Plumbing contractor license cost

In Georgia, the plumbing contractor license cost in Georgia centers on: a $40 state application fee (includes a $10 processing fee), an exam fee paid to PSI at scheduling, and a $75 biennial renewal (Master Plumber), with $100 late and $150 lapsed renewal fees. Details below.

Requirements last verified: 2026-11-05

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board — Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, via SOS PLB/GOALS portal. Official division page.
Application fee	$40 initial application ($30 application + $10 processing), paid to the Board. State application form.
Exam fee	Paid to PSI when scheduling; amount is set by PSI (not listed on the state fee schedule). Board approves you first, then PSI contacts you to register and pay. SOS Plumbers FAQ • PSI Candidate Bulletin.
Experience	Master Plumber Class I/II: minimum 4 years full‑time plumbing experience, with at least 3 years while licensed as a Georgia Journeyman (grandfather clause for journeymen licensed before Mar 1, 2025). SB 553 (effective July 1, 2026) • O.C.G.A. §43‑14‑13.
Exam & minimum score	Board exam (PSI) with minimum passing score 70. Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑3‑.02.
Minimum age	Not expressly stated in rule; the Board verifies lawful presence for applicants 18+ seeking a state license. State application.
Insurance/bond	No state proof of insurance or bond is listed for licensure in the Division’s rules/forms; local business licensing or client contracts may require insurance. SOS How‑to Guide • Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑3.
Renewal	Master Plumber renewal $75 every two years; licenses expire Nov 30 of even‑numbered years; late renewal period Dec 1–31 even years; late fee $100; lapsed (≤3 years) $150. Plumbing Fee Schedule • Ga. R. & Regs. 295‑2.
Continuing education	8 hours per renewal cycle (4 hours per year) for Masters/Journeymen. Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑4‑.04 • SOS Plumbers FAQ.

How to get a Georgia plumbing contractor (Master Plumber) license

1. Create your GOALS account and apply. Open a GOALS account with the Georgia SOS, choose Master Plumber (Class I or II), complete the online application, and pay the $40 fee. SOS How‑to Guide.
2. Document required experience. Upload employment history and references showing at least 4 years of full‑time plumbing experience, including 3 years while licensed as a Journeyman (per SB 553). SB 553.
3. Wait for Board approval, then schedule with PSI. After approval, PSI emails you to register and pay the exam fee; pick a date/location and bring allowed references. SOS FAQ • PSI Bulletin.
4. Pass the exam (70+). Georgia rules require a minimum score of 70. If you fail, follow PSI retake policies outlined in the bulletin. Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑3‑.02.
5. Receive your Master license and start contracting. Once PSI reports a passing score and the Board issues your credential, maintain CE each year and renew by Nov 30 of even years. Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑4 • Fee Schedule.

Georgia plumbing contractor license cost: what you’ll pay and when

Budget for three state‑level cost buckets:

• Application: $40 to the Board when you apply (includes a $10 processing fee). State form.
• Exam: A separate seat fee to PSI at registration; PSI sets and collects this, not the Board. SOS FAQ • PSI Bulletin.
• Renewal/CE: $75 every two years for Master Plumber renewal (due Nov 30 even years) plus the cost of 8 hours of CE per cycle; late $100; lapsed (≤3 years) $150. Fee Schedule • Rule 121‑4 • Rule 295‑2.

Which Georgia license counts as a “plumbing contractor” license?

Georgia treats contracting authority as part of the Master Plumber license. Class I (restricted) is limited to smaller structures; Class II (unrestricted) covers all scopes. The statute governing “plumbing contractors” ties directly to Master licensure and sets today’s experience thresholds. O.C.G.A. §43‑14‑13 • SOS FAQ.

Georgia plumbing license renewal costs and deadlines

Master Plumber licenses expire on November 30 of even‑numbered years. Renewal is $75; if you renew between December 1–31 (even years), add the $100 late fee. If your license lapses but is under 3 years late, the lapsed renewal is $150. Complete 8 CE hours each cycle. Fee Schedule • Rule 295‑2 • Rule 121‑4‑.04.

Georgia plumbing contractor license requirements, step-by-step

To speed things up, line up your journeyman verification and employment references before you apply in GOALS. If you’re also pricing other trades, compare our analysis of HVAC contractor license cost in Georgia and our breakdown of electrical contractor license cost in GA to plan your budget across licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a plumbing contractor (Master Plumber) license in Georgia?

Expect $40 for the state application, an exam fee to PSI when you schedule (set by PSI), and $75 for biennial renewal (with $100 late and $150 lapsed fees if you miss the Nov 30 even‑year deadline). CE course costs are separate. Fee Schedule • SOS FAQ.

Is there a separate “contractor” fee beyond the Master Plumber license?

No separate state contractor credential is required; contracting authority is granted by the Master Plumber license (Class I or II). You’ll still need to meet local business licensing and any insurance your city or customers require. O.C.G.A. §43‑14‑13 • SOS How‑to Guide.

What experience is required to qualify for the Georgia Master Plumber exam?

As of July 1, 2026, you must document at least 4 years of full‑time plumbing experience, including 3 years while licensed as a Georgia Journeyman (with a limited grandfather clause for journeymen licensed before March 1, 2025). SB 553 • O.C.G.A. §43‑14‑13.

What score do I need to pass the Georgia Master Plumber exam?

A minimum passing score of 70 is required by rule. PSI administers the exam after the Board approves your application and transmits your authorization. Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑3‑.02 • PSI Bulletin.

When do Georgia plumbing licenses expire and how much is renewal?

Licenses expire November 30 of even‑numbered years. Renewal is $75 for Masters; the late window runs December 1–31 (even years) with a $100 late fee. If lapsed (≤3 years), renewal is $150. Fee Schedule • Rule 295‑2.

How many CE hours do Georgia plumbers need, and what does CE cost?

Masters and Journeymen must complete 8 hours each renewal cycle (typically 4 hours per year). Providers set pricing; the Board approves topic areas but does not set CE fees. Ga. R. & Regs. 121‑4‑.04 • SOS FAQ.

Ready to budget and apply with confidence? License Navigator can walk you through the Georgia plumbing license costs, deadlines, and documents step by step so you submit once and get approved faster.