Plumber License from Michigan to Utah: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) ↗
A plumbing license transfers from Michigan to Utah by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), verify your Michigan license, and meet Utah's endorsement requirements. Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Michigan is not among the states Utah names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)'s individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams. Bring your Michigan 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, Michigan → Utah
| Michigan (current) | Utah (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $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.) | $110–$116 ($110 journeyman plumber application fee (all plumber classifications) plus $5 education-fund and $1 e-library surcharges; $68 biennial renewal; no fingerprint requirement for plumber applicants; optional $75 priority processing) |
| Processing time | 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. | No board-stated standard processing time; DOPL offers a $75 priority application processing fee to expedite |
| Licensing authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing | Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Utah sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Utah's current requirements on the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Endorsement: hold an equivalent state/territory journeyman plumber license, active and in good standing for at least one year, and submit an official Verification of License.
- Standard licensure: complete four years full-time as a licensed apprentice in an approved training program (at least 576 classroom hours), OR eight years full-time as a licensed apprentice outside a program.
- Pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical Examination (waived under endorsement from an equivalent jurisdiction).
- Pay the fees ($110–$116 ($110 journeyman plumber application fee (all plumber classifications) plus $5 education-fund and $1 e-library surcharges; $68 biennial renewal; no fingerprint requirement for plumber applicants; optional $75 priority processing)) and allow No board-stated standard processing time; DOPL offers a $75 priority application processing fee to expedite.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Utah accept a Michigan plumbing license?
A plumbing license transfers from Michigan to Utah by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), verify your Michigan license, and meet Utah's endorsement requirements. Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams.
Which exam applies moving from Michigan to Utah?
Utah waives its Journeyman Plumber Theory and Practical examinations for an applicant who holds an equivalent state- or territory-wide journeyman plumber license (per DOPL's published endorsement map) that has been active and in good standing for at least one year; applicants from jurisdictions with no equivalent statewide license, or that DOPL deems non-equivalent, must document Utah's required apprenticeship experience and pass the Utah Plumbers Theory and Practical exams.
What does the Michigan-to-Utah move cost and how long does it take?
$110–$116 ($110 journeyman plumber application fee (all plumber classifications) plus $5 education-fund and $1 e-library surcharges; $68 biennial renewal; no fingerprint requirement for plumber applicants; optional $75 priority processing); processing No board-stated standard processing time; DOPL offers a $75 priority application processing fee to expedite.
Can I keep my Michigan plumbing license after I'm licensed in Utah?
Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the Michigan 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.
- Utah DOPL — Endorsement to Utah: Journeyman Plumber (equivalency map; Utah Code 58-55 qualifications; 1-year/good-standing rule) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Utah DOPL — Apply for a Journeyman Plumber License (8,000 hours; theory & practical exams; endorsement pathway) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Utah DOPL — Fee Schedule FY 2025-2026 (Plumber, all classifications: $110 application / $68 renewal) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA BCC — Plumbing Examination, Licensing/Registration & Application Information ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- MCL 339.6115 — Journey plumber's license requirements (6,000 hours / 3 years) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- MCL 339.6121 — License and registration fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA BCC — Out of State License Verification form ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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