Illinois renewal guide
Plumbing Contractor License (State)
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 12 months
Renewal fee
$150.00
Late penalty
$75.00
Bond requirement
Yes — $20,000.00
Insurance requirement
Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation
Continuing education
12 hours
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Finish the CE first
Complete the 12 required hours before you start the renewal.
- 2
Make sure the bond still clears
The $20,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
- 3
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 4
File with the board
File through Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and pay the $150.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 5
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 $75.00, with a 30-day grace period.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Illinois Plumbing Contractor License
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates plumbing contractors under the Illinois Plumbing License Law. All plumbing work in the state must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
Requirements
- Examination: Must pass the IDPH plumbing contractor exam
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of practical plumbing experience
- Insurance: General liability ($100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 bodily injury) and workers' compensation insurance required
- Bond: $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit required per 225 ILCS 320 Sec. 13.1
- Continuing Education: 12 hours per renewal cycle
- Application Fee: $250
Renewal Information
- Renewal Period: Annual
- Renewal Fee: $150
- Continuing Education: 12 hours required each cycle
- Late Penalty: $75 additional fee
- Grace Period: 30 days after expiration
Scope of Work
Licensed plumbing contractors may install, alter, repair, and maintain plumbing systems including water supply, drainage, and gas piping in residential and commercial buildings.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Performing plumbing work without a valid license is a Class A misdemeanor under the Illinois Plumbing License Law. Violators face fines and potential prosecution.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with IDPH.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Proof of Insurance
- Bond Certificate
- Examination Results
- continuing_education_certificate
Source notes
IDPH . 68 IAC §750.1100 (fees: $150 license/renewal, $100 late), 77 IAC 894 (contractor reg, $20K bond). 225 ILCS 320. Verified March 2026.
Rules move. Check Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
Related content
Keep exploring.
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
Illinois checklist
Use the checklist when you need the board link, required documents, and renewal notes in one handoff.
Open checklistCost planning
Estimate this renewal cost
Start the calculator with this state and license selected so you can review the fee, late-risk, bond, insurance, and CE work faster.
Open calculatorTrack the next renewal.
Keep Plumbing Contractor License (State) dates, proof, and official links with the rest of your license work.