Plumber license requirements in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has no statewide plumbing license. Plumbing licensing is handled by municipalities and counties — Philadelphia and Allegheny County are the two dominant jurisdictions — while the state enforces the Uniform Construction Code. Separately, contractors doing residential work above the statutory threshold must register statewide as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Attorney General.
What Pennsylvania requires.
Local plumbing license (city or county)
The license that actually authorizes plumbing work. Philadelphia licenses master plumbers through Licenses & Inspections; Allegheny County licenses under its own plumbing code.
Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration
A statewide registration with the Attorney General for contractors performing residential home improvement work above the statutory threshold. It is administrative — it does not replace a local plumbing license.
- · A Philadelphia plumbing license carries no automatic standing in Allegheny County, and vice versa.
- · The state Department of Labor & Industry enforces the Uniform Construction Code, but licensing authority sits with municipalities.
The official board
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Contractor registration (statewide registration, not a plumbing license)
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Pennsylvania plumbing licensing FAQ.
Does Pennsylvania require a state plumbing license?
No. Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide plumbing license. Plumbing is licensed at the municipal or county level, so the requirements depend on where you are working.
Who licenses plumbers in Pennsylvania?
Local jurisdictions. Philadelphia licenses master plumbers through its Department of Licenses and Inspections, and Allegheny County licenses plumbers under the county plumbing code. Other municipalities set their own rules.
What is HIC registration in Pennsylvania?
Home Improvement Contractor registration with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Contractors performing residential home improvement work above the statutory threshold must register statewide. It is a consumer-protection registration and does not substitute for a local plumbing license.
Does a Philadelphia plumbing license work in Pittsburgh?
No. Pennsylvania plumbing licenses are local. A license issued by the City of Philadelphia carries no automatic standing in Allegheny County or other jurisdictions — you need to satisfy each locality where you work.
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