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LicenseReciprocity

Plumber License from New York to West Virginia: Does It Transfer? (2026)

Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor) ↗

A plumbing license transfers from New York to West Virginia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor), verify your New York license, and meet West Virginia's endorsement requirements. All master and journeyman applicants must pass a written exam on the International Plumbing Code (minimum score 70%) EXCEPT under Legislative Rule 42CSR32 section 14: the Commissioner of Labor may, at his or her discretion, grant a license of the same classification WITHOUT examination to a plumber licensed or authorized by another state whose licensing requirements are equivalent to the WV Plumber Licensing Act (Code 21-14) and rule, on proof of qualifications and payment of the license fee. There are no named partner states; the waiver is discretionary and equivalence-based, not a bilateral agreement.

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Verdict

Licensure by endorsement

New York is not among the states West Virginia names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor)'s individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. All master and journeyman applicants must pass a written exam on the International Plumbing Code (minimum score 70%) EXCEPT under Legislative Rule 42CSR32 section 14: the Commissioner of Labor may, at his or her discretion, grant a license of the same classification WITHOUT examination to a plumber licensed or authorized by another state whose licensing requirements are equivalent to the WV Plumber Licensing Act (Code 21-14) and rule, on proof of qualifications and payment of the license fee. There are no named partner states; the waiver is discretionary and equivalence-based, not a bilateral agreement. 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 → West Virginia

Side-by-side: New York vs West Virginia (Plumber (journeyman/master)), verified 2026-07-21
New York (current)West Virginia (destination)
Application feeSet 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$75 ($75 annual journeyman (or master) license fee (initial and renewal); plumber-in-training $25; $25 late fee; $10 duplicate. The examination fee is set separately by the Commissioner/testing agent and paid to the testing agent or the Division (no fixed figure published on the fee page))
Processing timeNo statewide process; timelines are set by each municipal licensing authorityNo board-stated processing time; licenses without examination are granted at the Commissioner's discretion
Licensing authorityNo New York State plumber licensing board — plumbing is licensed municipally (representative program: New York City Department of Buildings)West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor)

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

Step by step

  1. Confirm West Virginia's current requirements on the West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor) website (linked below) — rules change.
  2. Submit the endorsement application to the West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor) (application linked below).
  3. Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
  4. Submit a completed application/affidavit to the WV Commissioner of Labor with satisfactory proof of qualifications.
  5. Hold an equivalent out-of-state plumber license to be considered for a license WITHOUT examination at the Commissioner's discretion (Rule 42CSR32 section 14.1).
  6. Otherwise pass the IPC-based journeyman written examination with a minimum score of 70%.
  7. Pay the $75 annual license fee (license valid up to one year); the master exam may not be taken until one year after passing the journeyman exam.
  8. Pay the fees ($75 ($75 annual journeyman (or master) license fee (initial and renewal); plumber-in-training $25; $25 late fee; $10 duplicate. The examination fee is set separately by the Commissioner/testing agent and paid to the testing agent or the Division (no fixed figure published on the fee page))) and allow No board-stated processing time; licenses without examination are granted at the Commissioner's discretion.

Official links

West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor) ↗West Virginia application ↗License verification ↗

Related guides

Reverse: West Virginia → New YorkPlumber in New YorkPlumber in West VirginiaAll plumber states

Frequently asked questions

Does West Virginia accept a New York plumbing license?

A plumbing license transfers from New York to West Virginia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing (Office of the State Commissioner of Labor), verify your New York license, and meet West Virginia's endorsement requirements. All master and journeyman applicants must pass a written exam on the International Plumbing Code (minimum score 70%) EXCEPT under Legislative Rule 42CSR32 section 14: the Commissioner of Labor may, at his or her discretion, grant a license of the same classification WITHOUT examination to a plumber licensed or authorized by another state whose licensing requirements are equivalent to the WV Plumber Licensing Act (Code 21-14) and rule, on proof of qualifications and payment of the license fee. There are no named partner states; the waiver is discretionary and equivalence-based, not a bilateral agreement.

Which exam applies moving from New York to West Virginia?

All master and journeyman applicants must pass a written exam on the International Plumbing Code (minimum score 70%) EXCEPT under Legislative Rule 42CSR32 section 14: the Commissioner of Labor may, at his or her discretion, grant a license of the same classification WITHOUT examination to a plumber licensed or authorized by another state whose licensing requirements are equivalent to the WV Plumber Licensing Act (Code 21-14) and rule, on proof of qualifications and payment of the license fee. There are no named partner states; the waiver is discretionary and equivalence-based, not a bilateral agreement.

What does the New York-to-West Virginia move cost and how long does it take?

$75 ($75 annual journeyman (or master) license fee (initial and renewal); plumber-in-training $25; $25 late fee; $10 duplicate. The examination fee is set separately by the Commissioner/testing agent and paid to the testing agent or the Division (no fixed figure published on the fee page)); processing No board-stated processing time; licenses without examination are granted at the Commissioner's discretion.

Can I keep my New York plumbing license after I'm licensed in West Virginia?

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.

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

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