How to Verify a Licensed Master Plumber in NYC

How to verify a Licensed Master Plumber in NYC

In the five boroughs, plumbing work must be done by or under a NYC Licensed Master Plumber. Checking a license takes a couple of minutes.

One number for NYC, Long Island, Westchester & North Jersey

Houses, condos, co-ops and apartment buildings

Ask for the price before any work starts

Takes about a minute. Tell us what's happening, what kind of building it is, and the town or neighborhood.

01Check a license in four steps

Ask for the license number and the plumber's legal business name (trade names often differ).
Search the NYC Department of Buildings records (DOB NOW public portal / DOB license search) by license number, name or business, choosing "Master Plumber".
Confirm the license is active, and check insurance information where shown.
Match the name on the license to the person or business you're hiring.

The DOB's search tools change from time to time. If you can't find the search, contact DOB.

A home improvement contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection does not allow plumbing work.
A Westchester, Long Island or New Jersey plumbing license doesn't cover work in NYC.
Workers may be employees of an LMP; the license belongs to the master plumber or firm supervising them.

Permits for plumbing work are filed by Licensed Master Plumbers
Unlicensed work can cause problems with insurance, inspections and selling the property
Co-op and condo boards usually require licensed plumbers and insurance certificates

Do plumbers in NYC need insurance?

Licensed Master Plumbers must maintain insurance as part of licensing, and many buildings require certificates naming the building. Ask for them.

Last reviewed November 4, 2026. General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.