How to Verify a Licensed Plumber in New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires plumbers to hold a license from the NH Plumbers' Board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (oplc.nh.gov) before performing any plumbing work. Home improvement contractors performing plumbing-related renovations must also carry a $25,000 surety bond. Verify credentials at oplc.nh.gov before any plumber starts work on your property.

This guide covers plumber licensing in New Hampshire, the license tiers, how to verify credentials online, what bond is required, and what else to confirm before hiring.

Does New Hampshire require plumbers to be licensed?

Yes. New Hampshire requires plumbers to hold a valid license from the NH Plumbers' Board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (oplc.nh.gov). The Board issues licenses to Master Plumbers, Journeyman Plumbers, and Apprentice Plumbers. Plumbing contractors — businesses that perform plumbing work for hire — must also comply with applicable licensing requirements. Performing plumbing work without a license in New Hampshire is a violation of state law.

New Hampshire's Plumbers' Board is part of the state's professional licensure system under the OPLC. The Board sets licensing standards, administers exams, investigates complaints, and maintains the public license database accessible at oplc.nh.gov. All licensed plumbers in New Hampshire must be findable in this database.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing are among the most common and costly homeowners insurance claims. New Hampshire's cold winters make plumbing failures especially damaging — a burst pipe in a NH home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in water damage. Licensed plumbers have the training to install systems that prevent these failures.

What plumber license types does New Hampshire issue?

The NH Plumbers' 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 serve as the qualifying plumber for a plumbing contracting business. Journeyman Plumbers perform field work under master oversight. Apprentices work under supervision in a training program.

New Hampshire plumbing license tiers:

• Master Plumber— Full authorization to supervise, design, and permit plumbing work. Required as the qualifier for licensed plumbing contracting businesses.
• Journeyman Plumber— Licensed to perform most plumbing work 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 the contracting company's credentials at oplc.nh.gov.

What bond does a New Hampshire plumbing contractor need?

New Hampshire home improvement contractors — including those performing residential plumbing work — must carry a $25,000 surety bond as a condition of their home improvement contractor registration. This is one of the highest home improvement bond requirements in the region and provides strong consumer protection. Beyond the bond, verify active general liability insurance. For residential plumbing work, at least $300,000 in coverage is appropriate. Confirm active coverage by calling the insurer.

How do I verify a plumber's license in New Hampshire?

Go to oplc.nh.gov and use the OPLC's free public license lookup. Search under the Plumbers' Board by the plumber's name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license type (Master or Journeyman Plumber), the status is active, and the expiration date has not passed. New Hampshire plumbing licenses require periodic renewal — an expired license means the individual is not currently authorized to perform plumbing work.

What to confirm in the license lookup:

• License type— Master Plumber for supervisors; Journeyman for field work.
• Status— Active. Expired or suspended means not authorized.
• Expiration date— Confirm the license is current.
• Business credentials— Confirm any home improvement contractor registration for the business.
• Complaint history— Review any prior disciplinary actions in the OPLC database.

Are permits required for plumbing work in New Hampshire?

Yes. Most plumbing work in New Hampshire requires a permit from the local building department or the state plumbing inspection program. Your licensed plumber must pull the permit before starting work. Unpermitted plumbing work can fail home sale inspections, void homeowner's insurance coverage for related damage, and create health risks if the work involves water supply or drain systems.

In New Hampshire's rural areas, confirm with the local building or health officer which permits are required, especially if the project involves well water or septic connections.

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any New Hampshire plumber's license for just $0.99. Confirm the NH Plumbers' Board license is active at oplc.nh.gov or use CheckLicensed.com to check credentials before any plumbing work begins.