West Virginia plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
West Virginia plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (West Virginia Division of Labor (Commissioner of Labor)), how to check one online, the license types, and 389 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in West Virginia?
| Who licenses them | West Virginia Division of Labor (Commissioner of Labor) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Plumber in Training |
| When a license is required | A license is required for anyone performing or offering plumbing work; owners working on their own single-family home are exempt |
West Virginia plumbers must carry a copy of their Division of Labor license on every job, so ask to see it and check it on the state search. A plumbing business that bids jobs also needs a WV contractor license.
How do you look up a plumber's license in West Virginia?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the West Virginia plumbing license lookup run by West Virginia Division of Labor (Commissioner of Labor).
- 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 West Virginia Division of Labor (Commissioner of Labor).
What plumbing licenses does West Virginia issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Plumber in Training
How do you get a plumbing license in West Virginia?
Licenses are issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor (Commissioner of Labor). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official West Virginia Division of Labor (Commissioner of Labor) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in West Virginia?
The Census Bureau counted 389 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in West Virginia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Kanawha County | 46 |
|---|---|
| Berkeley County | 34 |
| Monongalia County | 30 |
| Cabell County | 27 |
| Putnam County | 19 |
| Jefferson County | 19 |
| Marion County | 15 |
| Harrison County | 15 |
What do West Virginia homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in West Virginia was built in 1976, 26% of households rent and 73% of homes are single-family houses. 41% of homes heat with utility gas and 46% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in West Virginia?
- 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: West Virginia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.