Plumber License from New York to Minnesota: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD) ↗
A plumbing license transfers from New York to Minnesota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD), verify your New York license, and meet Minnesota's endorsement requirements. Minnesota waives its journeyworker plumber exam only for applicants licensed by examination at the state level in North Dakota or South Dakota; every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Minnesota journeyworker exam..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
New York is not among the states Minnesota names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD)'s individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. Minnesota waives its journeyworker plumber exam only for applicants licensed by examination at the state level in North Dakota or South Dakota; every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Minnesota journeyworker exam.. Bring your New York 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, New York → Minnesota
| New York (current) | Minnesota (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Set locally and varies by municipality; e.g., the New York City Master Plumber written-exam application (LIC41) fee is $525, with a separate practical-exam application (LIC42) — other cities/counties differ | $50–$103 ($50 reciprocity/exam application fee; journeyworker license fee ~$53 (biennial) due within 180 days of approval; master renewal ~$93.) |
| Processing time | No statewide process; timelines are set by each municipal licensing authority | No board-stated processing time; the license fee must be paid within 180 days of approval. |
| Licensing authority | No New York State plumber licensing board — plumbing is licensed municipally (representative program: New York City Department of Buildings) | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Minnesota sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Minnesota's current requirements on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold the same or higher class of license, obtained by state-level examination, in North Dakota or South Dakota.
- Have held that qualifying license for at least one year, current and in good standing.
- The qualifying license must not have been obtained through a reciprocal agreement with a city or other political subdivision.
- Not have previously failed the same or higher class Minnesota plumber examination.
- Pay the fees ($50–$103 ($50 reciprocity/exam application fee; journeyworker license fee ~$53 (biennial) due within 180 days of approval; master renewal ~$93.)) and allow No board-stated processing time; the license fee must be paid within 180 days of approval..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota accept a New York plumbing license?
A plumbing license transfers from New York to Minnesota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD), verify your New York license, and meet Minnesota's endorsement requirements. Minnesota waives its journeyworker plumber exam only for applicants licensed by examination at the state level in North Dakota or South Dakota; every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Minnesota journeyworker exam..
Which exam applies moving from New York to Minnesota?
Minnesota waives its journeyworker plumber exam only for applicants licensed by examination at the state level in North Dakota or South Dakota; every other out-of-state plumber must pass the Minnesota journeyworker exam..
What does the New York-to-Minnesota move cost and how long does it take?
$50–$103 ($50 reciprocity/exam application fee; journeyworker license fee ~$53 (biennial) due within 180 days of approval; master renewal ~$93.); processing No board-stated processing time; the license fee must be paid within 180 days of approval..
Can I keep my New York plumbing license after I'm licensed in Minnesota?
Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the New York 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.
- Minnesota DLI — Plumbing reciprocity ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Minnesota DLI — Plumbing license basics (fees, license types) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYC Department of Buildings — Obtain a Master Plumber License (7-yr experience, written+practical exams, $525 LIC41 fee) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYC Department of Buildings — Obtain a Journeyman Plumber Registration ↗ (accessed 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]