Verify a License Right Now
Before hiring any plumber, verify their license through Colorado's official database:
Colorado DORA License Lookup (Visit official website)Colorado Plumber License Types
Residential Plumber License
Scope of Work:
- • Single-family homes
- • Duplexes and 3-4 unit buildings
- • Residential repairs and installations
- • Residential service calls
Requirements:
- • 4 years experience OR 2 years + education
- • Pass state examination
- • Continuing education (6 hours every 3 years)
- • Background check
Limitations:
- • Cannot work on commercial projects
- • Cannot work on apartment complexes (5+ units)
- • Cannot supervise other plumbers
- • Limited to residential-only work
Good for: Most homeowner needs including water heaters, pipes, fixtures, and general plumbing repairs.
Journeyman Plumber License
Scope of Work:
- • All residential plumbing
- • Commercial projects
- • Industrial plumbing
- • Work under master plumber supervision
Requirements:
- • 4 years experience OR apprenticeship program
- • Pass comprehensive state examination
- • Continuing education (6 hours every 3 years)
- • Clean criminal background
Key Limitations:
- • Must work under master plumber supervision
- • Cannot pull permits independently
- • Cannot have own contracting business
- • Cannot supervise other plumbers
Good for: Complex installations and repairs. Often work for larger plumbing companies on commercial projects.
Master Plumber License
Full Scope of Work:
- • Unrestricted plumbing work
- • Residential, commercial, industrial
- • Can supervise other plumbers
- • Can run own contracting business
- • Can pull permits independently
Requirements:
- • 4 years as licensed journeyman plumber
- • Pass master plumber examination
- • Business and law knowledge
- • Continuing education requirements
- • Liability insurance
Additional Benefits:
- • Highest level of expertise
- • Can handle complex design work
- • Authorized to train apprentices
- • Can sign off on major installations
- • Often required for large commercial jobs
Best for: Complex projects, custom homes, commercial work, and any situation requiring highest expertise.
How to Verify a License
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the Colorado DORA website
- Click "License Verification" or search "Business Lookup"
- Enter plumber's name or license number
- Review license status and details
- Check for any disciplinary actions
- Verify license expiration date
Important: Licenses must be renewed every 3 years. An expired license means the plumber cannot legally work.
What to Look For in License Records
Good Signs
- License status: "Active" or "Current"
- No disciplinary actions listed
- License issued several years ago (experience)
- Proper license type for your job
- Continuing education up to date
Red Flags
- License status: "Expired" or "Suspended"
- Multiple disciplinary actions
- License issued very recently (inexperience)
- Wrong license type for proposed work
- No license found at all
Continuing Education & License Renewal
Renewal Requirements:
- • Colorado plumber licenses expire every 3 years
- • 6 hours of continuing education required
- • Must include 1 hour of Colorado plumbing code updates
- • Background check renewal
- • Payment of renewal fees
What This Means for You:
- • Licensed plumbers stay current with codes
- • They know about new safety requirements
- • Updated on Colorado-specific regulations
- • Continuing education ensures competency
- • Expired licenses mean illegal work
Insurance Requirements for Licensed Plumbers
General Liability
Minimum $300,000 recommended
- • Property damage coverage
- • Bodily injury protection
- • Professional mistakes
Workers' Compensation
Required by Colorado law
- • Covers employee injuries
- • Protects homeowner from claims
- • Mandatory for all employees
Commercial Auto
For business vehicles
- • Vehicle accident coverage
- • Tools and equipment protection
- • Required for company vehicles
Always verify insurance: A valid license doesn't guarantee current insurance. Request certificates of insurance directly from the contractor.
Understanding Disciplinary Actions
Types of Disciplinary Actions:
- Suspension: Temporary loss of license
- Revocation: Permanent loss of license
- Probation: Conditional license with restrictions
- Fine: Monetary penalty for violations
- Letter of Admonition: Formal warning
Common Reasons for Discipline:
- • Performing work without proper permits
- • Substandard or dangerous workmanship
- • Fraud or misrepresentation
- • Failure to complete contracted work
- • Violation of plumbing codes
- • Criminal convictions
How to Interpret Disciplinary Records:
- • One minor violation from years ago may not be concerning
- • Recent or multiple violations are serious red flags
- • Safety-related violations should be avoided completely
- • Always ask the contractor to explain any disciplinary actions
What If the Plumber Is NOT Licensed?
Immediate Risks:
- • No legal recourse if work is substandard
- • Insurance may not cover damage from unlicensed work
- • Code violations may cause permit/sale issues
- • No regulatory oversight or consumer protection
- • Possible safety hazards from unqualified work
What You Should Do:
- • Stop the work immediately
- • Do not make any payments
- • Find a licensed plumber to assess any completed work
- • Report unlicensed contractors to Colorado DORA
- • Consider legal action for any damages
Additional Resources
Official Government Resources:
- Colorado DORA License Lookup (Visit official website)
- File Complaints Against Unlicensed Contractors
- Colorado Consumer Protection Resources