Chicago Plumber and Plumbing Contractor License Renewal

Last reviewed October 2026 · 7 min read

Chicago issues its own plumber and plumbing contractor licenses through the Board of Plumbing Examiners and the Department of Buildings, and a plumbing contractor licensed by the State of Illinois still needs the city's contractor license to work in Chicago. Both licenses last one year and are renewed online through the Department of Buildings web portal. A plumber verifies at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing at each renewal. The contractor license needs a $20,000 performance bond on file, and it is automatically inactivated if that bond expires or is cancelled, or if the license of the plumber associated with it expires or is suspended. Calendar-2026 renewal fees are $150 each.

At a glance

Plumber license: Required to perform plumbing work, either directly or as an owner or employee of a licensed plumbing contractor. Plumber licenses issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are also valid and recognized in Chicago so long as the plumber's employer has a City of Chicago plumbing contractor license
Plumbing contractor license: Required to install, alter, repair or maintain any plumbing piping, system or appliance in the City of Chicago, lawn sprinkler systems included, except minor plumbing repairs by a person on their own property. A plumbing contractor licensed by the State of Illinois must also get the City of Chicago license to do plumbing work in the city. It also covers all work that needs a drain layer contractor license
Your own home: The owner, occupant or lessee of a single-family residence, or the owner of one under construction for their own occupancy, doesn't need the contractor license to install, alter or repair its plumbing themselves. The work must comply with the Chicago Plumbing Code and is subject to inspection, and they may not hire anyone other than a licensed plumbing contractor to do it
Who holds it: Businesses, including sole proprietorships. A sole proprietor must be a plumber licensed by the City of Chicago; a firm, association or partnership needs at least one member who is, and a corporation at least one corporate officer. There is only one type of plumbing contractor license
Who does the work: The business and its employees licensed as plumbers or apprentice plumbers by the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois (employees meaning people the business treats as employees for unemployment insurance contributions, workers' compensation and income taxation), not plumbers or apprentices paid as independent contractors. If another business's plumbers or apprentices work at a job site, that business must be a licensed City of Chicago plumbing contractor listed on the permit
Bond: A $20,000 performance bond payable to the City of Chicago, filed with the City Clerk before the license is issued. The contractor license is automatically inactivated if the bond on file expires or is cancelled, and proof that a current bond is on file must be mailed to Continental Testing Services when you renew
Plumber's license lapse: A plumbing contractor license is automatically inactivated if the license of the plumber associated with it expires or is suspended
Renews every: Year: a plumbing contractor license is valid for one year from issuance, and a plumber license for one year from issuance or renewal
Continuing education: As part of renewing, a licensed plumber must verify completing at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing. The Department of Buildings' plumbing contractor page names none for the contractor license itself
How to renew: Online, through the Department of Buildings web portal (Continental Testing Services handles new applications). Log in, or create an account as a Plumbing Contractor (the choice for apprentice plumbers, plumbers and plumbing contractors) with your license number and its prefix (A for an apprentice plumber, J for a plumber, BC for a plumbing contractor) and the daytime phone number on your trade license account, which must match exactly. Follow the steps for your license type and pay the renewal fee online
Proof of renewal: Print or save the confirmation page at the end of the renewal. Plumbing contractors should print their certificate before leaving the portal. Renewal questions go to Continental Testing Services at 800-359-1313
Renewal fees (2026): For calendar year 2026: $150 for a plumbing contractor license and $150 a year for a plumber license
2027 fees: On September 28, 2026, the Department of Buildings published the trade license fee rates applicable January 1, 2027 (some City fees are adjusted each year for the Consumer Price Index): check the current rate before you pay a renewal due in 2027
Expired plumber license: A plumber license expired for 5 or more years can't be renewed. A former plumber who is ineligible to renew may apply for a new license if they meet the qualifications
Reinstatement fee: $100 for each year, or fraction of a year, the license has been expired (calendar-2026 fee tables)

This guide covers the City of Chicago licenses. IDPH's plumber license and plumbing contractor registration are state credentials on their own cycle: see the Illinois plumber license guide.

The Department of Buildings' pages say the Municipal Code of Chicago (Chapters 4-332 and 4-336) or applicable rules control where their summary differs.

How to renew

Find the expiration dates of your plumbing contractor license, your bond and the license of the plumber associated with the contractor license: the bond or that plumber's license lapsing automatically inactivates the contractor license.
Plumbers: finish at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing before you renew, since the renewal asks you to verify it.
Log in to the Department of Buildings web portal, or create an account as a Plumbing Contractor with your prefixed license number (A, J or BC) and the daytime phone number on your trade license account.
Follow the on-screen steps and pay the renewal fee online (check the 2027 rate if your renewal falls in 2027).
Contractors: mail Continental Testing Services proof that a current bond is on file, and print your certificate before leaving the portal. Everyone: save the confirmation page.

Still tracking this in a spreadsheet? On a paid plan, get emailed 90, 60, 30, 7 and 1 days before it expires, by default.

Start free

Deadline checklist

60 days outNote the expiration dates of the plumbing contractor license, the bond and the associated plumber's license. Plumbers: book any of the 4 continuing education hours still missing.
30 days outCheck the bond on file won't expire, and that you can log in to the Department of Buildings web portal with the daytime phone number on your trade license account.
Before each expiresRenew the plumber license and the plumbing contractor license online, paying the current fee.
After renewingSave the confirmation page, print the contractor certificate and mail Continental Testing Services proof that a current bond is on file.

Put this renewal in your calendar

Know your expiration date? Download a free calendar file with reminders before it, no sign-up needed. It's made in your browser: nothing you type is sent to us (your browser keeps it only if you follow the sign-up link, for your new ledger). A Google Calendar button sends just that one event to Google.

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

The license isn't the only thing expiring

Most lapses that cost contractors work aren't the license itself. They're one of these, renewing on a different date:

Your $20,000 performance bond: if it expires or is cancelled, the contractor license is automatically inactivated
The license of the plumber associated with your contractor license: if it expires or is suspended, the contractor license is automatically inactivated
Your crew's plumber and apprentice plumber licenses (City of Chicago or IDPH)
Other City of Chicago trade licenses your business holds (general contractor, electrical, mason)
General liability insurance policy
Workers' compensation policy (or exemption)
Certificates of insurance (COIs) you've given to clients and GCs
Commercial auto insurance

LicenseLedger keeps every one of those dates in one place and emails you before each one expires, with reminders far enough ahead to finish CE and paperwork.

Track your renewal dates free

Frequently asked questions

How often do I renew a Chicago plumber or plumbing contractor license?

Every year: a plumbing contractor license is valid for one year from issuance, and a plumber license for one year from issuance or renewal. Both are renewed online through the Department of Buildings web portal.

How much does it cost to renew a Chicago plumber or plumbing contractor license?

For calendar year 2026: $150 for a plumbing contractor license and $150 a year for a plumber license. The Department of Buildings has published the trade license fee rates applicable January 1, 2027, so check the current rate before you pay.

Do Chicago plumbers need continuing education to renew?

Yes: as part of renewing, a licensed plumber must verify completing at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing.

Does a state-licensed plumbing contractor need a Chicago license?

Yes: a plumbing contractor licensed by the State of Illinois must also get the City of Chicago license to do plumbing work in the city. Plumber licenses issued by IDPH are valid and recognized in Chicago so long as the plumber's employer has a City of Chicago plumbing contractor license.

What happens if the bond or the plumber's license lapses?

The contractor license is automatically inactivated if the bond on file expires or is cancelled, or if the license of the plumber associated with it expires or is suspended.

Official sources

Rules, fees and CE requirements change. Confirm the current requirements with the official source before you renew:

City of Chicago Department of Buildings, Plumbing Contractor License

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Other Illinois guides

All Illinois guides on one page

Get a reminder before this renewal is due

Add this license, your insurance policies and the COIs you collect from subs to LicenseLedger, and get an email before each one expires. Free for up to 3 records, no credit card required.

Start free

Not ready to sign up? Get the free tracking spreadsheet

Chicago Plumber and Plumbing Contractor License Renewal

Last reviewed October 2026 · 7 min read

At a glance

Plumber license: Required to perform plumbing work, either directly or as an owner or employee of a licensed plumbing contractor. Plumber licenses issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are also valid and recognized in Chicago so long as the plumber's employer has a City of Chicago plumbing contractor license
Plumbing contractor license: Required to install, alter, repair or maintain any plumbing piping, system or appliance in the City of Chicago, lawn sprinkler systems included, except minor plumbing repairs by a person on their own property. A plumbing contractor licensed by the State of Illinois must also get the City of Chicago license to do plumbing work in the city. It also covers all work that needs a drain layer contractor license
Your own home: The owner, occupant or lessee of a single-family residence, or the owner of one under construction for their own occupancy, doesn't need the contractor license to install, alter or repair its plumbing themselves. The work must comply with the Chicago Plumbing Code and is subject to inspection, and they may not hire anyone other than a licensed plumbing contractor to do it
Who holds it: Businesses, including sole proprietorships. A sole proprietor must be a plumber licensed by the City of Chicago; a firm, association or partnership needs at least one member who is, and a corporation at least one corporate officer. There is only one type of plumbing contractor license
Who does the work: The business and its employees licensed as plumbers or apprentice plumbers by the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois (employees meaning people the business treats as employees for unemployment insurance contributions, workers' compensation and income taxation), not plumbers or apprentices paid as independent contractors. If another business's plumbers or apprentices work at a job site, that business must be a licensed City of Chicago plumbing contractor listed on the permit
Bond: A $20,000 performance bond payable to the City of Chicago, filed with the City Clerk before the license is issued. The contractor license is automatically inactivated if the bond on file expires or is cancelled, and proof that a current bond is on file must be mailed to Continental Testing Services when you renew
Plumber's license lapse: A plumbing contractor license is automatically inactivated if the license of the plumber associated with it expires or is suspended
Renews every: Year: a plumbing contractor license is valid for one year from issuance, and a plumber license for one year from issuance or renewal
Continuing education: As part of renewing, a licensed plumber must verify completing at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing. The Department of Buildings' plumbing contractor page names none for the contractor license itself
How to renew: Online, through the Department of Buildings web portal (Continental Testing Services handles new applications). Log in, or create an account as a Plumbing Contractor (the choice for apprentice plumbers, plumbers and plumbing contractors) with your license number and its prefix (A for an apprentice plumber, J for a plumber, BC for a plumbing contractor) and the daytime phone number on your trade license account, which must match exactly. Follow the steps for your license type and pay the renewal fee online
Proof of renewal: Print or save the confirmation page at the end of the renewal. Plumbing contractors should print their certificate before leaving the portal. Renewal questions go to Continental Testing Services at 800-359-1313
Renewal fees (2026): For calendar year 2026: $150 for a plumbing contractor license and $150 a year for a plumber license
2027 fees: On September 28, 2026, the Department of Buildings published the trade license fee rates applicable January 1, 2027 (some City fees are adjusted each year for the Consumer Price Index): check the current rate before you pay a renewal due in 2027
Expired plumber license: A plumber license expired for 5 or more years can't be renewed. A former plumber who is ineligible to renew may apply for a new license if they meet the qualifications
Reinstatement fee: $100 for each year, or fraction of a year, the license has been expired (calendar-2026 fee tables)

This guide covers the City of Chicago licenses. IDPH's plumber license and plumbing contractor registration are state credentials on their own cycle: see the Illinois plumber license guide.

The Department of Buildings' pages say the Municipal Code of Chicago (Chapters 4-332 and 4-336) or applicable rules control where their summary differs.

How to renew

Find the expiration dates of your plumbing contractor license, your bond and the license of the plumber associated with the contractor license: the bond or that plumber's license lapsing automatically inactivates the contractor license.
Plumbers: finish at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing before you renew, since the renewal asks you to verify it.
Log in to the Department of Buildings web portal, or create an account as a Plumbing Contractor with your prefixed license number (A, J or BC) and the daytime phone number on your trade license account.
Follow the on-screen steps and pay the renewal fee online (check the 2027 rate if your renewal falls in 2027).
Contractors: mail Continental Testing Services proof that a current bond is on file, and print your certificate before leaving the portal. Everyone: save the confirmation page.

Still tracking this in a spreadsheet? On a paid plan, get emailed 90, 60, 30, 7 and 1 days before it expires, by default.

Start free

Deadline checklist

60 days outNote the expiration dates of the plumbing contractor license, the bond and the associated plumber's license. Plumbers: book any of the 4 continuing education hours still missing.
30 days outCheck the bond on file won't expire, and that you can log in to the Department of Buildings web portal with the daytime phone number on your trade license account.
Before each expiresRenew the plumber license and the plumbing contractor license online, paying the current fee.
After renewingSave the confirmation page, print the contractor certificate and mail Continental Testing Services proof that a current bond is on file.

Put this renewal in your calendar

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

The license isn't the only thing expiring

Most lapses that cost contractors work aren't the license itself. They're one of these, renewing on a different date:

Your $20,000 performance bond: if it expires or is cancelled, the contractor license is automatically inactivated
The license of the plumber associated with your contractor license: if it expires or is suspended, the contractor license is automatically inactivated
Your crew's plumber and apprentice plumber licenses (City of Chicago or IDPH)
Other City of Chicago trade licenses your business holds (general contractor, electrical, mason)
General liability insurance policy
Workers' compensation policy (or exemption)
Certificates of insurance (COIs) you've given to clients and GCs
Commercial auto insurance

LicenseLedger keeps every one of those dates in one place and emails you before each one expires, with reminders far enough ahead to finish CE and paperwork.

Track your renewal dates free

Frequently asked questions

How often do I renew a Chicago plumber or plumbing contractor license?

How much does it cost to renew a Chicago plumber or plumbing contractor license?

Do Chicago plumbers need continuing education to renew?

Yes: as part of renewing, a licensed plumber must verify completing at least 4 hours of continuing education in plumbing.

Does a state-licensed plumbing contractor need a Chicago license?

What happens if the bond or the plumber's license lapses?

The contractor license is automatically inactivated if the bond on file expires or is cancelled, or if the license of the plumber associated with it expires or is suspended.

Official sources

Rules, fees and CE requirements change. Confirm the current requirements with the official source before you renew:

City of Chicago Department of Buildings, Plumbing Contractor License

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Other Illinois guides

All Illinois guides on one page

Get a reminder before this renewal is due

Add this license, your insurance policies and the COIs you collect from subs to LicenseLedger, and get an email before each one expires. Free for up to 3 records, no credit card required.

Start free

Not ready to sign up? Get the free tracking spreadsheet