Plumber License from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania → Minnesota
| Pennsylvania (current) | Minnesota (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | No statewide fee. Fees are set locally; for example, Philadelphia's journeyman plumber license is $126 initial (including a $25 non-refundable application fee) and $126 annual renewal. | $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; processing time is set by each municipality. | No board-stated processing time; the license fee must be paid within 180 days of approval. |
| Licensing authority | No statewide board — plumber licensing is handled by Pennsylvania municipalities (e.g., Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections; Allegheny County Health Department for the Pittsburgh area) | 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 Pennsylvania plumbing license?
A plumbing license transfers from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania-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 Pennsylvania plumbing license after I'm licensed in Minnesota?
Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the Pennsylvania 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)
- City of Philadelphia — Get a Journeyman Plumber License (representative municipal program; requirements and fees; no state license) ↗ (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]