)), how to check one online, the license types, and 494 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Rhode Island?
| Who licenses them | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyperson Plumber, Apprentice Plumber |
| When a license is required | License required for any plumbing business; no dollar threshold |
Rhode Island requires a master plumber's license to run a plumbing business or contract for plumbing work; journeypersons work under a master. Ask for the license number and confirm the job is permitted with your city or town.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Rhode Island?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Rhode Island plumbing license lookup run by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers).
- 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 Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers).
What plumbing licenses does Rhode Island issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyperson Plumber
- Apprentice Plumber
How do you get a plumbing license in Rhode Island?
Licenses are issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in Rhode Island?
The Census Bureau counted 494 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Rhode Island in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Providence County | 262 |
|---|---|
| Kent County | 95 |
| Washington County | 80 |
| Newport County | 39 |
| Bristol County | 18 |
What do Rhode Island homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in Rhode Island was built in 1961, 37% of households rent and 59% of homes are single-family houses. 53% of homes heat with utility gas and 12% with electricity, and 27% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in Rhode Island?
- 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: Rhode Island licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.