How much does a Plumber license cost in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Plumber license fee is $300, paid to NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Exam fees, the bond premium and insurance are charged separately.
What the state charges
| License fee | $300 |
|---|---|
| Paid to | NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors |
| Exam | Open-book exam on current NC State Building Codes via PSI; Class I (all structures) / Class II (1-2 family residential) |
| Bond | Not required |
| Renewal | Every 1 year(s) |
Fee breakdown and fine print
Fee = $150 exam (PHFP Exam Application) + $150 license activation (License Activation Form, due within 45 days of passing); annual renewal $150 (GS 87-22). Licenses expire Dec 31 annually. No bond requirement published.
Official fee source: NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors →
What else you pay before the first job
The licence fee is the smallest line item for most people starting out. These are charged by private providers, not by NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors, and prices vary — so we link the options rather than quote a number we cannot source.
General liability insurance
Required by most licensing boards and by nearly every general contractor who hires you.
Compare coverage →Forming your LLC
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Form your LLC →Truck and tools
Equipment & work-truck loans — works with brand-new businesses and finances used gear.
Financing options →Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Plumber license cost in North Carolina?
- The state license fee is $300, paid to NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Fee = $150 exam (PHFP Exam Application) + $150 license activation (License Activation Form, due within 45 days of passing); annual renewal $150 (GS 87-22). Licenses expire Dec 31 annually. No bond requirement published.
- What other costs are there beyond the license fee?
- Beyond the state fee you should budget for the exam, general liability insurance, forming your business entity, and the truck and tools you need to take the first job. Those are billed by separate providers, not the licensing board.
Related
Full North Carolina Plumber license requirements →
North Carolina Plumber license reciprocity →
Every figure is sourced to the official state board and may change — confirm before acting. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.