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LicenseReciprocity

Plumber License from Nevada to Michigan: Does It Transfer? (2026)

Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing ↗

A plumbing license transfers from Nevada to Michigan by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing, verify your Nevada license, and meet Michigan's endorsement requirements. Michigan does not reciprocate with any state and waives its journey plumber exam for no one: every applicant, in-state or out, must pass Michigan's written AND practical (hands-on) journey plumber examinations. An out-of-state plumber may receive credit for out-of-state experience — documented on the BCC Out-of-State License Verification form — toward the 6,000-hour eligibility requirement to be approved to sit for the exam, but the examination is mandatory..

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Verdict

Licensure by endorsement

Nevada is not among the states Michigan names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing's individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. Michigan does not reciprocate with any state and waives its journey plumber exam for no one: every applicant, in-state or out, must pass Michigan's written AND practical (hands-on) journey plumber examinations. An out-of-state plumber may receive credit for out-of-state experience — documented on the BCC Out-of-State License Verification form — toward the 6,000-hour eligibility requirement to be approved to sit for the exam, but the examination is mandatory.. Bring your Nevada 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, Nevada → Michigan

Side-by-side: Nevada vs Michigan (Plumber (journeyman/master)), verified 2026-07-21
Nevada (current)Michigan (destination)
Application fee$250–$340 ($250 exam/application fee (computer or paper); $340 if taken at a Prometric test center (additional $90). No separate reciprocity fee — NBOPE offers no reciprocity. Reschedule/cancel penalties of $35-$50 may apply)$40–$90 ($40 journey plumber license/application fee plus $50 examination fee (MCL 339.6121, Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407). The same fees apply to out-of-state applicants; the exam is administered by PSI.)
Processing time~4 weeks (NBOPE/NITC directs applicants to allow up to 4 weeks to process the application and payment before an exam may be scheduled)No board-stated processing time; the application, out-of-state verification, and license fee are mailed to LARA BCC and the exam is scheduled through PSI.
Licensing authorityNevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) — nonprofit statewide plumbing examiners board, in partnership with Clark CountyMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing

The destination column is what you must satisfy — Michigan sets the rules for this move.

Step by step

  1. Confirm Michigan's current requirements on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing website (linked below) — rules change.
  2. Submit the endorsement application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing (application linked below).
  3. Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
  4. At least 6,000 hours of plumbing experience gained over no less than 3 years as a registered plumbing apprentice under a licensed master or journey plumber (MCL 339.6115).
  5. Pass both the written and the practical (hands-on) journey plumber examinations.
  6. Out-of-state applicants: submit the BCC Out-of-State License Verification form to document experience and be approved to sit for the exam.
  7. Be at least 18 years of age.
  8. Pay the fees ($40–$90 ($40 journey plumber license/application fee plus $50 examination fee (MCL 339.6121, Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407). The same fees apply to out-of-state applicants; the exam is administered by PSI.)) and allow No board-stated processing time; the application, out-of-state verification, and license fee are mailed to LARA BCC and the exam is scheduled through PSI..

Official links

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Does Michigan accept a Nevada plumbing license?

A plumbing license transfers from Nevada to Michigan by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing, verify your Nevada license, and meet Michigan's endorsement requirements. Michigan does not reciprocate with any state and waives its journey plumber exam for no one: every applicant, in-state or out, must pass Michigan's written AND practical (hands-on) journey plumber examinations. An out-of-state plumber may receive credit for out-of-state experience — documented on the BCC Out-of-State License Verification form — toward the 6,000-hour eligibility requirement to be approved to sit for the exam, but the examination is mandatory..

Which exam applies moving from Nevada to Michigan?

Michigan does not reciprocate with any state and waives its journey plumber exam for no one: every applicant, in-state or out, must pass Michigan's written AND practical (hands-on) journey plumber examinations. An out-of-state plumber may receive credit for out-of-state experience — documented on the BCC Out-of-State License Verification form — toward the 6,000-hour eligibility requirement to be approved to sit for the exam, but the examination is mandatory..

What does the Nevada-to-Michigan move cost and how long does it take?

$40–$90 ($40 journey plumber license/application fee plus $50 examination fee (MCL 339.6121, Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407). The same fees apply to out-of-state applicants; the exam is administered by PSI.); processing No board-stated processing time; the application, out-of-state verification, and license fee are mailed to LARA BCC and the exam is scheduled through PSI..

Can I keep my Nevada plumbing license after I'm licensed in Michigan?

Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the Nevada 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.

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21

How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]