Plumber License from Illinois to Vermont: Does It Transfer? (2026)

A plumbing license transfers from Illinois to Vermont by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board), verify your Illinois license, and meet Vermont's endorsement requirements. Vermont MAY issue a journeyman (or master/specialty) plumber license WITHOUT examination under 26 V.S.A. section 2194 to a plumber previously licensed by another state or municipality, but only if (i) that state/municipality maintains licensing standards equivalent to Vermont's and (ii) the applicant proves he or she is a bona fide licensee; the exam exemption applies only where the issuing state has a like exemption or reciprocal agreement in place for Vermont licensees. Applicants who do not meet those conditions must pass the Vermont plumber exam. In practice the Division of Fire Safety 'universal license' application requires a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state, proof of all apprenticeship/schooling required for that license, and 8,000 hours of experience.

Vermont MAY issue a journeyman (or master/specialty) plumber license WITHOUT examination under 26 V.S.A. section 2194 to a plumber previously licensed by another state or municipality, but only if (i) that state/municipality maintains licensing standards equivalent to Vermont's and (ii) the applicant proves he or she is a bona fide licensee; the exam exemption applies only where the issuing state has a like exemption or reciprocal agreement in place for Vermont licensees. Applicants who do not meet those conditions must pass the Vermont plumber exam. In practice the Division of Fire Safety 'universal license' application requires a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state, proof of all apprenticeship/schooling required for that license, and 8,000 hours of experience.

$90 ($90 journeyman plumber license application fee; master $120; specialist P1/P2/P3 $50 per specialty field. Checks payable to the Division of Fire Safety); processing No board-stated processing time; applications are reviewed by the Plumbers' Examining Board and must be received or postmarked at least two weeks before a board meeting date.

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.