FITCHET PLUMBING · LOCAL GUIDE
How to Verify a Plumber’s License in Maryland – Step by Step
To verify a plumber’s licence in Maryland: go to dllr.state.md.us, select “Licence Verification” from the professional licences section, choose “Master Plumber” as the licence type, and enter the licence number the plumber provided. The result shows whether the licence is current, active, and held by the business name you’re checking. Fitchet Plumbing holds Maryland Board of Plumbing Licence #70218 – verify it yourself before calling anyone. —
Why Verifying a Plumber’s Licence in Maryland Actually Matters
Maryland requires a licence to perform plumbing work legally. The requirement exists because plumbing failures – burst pipes, gas leaks, sewer backups, improper water heater installations – create real property damage and health risks. A licensed plumber has passed examination requirements, carries required insurance, and is subject to Maryland Plumbing Board oversight.
An unlicensed contractor has none of these accountability structures. More practically for homeowners: work performed by an unlicensed contractor may not pass the permit inspection process that Anne Arundel County requires for significant plumbing work – which means the work may need to be redone by a licensed contractor at your expense.
The licence verification step takes 60 seconds. It is the single most effective screening tool available before any plumber enters your home.
Step-by-Step – How to Verify a Plumber’s Maryland Licence
- Licence holder name (should match the company or individual you’re hiring)
- Licence type (Master Plumber vs. Journeyman – only a Master Plumber can operate independently)
- Licence status (Active vs. Expired vs. Suspended)
- Expiration date
Step 1: Open a browser and go to dllr.state.md.us
Step 2: Navigate to “Occupational & Professional Licensing” – this section covers all state-regulated professional licences.
Step 3: Select “Plumbing” or “Master Plumber” as the licence category.
Step 4: Enter the licence number the plumber provided. Ask for it before booking – any legitimate licensed plumber will give it without hesitation. Fitchet Plumbing: #70218.
Step 5: The result shows:
What to look for: Active status, not expired. Master Plumber designation (not Journeyman). Licence holder name that matches the company you’re calling.
What to do if the licence isn’t found or is expired: Do not proceed with hiring. A licence that was active but has lapsed means the contractor’s continuing education, insurance, and Board compliance requirements have not been maintained.
The Maryland Gas Fitter Certification – A Separate Licence
Maryland requires a separate gas fitter licence beyond a standard plumbing licence for gas line work. This is a critical distinction that most homeowners don’t know.
A licensed Master Plumber in Maryland is not automatically authorized to install, repair, or modify gas lines. Gas fitter work requires a distinct credential – issued after separate training and examination requirements specific to gas systems.
If you need gas line work done – an outdoor kitchen gas line, a generator connection, a gas fireplace installation, or a gas dryer hookup – ask specifically for the gas fitter certification number in addition to the plumbing licence number. Verify both at dllr.state.md.us.
Fitchet Plumbing holds both: Maryland Board of Plumbing Licence #70218 and a separate Maryland gas fitter certification. Both verifiable at dllr.state.md.us.
What Other Credentials Matter When Hiring a Plumber in Severna Park
General liability insurance: A licensed Maryland plumber is required to carry liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance before any work begins on your property. The certificate should show your property address or be generically issued, and should be current.
Workers’ compensation: If the plumber employs workers, they are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. An injury on your property to an uninsured worker can create homeowner liability. Ask whether workers’ comp is current if more than one person is doing the work.
Anne Arundel County familiarity: Not a credential, but relevant – a plumber who regularly works in Anne Arundel County knows the specific permit requirements, inspection processes, and code interpretations that are local to the county. A contractor who primarily works in a different jurisdiction may not be familiar with Anne Arundel County’s specific requirements.
Red Flags – Signs a Plumbing Contractor May Not Be Properly Licensed in Maryland
- Refuses to provide a licence number – any legitimate licensed plumber provides this immediately when asked
- Can’t produce a certificate of insurance – legitimate licensed contractors carry this and can provide it on request
- Asks for large cash payment upfront – licensed contractors with proper insurance and business standing don’t need this
- Recommends skipping the permit – “to save time” or “to save you money” – any contractor recommending unpermitted work for required-permit jobs is either unlicensed or willing to cut corners that protect you
- Can’t provide a business address – legitimate plumbing businesses in Maryland operate from a registered address
Frequently Asked Questions – Plumber Licence Verification Maryland
How do I verify a plumber’s licence in Maryland?
Go to dllr.state.md.us, navigate to Occupational & Professional Licensing, select Master Plumber, and enter the licence number. The database shows whether the licence is current, active, and who holds it. This takes about 60 seconds.
What is the difference between a Master Plumber and a Journeyman Plumber in Maryland?
A Master Plumber in Maryland has passed the Master Plumber examination and can operate an independent plumbing business, pull permits, and take responsibility for plumbing work. A Journeyman Plumber can perform plumbing work but must work under the supervision of a Master Plumber and cannot operate independently or pull permits in their own name.
Does a Maryland plumber need a separate licence for gas line work?
Yes. Maryland requires a separate gas fitter certification beyond a plumbing licence for gas line installation and repair. Always ask for both the plumbing licence number and the gas fitter certification number for any gas line work, and verify both at dllr.state.md.us.
What is Fitchet Plumbing’s Maryland plumbing licence number?
Maryland Board of Plumbing Licence #70218. Verify it at dllr.state.md.us – enter the licence number under Master Plumber and confirm it is current and active. Fitchet Plumbing also holds a separate Maryland gas fitter certification, verifiable at the same site.
→ About Fitchet Plumbing → | Roto-Rooter vs Local Plumber → | Plumbing FAQ → | Call (667) 644-3080