Wisconsin plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Wisconsin plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (DSPS), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,942 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Wisconsin?
| Who licenses them | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted Service, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service, Master Plumber Restricted Appliance, Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance, Utility Contractor |
| When a license is required | State license required for any plumbing work; a licensed master plumber must be in charge of every installation, Wis. Stat. 145.06 |
Wisconsin licenses plumbers individually; licenses can't be issued to a company, so ask for the master plumber's name and license number. Verify it in DSPS's LicensE portal under "License Lookup"; plumbing permits come from your city or village.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Wisconsin?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Wisconsin plumbing license lookup run by DSPS.
- 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 DSPS.
What plumbing licenses does Wisconsin issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber Restricted Service
- Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service
- Master Plumber Restricted Appliance
- Journeyman Plumber Restricted Appliance
- Utility Contractor
How do you get a plumbing license in Wisconsin?
Licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DSPS source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in Wisconsin?
The Census Bureau counted 1,942 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Wisconsin in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Waukesha County | 178 |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | 140 |
| Dane County | 128 |
| Outagamie County | 89 |
| Brown County | 86 |
| Racine County | 67 |
| Winnebago County | 56 |
| Marathon County | 54 |
What do Wisconsin homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in Wisconsin was built in 1975, 32% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 65% of homes heat with utility gas and 17% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in Wisconsin?
- 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: Wisconsin licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.