Delaware renewal guide
Master Plumber
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Issuing authority
Renewal period
Every 24 months
Renewal fee
$173.00
Late penalty
$86.50
Bond requirement
No
Insurance requirement
Yes — General Liability
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 2
File with the board
File through Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, HVAC and Refrigeration Examiners and pay the $173.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 3
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 30 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $86.50.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Delaware Master Plumber License
The Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners issues the Master Plumber license through the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). This is the highest plumbing license level in Delaware and authorizes full-scope plumbing work.
What This License Authorizes
Master Plumbers may design, install, maintain, service, repair, alter, and modify plumbing systems. They may supervise journeyman plumbers and apprentices and operate a plumbing contracting business.
Experience Requirements
- With Journeyman Certificate: Apprenticeship completion plus at least 2 years of work experience under a master licensee
- Without Journeyman Certificate: At least 7 years of work experience under a master licensee (must pass Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam)
- By Reciprocity: Available from Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland without additional experience; other states require 7 years post-licensure
Insurance Requirements
- General Liability Insurance: Required for practicing as a Master Plumber contractor
Examination
The Master Plumber exam is open-book with 100 multiple-choice questions and a 3-hour time limit. A passing score of 70% or higher is required.
Fees
- Application/License Fee: $173
- Renewal Fee: $173 (biennial)
- Late Fee: 50% of the renewal fee ($86.50)
- Exam Fee: $100
Renewal Process
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years, expires October 31 of even-numbered years
- Renew online through DELPROS
- May file late renewal up to 1 year after expiration; practicing on an expired license is illegal
- CE requirements take effect for the 2026 renewal cycle (5 hours)
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- exam_results
- experience_verification
- licensure_verification
Source notes
Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing/HVACR Examiners . Verified March 2026. https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/fees/
Rules move. Check Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, HVAC and Refrigeration Examiners again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
Turn it into a handoff.
Once the rule is clear, these tools help you hand it off cleanly or turn it into a cost plan.
Printable checklist
Delaware checklist
Use the checklist when you need the board link, required documents, and renewal notes in one handoff.
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Keep Master Plumber dates, proof, and official links with the rest of your license work.