Plumber License from Illinois to Utah: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) ↗
A plumbing license transfers from Illinois to Utah by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), verify your Illinois license, and meet Utah's endorsement requirements. Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Illinois is not among the states Utah names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)'s individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams. Bring your Illinois license, proof that it is active and in good standing, and your apprenticeship and exam records — and get any discretionary exam or experience credit in writing before you rely on it.
What changes, Illinois → Utah
| Illinois (current) | Utah (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $225 (Application fee for a plumber registered or licensed in Chicago or outside Illinois is $225 (an in-state Illinois licensed-apprentice applicant pays $175); a separate $150 plumber's license fee applies on issuance (68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.1100). The City-of-Chicago reciprocity (license without exam) carries a $150 license fee. Returned-check fee $100) | $110–$116 ($110 journeyman plumber application fee (all plumber classifications) plus $5 education-fund and $1 e-library surcharges; $68 biennial renewal; no fingerprint requirement for plumber applicants; optional $75 priority processing) |
| Processing time | No board-stated processing time; the examination application is due at least 30 days before the examination date | No board-stated standard processing time; DOPL offers a $75 priority application processing fee to expedite |
| Licensing authority | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Plumbing Program | Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Utah sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Utah's current requirements on the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Endorsement: hold an equivalent state/territory journeyman plumber license, active and in good standing for at least one year, and submit an official Verification of License.
- Standard licensure: complete four years full-time as a licensed apprentice in an approved training program (at least 576 classroom hours), OR eight years full-time as a licensed apprentice outside a program.
- Pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical Examination (waived under endorsement from an equivalent jurisdiction).
- Pay the fees ($110–$116 ($110 journeyman plumber application fee (all plumber classifications) plus $5 education-fund and $1 e-library surcharges; $68 biennial renewal; no fingerprint requirement for plumber applicants; optional $75 priority processing)) and allow No board-stated standard processing time; DOPL offers a $75 priority application processing fee to expedite.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Utah accept a Illinois plumbing license?
A plumbing license transfers from Illinois to Utah by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), verify your Illinois license, and meet Utah's endorsement requirements. Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams.
Which exam applies moving from Illinois to Utah?
Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams.
What does the Illinois-to-Utah move cost and how long does it take?
$110–$116 ($110 journeyman plumber application fee (all plumber classifications) plus $5 education-fund and $1 e-library surcharges; $68 biennial renewal; no fingerprint requirement for plumber applicants; optional $75 priority processing); processing No board-stated standard processing time; DOPL offers a $75 priority application processing fee to expedite.
Can I keep my Illinois plumbing license after I'm licensed in Utah?
Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the Illinois credential active on its own renewal and continuing-education schedule and you hold both, which is common for plumbers working near a state line.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Utah DOPL — Endorsement to Utah: Journeyman Plumber (equivalency map; Utah Code 58-55 qualifications; 1-year/good-standing rule) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Utah DOPL — Apply for a Journeyman Plumber License (8,000 hours; theory & practical exams; endorsement pathway) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Utah DOPL — Fee Schedule FY 2025-2026 (Plumber, all classifications: $110 application / $68 renewal) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois DPH — Application for Examination for Plumber's License (fees $175 in-state / $225 out-of-state; out-of-state section; 4-year 225 ILCS 320/10(d) requirement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois DPH — Application for Plumber's License Reciprocity with the City of Chicago License Without Examination ($150 fee) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.1100 — Plumbers' and Apprentice Plumbers' Examination and Licensure Fees (Legal Information Institute) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois DPH — Plumbing program (license types, license verification link) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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