AK Plumbing Contractor License Cost

The plumbing contractor license cost in Alaska typically includes $350 to register as a mechanical (plumbing) contractor, a $10,000 surety bond, liability insurance meeting $20k/$50k/$100k minimums, a $50/year Alaska Business License, and—if you don’t already have one—$350 to obtain a Mechanical Administrator license (plus PSI exam fees). ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/con4815.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Requirements last verified: 2026-11-05

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Alaska Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing (CBPL) – Construction Contractors Program; Mechanical Administrators Program. Construction Contractors; Mechanical Administrators.
Registration category	Register as a Mechanical Contractor and have a Mechanical Administrator assigned in the appropriate plumbing category (UCIP or Residential Plumbing & Hydronic Heating). See Mechanical Contractor Registration Application (08-4817) and Mechanical Administrator by Examination (08-4903).
State fees (initial)	$100 application + $250 registration = $350 (biennial) for contractor registration per 12 AAC 02.180; separate Mechanical Administrator licensing $150 application + $200 license = $350 if needed. 12 AAC 02.180 (official PDF); 08-4903.
Business license	$50 per year Alaska Business License required in addition to contractor registration. Business Licensing FAQs; Forms & Fees.
Bond	$10,000 surety bond for Mechanical (or Specialty) Contractors. CBPL Contractor FAQs; Bond/Insurance Documentation Guidance; see also bond section on 08-4817.
Insurance	Minimum liability: $20,000 property damage; $50,000 injury/death to 1 person; $100,000 injury/death to >1 person; workers’ comp if you have employees. CBPL insurance/bond guidance; 08-4817.
Experience	Contractor registration has no specific experience requirement, but your assigned Mechanical Administrator must meet category qualifications (e.g., UCIP typically 4 of last 6 years as a journeyman plumber; Residential Plumbing & Hydronic Heating 2 of last 4 years). 12 AAC 39.202; 08-4903.
Exam	Mechanical Administrator exam administered by PSI after state approval; exam fee paid to PSI (varies). Exam info; 08-4903.
Minimum age	Not expressly stated in statute/regulation; applicant must be legally able to contract; SSN and entity details required. See application instructions. 08-4817.
Renewal	Contractor registration renews biennially: $250. Mechanical Administrator license currently renews biennially at $200 through 12/31/2026; increases to $500 effective January 2027. 12 AAC 02.180; MEC Renewal (08-4296); Register 260 notice.

How to get a plumbing contractor license in Alaska (cost-focused)

1. Choose your business structure and name. Form your entity (LLC, corporation, etc.) and align the exact legal/DBA names with bond and insurance documents to avoid rework. Business Licensing FAQs. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing/constructioncontractors/constructioncontractorsfaqs.aspx?utm_source=openai))
2. Get an Alaska Business License ($50/year). Apply online and select one- or two-year term. New BL Online. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing/NewBLOnline.aspx?utm_source=openai))
3. Secure a qualified Mechanical Administrator. Either hold the Mechanical Administrator license yourself or assign a licensed individual in UCIP or Residential Plumbing & Hydronic Heating to your company. 08-4817; 08-4903. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/con4817.pdf))
4. (If needed) Pass the PSI exam and obtain the Mechanical Administrator license ($350 + exam fee). Submit application after passing (score valid 12 months). Exam info; 08-4903. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/MechanicalAdministrators/ExamScheduleandInformation.aspx?utm_source=openai))
5. Buy liability insurance and a $10,000 contractor bond. Meet the $20k/$50k/$100k liability minimums; use surety bond form 08-4971 or cash/CD alternatives per state rules. Bond/Insurance Guidance; 08-4817. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/con4954.pdf?utm_source=openai))
6. Apply for Mechanical Contractor registration ($350). File the CBPL application with fees and required attachments; registration is biennial. 08-4817; 12 AAC 02.180. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/con4817.pdf))
7. Maintain compliance and renew on time. Track bond/insurance effective dates and renew contractor registration ($250) and Mechanical Administrator license (currently $200; $500 starting 01/2027). MEC Renewal; Register 260. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/mec4296.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Alaska plumbing contractor license cost breakdown

Expect fixed state fees of $350 to register as a mechanical (plumbing) contractor, plus $50 per year for your Alaska Business License. If you need to obtain the Mechanical Administrator credential, budget $350 for state application/license fees, plus the PSI exam fee (paid to PSI). ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/Centralized_Licensing_Regs.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Insurance, bond, and other ongoing costs

Most plumbing contractors also carry ongoing costs: surety bond premium on a $10,000 bond (market rate varies by credit), liability insurance meeting $20k/$50k/$100k minimums, and biennial renewals—$250 for contractor registration and, through December 31, 2026, $200 for the Mechanical Administrator license (scheduled to rise to $500 in January 2027). ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing/constructioncontractors/constructioncontractorsfaqs.aspx?utm_source=openai))

Do you need a Mechanical Administrator for plumbing work?

Yes. Alaska requires mechanical contractors to be or employ a licensed Mechanical Administrator, and you may only bid or work within that administrator’s category (e.g., UCIP or Residential Plumbing & Hydronic Heating). See CBPL’s statutes/regs compilation and the mechanical contractor application. CBPL Contractor Statutes/Regs (PDF); 08-4817. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/ContractorStatutes.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Comparing Alaska trade contractor costs

If you’re exploring multiple trades, compare our Alaska electrical articles for a sense of parallel fees, bonding, and exams: see our analysis of Alaska electrical contractor license costs and our step-by-step guide on how to get an Alaska electrical contractor license.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total startup cost to become an Alaska plumbing contractor?

Plan for $350 in state registration fees, $50 for the Alaska Business License, the surety bond premium on a $10,000 bond, liability insurance premiums, and, if you need the Mechanical Administrator credential, $350 in state licensing fees plus the PSI exam fee. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/Centralized_Licensing_Regs.pdf?utm_source=openai))

How much are Alaska plumbing contractor renewals?

Contractor registration renews biennially for $250. Mechanical Administrator renewal is currently $200 biennially through 12/31/2026; per Register 260, it increases to $500 effective January 2027. Keep your bond, insurance, and Alaska Business License ($50/year) current. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/Centralized_Licensing_Regs.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Do municipalities require additional plumbing contractor licenses?

Some do. For example, Anchorage administers local contractor licensing in addition to state requirements. Always verify with the local jurisdiction before work. Anchorage contractor licensing. ([muni.org](https://www.muni.org/departments/public_works_infrastructure/development_services/contractor_licensing.php?utm_source=openai))

What experience is required to qualify as a Mechanical Administrator in plumbing?

For UCIP, one path is 4 of the last 6 years as a journeyman plumber; for Residential Plumbing & Hydronic Heating, 2 of the last 4 as a journeyman. Alternative paths (management, degree) exist. You must also pass the PSI exam and apply to CBPL. 12 AAC 39.202; 08-4903. ([akrules.elaws.us](https://akrules.elaws.us/aac/12.39.202))

Is the $10,000 bond the only option?

Yes for amount; Alaska allows a surety bond, a cash deposit, or a time certificate of deposit held in trust to satisfy the $10,000 requirement for Mechanical Contractors. See bonding section and forms in the state application and guidance. 08-4817; Bond/Insurance Guidance. ([commerce.alaska.gov](https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/con4817.pdf))

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