How to Verify a Licensed Plumber in North Dakota

North Dakota requires plumbers to be licensed through the North Dakota State Plumbing Board before performing any plumbing work. A $10,000 surety bond is required. The ND State Plumbing Board maintains a public license database at nd.gov where consumers can verify any plumber's credentials for free. Do not hire a plumber in North Dakota without first verifying their license.

This guide covers North Dakota's plumber licensing requirements, the license tiers, how to verify credentials, and what else to confirm before hiring.

Does North Dakota require plumbers to be licensed?

Yes. North Dakota requires all plumbers performing work for compensation to hold a valid license from the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. The Board issues Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Apprentice Plumber licenses, as well as Plumbing Contractor licenses for businesses. Performing plumbing work without a license in North Dakota is a violation of state law and can result in fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability.

The North Dakota State Plumbing Board sets licensing standards, administers exams, investigates complaints, and maintains the public license database accessible through nd.gov. All licensed plumbers in North Dakota are searchable in this database — if a claimed plumber cannot be found, they are not licensed to work in the state.

In North Dakota, where winter temperatures routinely drop well below zero, frozen and burst pipes are a significant risk. The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage from frozen pipes is one of the most common and costly homeowners insurance claims in cold climate states. Licensed plumbers have the training to install freeze-resistant systems that prevent these failures.

What plumber license types does North Dakota issue?

The North Dakota State Plumbing Board issues Plumbing Contractor, 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 licensed plumbing contracting business. Journeyman Plumbers perform most field work under master oversight. Apprentices work in supervised training programs.

North Dakota plumbing license tiers:

• Plumbing Contractor— Business-level license for companies performing plumbing contracting work. Requires a qualifying Master Plumber.
• Master Plumber— Highest individual license. Can supervise, permit, and design plumbing systems.
• Journeyman Plumber— Licensed to perform most plumbing work under master oversight.
• Apprentice Plumber— In a supervised training program. Cannot work independently.

What bond does a North Dakota plumbing contractor need?

North Dakota plumbing contractors must carry a $10,000 surety bond as a condition of their Plumbing Board license. The bond protects consumers if the contractor fails to complete work or violates code requirements. Beyond the bond, verify active general liability insurance (at least $300,000 for residential work) and workers' compensation coverage. Call the insurer to confirm the policy is active before any work begins.

How do I verify a plumber's license in North Dakota?

Go to nd.gov and navigate to the North Dakota State Plumbing Board's public license lookup. Search by the plumber's name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license type (Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Plumbing Contractor), the status is active, and the expiration date has not passed. North Dakota plumbing licenses require periodic renewal — an expired license is not valid.

What to verify in the search results:

• License type— Plumbing Contractor for the business; Master or Journeyman for the individual.
• Status— Active. Expired or suspended means not authorized.
• Expiration date— Must be current before work begins.
• Business name— Should match the company on your contract.

What permits are required for plumbing work in North Dakota?

Most plumbing work in North Dakota requires a permit from the local building department or plumbing authority. Your licensed plumber should pull the permit before starting work. Unpermitted plumbing can fail home sale inspections, void homeowner's insurance for related claims, and create health and safety risks. In rural North Dakota, confirm which authority has jurisdiction for your property.

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any North Dakota plumber's license for just $0.99. Confirm the ND State Plumbing Board license is active at nd.gov or use CheckLicensed.com to check credentials before any plumbing work begins on your property.