How to Verify a Licensed Plumber in Maine

Maine licenses plumbers through the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (pfr.maine.gov). A valid Master or Journeyman Plumber license is required before any plumbing work can be performed for compensation in Maine. Verifying a plumber's license takes two minutes at pfr.maine.gov and is the fastest way to confirm they are authorized to work.

This guide covers plumber licensing in Maine, the license tiers, how to verify credentials, what bond is required, and what else to check before signing a contract.

Does Maine require plumbers to be licensed?

Yes. Maine requires all plumbers performing work for compensation to hold a valid license from the Maine Plumbers' Examining Board under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (pfr.maine.gov). The Board issues licenses to Master Plumbers, Journeyman Plumbers, Apprentice Plumbers, and Licensed Plumbing Inspectors. Performing plumbing work without a license in Maine is a violation of state law and can result in fines and stop-work orders.

Maine's plumbing licensing requirement is part of a comprehensive system designed to protect public health. The Plumbers' Examining Board sets standards, administers exams, and maintains the public license database. Plumbing contractors — businesses that contract directly with customers — must also comply with Maine's contractor registration requirements through the DPFR.

Maine's unique geography, with many properties on wells and private septic systems, makes proper plumbing installation especially important. The Maine CDC monitors waterborne illness risks associated with private water systems, and improper plumbing work is a documented contributor to those risks.

What plumber license types does Maine issue?

Maine's Plumbers' Examining Board issues Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Apprentice Plumber licenses. A Master Plumber holds the highest individual license — authorized to supervise others, pull permits, and qualify a licensed plumbing contracting business. Journeyman Plumbers perform field work under master oversight. Apprentices work under supervision in a training program.

Maine plumbing license tiers:

• Master Plumber— Full authorization to supervise, design, and permit plumbing work. The required qualifier for plumbing contracting businesses.
• Journeyman Plumber— Licensed to perform plumbing installations and repairs under master oversight.
• Apprentice Plumber— In a supervised training program. Cannot work independently.

When hiring a plumbing contractor, verify both the qualifying Master Plumber's individual license and any business registrations through pfr.maine.gov.

What bond does a Maine plumbing contractor need?

Maine plumbing contractors must carry a $10,000 surety bond as a condition of their licensing and contractor registration. The bond protects consumers if the contractor fails to complete work or violates code requirements. Beyond the bond, verify general liability insurance before any work begins. For residential plumbing projects, at least $300,000 in general liability coverage is appropriate. Confirm active coverage with the insurer before signing any contract.

How do I verify a plumber's license in Maine?

Go to pfr.maine.gov and use the Maine DPFR's public license lookup. Search under the Plumbers' Examining Board by name or license number. Confirm the license type (Master or Journeyman Plumber), the status is active, and the expiration date has not passed. Maine plumbing licenses require periodic renewal — an expired license is not valid. If the plumber cannot be found in the database, they are not licensed to perform plumbing work in Maine.

Key items to verify:

• License type— Master for supervisors; Journeyman for field work.
• Status— Active. Expired or suspended means not currently authorized.
• Expiration date— Must be current.
• Business registration— Confirm the company also holds required DPFR registrations.
• Complaint history— Review any prior disciplinary actions in the DPFR database.

What are the permit requirements for plumbing work in Maine?

Most plumbing work in Maine requires a plumbing permit from the local plumbing inspector. Maine has a statewide plumbing code and a network of local plumbing inspectors who review and approve permitted work. Your licensed plumber must obtain the permit before starting work. For properties on private septic systems, additional site evaluation and permits may be required through the Maine DEP or local health officer.

Never agree to skip the plumbing permit. Unpermitted work can fail a home sale inspection, void homeowner's insurance coverage for related damage, and create public health risks if the work involves water supply or wastewater systems.

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any Maine plumber's license for just $0.99. Confirm the Plumbers' Examining Board license is active at pfr.maine.gov or use CheckLicensed.com to check credentials before any plumbing work begins on your property.