How do I look up a plumber's license in New Jersey?

Use the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System at newjersey.mylicense.com. Choose the master plumber profession, then search by last name, license number or city. It's free and shows current license information in real time.

Where can I find a plumber's license number?

Under N.J.A.C. 13:32-3.1, licensed master plumbers must show 'Plumbing license number' or 'Plumbing Lic. #' followed by the number on both sides of their work vehicles, on invoices and business correspondence, and in all advertising, along with the licensed plumber's name and a New Jersey street address.

Do plumbers in NJ also need a home improvement contractor registration?

Not for plumbing work. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-17.4 exempts licensed master plumbers from home improvement contractor registration while they act within the scope of plumbing. If the same company also does work like remodeling, it may need that registration for the non-plumbing part.

How often do NJ plumbing licenses renew?

Every two years. The State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers requires master plumbers to renew their licenses biennially, so check that the license shows as active, not expired.

How to Check a Plumber's License in New Jersey (and What to Ask Before You Hire)

Name: Linden Plumbing Connect
Address: Linden, NJ, 07036, US
Price range: Free referral

Updated October 22, 2026 · Applies statewide, including Linden, Rahway, Roselle, Elizabeth and other Union County towns

Short answer: Ask for the "Plumbing Lic. #", then look it up free on the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System under the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. New Jersey requires licensed master plumbers to print that number on both sides of their vans, on invoices and in every ad, so a legitimate company shouldn't hesitate to give it to you.

Step by step: verify a license in about two minutes

Get the number and name. Look on the company's website, van or estimate for "Plumbing license number" or "Plumbing Lic. #", plus the licensed master plumber's name. If you can't find it, ask.
Open the state lookup at newjersey.mylicense.com/verification. It's run by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and shows current license data in real time.
Choose the profession for master plumbers, then search by last name, license number or city. You only need two or more characters per field, so a partial name works.
Check the result: the name matches the plumber or company's licensed master plumber, the status is active, and the license isn't expired. Licenses renew every two years.
Keep a screenshot with your estimate. It's handy if you ever need to file a complaint or an insurance claim.

Where NJ plumbers must show their license number

Under N.J.A.C. 13:32-3.1, a licensed master plumber must display:

Where	What has to be on it
Work vehicles (both sides)	Licensed master plumber's name and "Plumbing Lic. #" with the number (letters at least 1 inch high), plus the owner's name and home municipality (at least 3 inches high)
Invoices, letters, stationery	Licensed master plumber's name, "Plumbing Lic. #" and number, and a New Jersey street address
All advertising (websites, flyers, listings)	Licensed master plumber's name, a New Jersey street address and "Plumbing Lic. #" with the number

One more rule worth knowing: if a plumbing contractor subcontracts more than a third of its work, its ads must say "A substantial part of the work which we undertake may be performed by independent licensed plumbing subcontractors."

Does the person at my door need their own license?

Not necessarily. The State Board says plumbing may only be performed by a master plumber, an authorized plumbing contractor, or employees whose pay is reported on a W-2. So a technician from a licensed company can do the work under the company's master plumber license. What you want to confirm is that the business has a licensed master plumber behind it, and that the technician actually works for that business.

What about home improvement contractor registration?

New Jersey registers home improvement contractors separately, but licensed master plumbers are exempt from that registration while doing plumbing (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-17.4). If you're hiring one company for a bathroom remodel that includes tile, drywall and cabinets as well as plumbing, it's reasonable to ask whether they're also registered as a home improvement contractor. You can check that on the Division's contractor registration lookup.

Questions to ask before you hire

"What's your NJ Plumbing Lic. number, and whose license is it?"
"Will the work be done by your W-2 employees or by a subcontractor?"
"Does this job need a permit, and will you file it?" (Water heater swaps and sewer lateral work usually do. See our NJ water heater permit guide.)
"Can I get a written estimate before you start, including any trip or diagnostic fee?"
"Do you carry liability insurance? Can you send a certificate?"

Red flags

No license number on the van, website or estimate, and vague answers when you ask
The name on the state lookup doesn't match the company or the person you're dealing with
Pressure to skip a permit "to save money" on work that needs one
Cash only, large deposit up front, no written estimate

Where to report a problem

The State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs) licenses plumbers and investigates complaints. Reach it at (973) 504-6420 or MasterPlumber@dca.njoag.gov. You can also file a complaint, including a report of unlicensed activity, through the Division of Consumer Affairs complaint portal.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NJ license lookup free?

Yes. Anyone can search the Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System at no cost.

Can a handyman do plumbing in New Jersey?

Plumbing may only be performed by a master plumber, an authorized plumbing contractor or their W-2 employees. Simple fixture swaps are a gray area people often ask about; if in doubt, ask the Board at (973) 504-6420.

Does a referral service like ours hold a plumbing license?

No. We're a free referral service, not a plumbing contractor. That's exactly why we suggest you check the license of whichever provider you choose, using the steps above.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Need a plumber in Linden? Request a callback and we'll work to connect you with an independent local plumber. Then check their license with the steps above. Emergency plumber · Water heater repair.

Linden Plumbing Connect is a free referral and matching service. We are not a plumbing contractor and do not perform plumbing work. When you call or submit a request, we connect you with an independent local plumbing provider. Always confirm the provider's NJ Master Plumber license number, insurance, and written estimate before work begins.