New York plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
New York plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (DOB), how to check one online, the license types, and 7,057 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in New York?
| Who licenses them | local (city/county); no statewide plumbing license. In New York City: NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Some counties (e.g. Westchester County Board of Plumbing Examiners) and cities license plumbers locally. |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber registration (NYC), Gas Work Qualification (NYC) |
New York State does not license plumbers; licensing is set by your city or county. In NYC, plumbing work must be done by a DOB-licensed Master Plumber (gas work also needs a DOB Gas Work Qualification). Outside NYC, ask your city or county building department.
How do you look up a plumber's license in New York?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New York plumbing license lookup run by DOB.
- 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 DOB.
What plumbing licenses does New York issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber registration (NYC)
- Gas Work Qualification (NYC)
How do you get a plumbing license in New York?
Licenses are issued by the local (city/county); no statewide plumbing license. In New York City: NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Some counties (e.g. Westchester County Board of Plumbing Examiners) and cities license plumbers locally.. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DOB source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which New York city is the job in?
How many plumbers are there in New York?
The Census Bureau counted 7,057 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in New York in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Suffolk County | 1,089 |
|---|---|
| Queens County | 945 |
| Kings County | 784 |
| Nassau County | 690 |
| Westchester County | 493 |
| Bronx County | 267 |
| Richmond County | 243 |
| Erie County | 240 |
What do New York homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in New York was built in 1958, 46% of households rent and 47% of homes are single-family houses. 59% of homes heat with utility gas and 14% with electricity, and 17% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in New York?
- 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: New York licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.