Topics:

Plumbing & Mechanical Systems

An application will not be processed without the payment of the correct fee.

  • All fees are non-refundable.
  • Credit cards can only be accepted if you are applying online. Staff cannot accept credit card information over the phone. No cash payments are accepted.
  • If you are submitting a check or money order, make it payable to: Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board or PMSB.

Fee Information

Fees are per discipline or trade.

PMSB licenses operate on a 3-year period.  Fees are prorated as listed below: 

To determine the correct fee, go to the column "Date Initial Application for License is Submitted, or, For Renewal, Expiration Date of License,"  and determine the correct date range and fee based on the license you are applying for or seeking to renew.

If you are submitting a paper application, you must also include the paper application fee of $25. Exam applications are the only exception to the paper application fee.

Application Submission DateApprentice,
Inactive, & Specialty License
Journey LicenseMaster LicenseInactive Master / Active Journey LicenseMedical Gas Piping LicenseContractor License
06/30/2023 to 12/31/2023$50$180$240$230$75$250 + $150
Registration Fee*
01/01/2024 to
06/30/2024
$41.70$150.12$200.16$191.82$62.55$208.50 + $125 Registration Fee*
07/01/2024 to
12/31/2024
$33.35$120.06$160.08$153.41$50.03$166.75 + $100 Registration Fee*
01/01/2025 to 06/30/2025$25.00$90.00$120.00$115.00$37.50$125 + $75
Registration Fee*
07/01/2025 to
12/31/2025
$16.65$59.94$79.92$76.59$24.98$83.25 + $50 Registration Fee*
01/01/2026 to
06/29/2026
$8.35$30.06$40.08$38.41$12.53$41.75 + $25 Registration Fee*

*The multiple license discount does not apply to the Registration Fee.

 

Multiple License Discount

If you are purchasing or renewing multiple ACTIVE master, journeyperson, or contractor licenses for the same individual on the same day, you are eligible for a 30 percent discount on the licensing fees. This discount does not apply to the $25 paper application fee, late renewal fees, or contractor registration fees. 

New applications from 01/01/2023 to 06/29/2023 will correlate to the 01/01/2026 to 06/29/2026 section of the chart above.

Example 1: I am renewing two active journeyperson licenses (expire 6/30/2023) on the same day for the same person. The journeyperson renewal fee is $180 x 2 for both licenses = $360. To calculate the discount, multiple this fee by 30% and subtract that amount from the combined license fee: .30 x 180 = 108.00 discount.  $360 - 108 = $252 due for license fee. Add $25 for a paper application.  Total amount due for online renewal = $252. Total amount due for paper application = $277.

Example 2: I am applying for two active master licenses (expire 6/30/2023) on the same day for the same person.  The master license fee is $240 for each license = $480. Because I am applying for both licenses at the same time, I am entitled to a 30% discount off the license fee.  $480 x .30 = $144.  The online license fee due is $480 - 144 = $336.  The paper application fee is $336 +25 = $361.

The discount does not apply to paper renewal fees or late fees.

If you are renewing multiple licenses online, you must start and pay for each renewal on the same day to qualify.

You must start the contractor application first if you also have an individual license.  Reach the fee payment screen and do not pay yet.

Complete your individual license application and pay the license fee.  Return to the contractor license application and pay the license fee.

Miscellaneous Fees

Service or ApplicationFee
Exam Approval Application (per trade)$35.00
Written Verification of License Status$20.00
Paper Application$25.00
Returned Check $25.00

Late Fees

Days LateFees DueExam RequirementNew Expiration DateEligible to Work
1-30 days$0.00 Late Fees + *cost of renewal license per tradeNo Exam06/30/2023Yes
31-60 days$60.00 Late Fee per trade + *cost of renewal license per tradeNo Exam06/30/2023Yes
61-365 days past expiration date$100.00 Late Fee per trade + *cost of renewal license per tradeNo Exam06/30/2023No
366 + days past expiration date*Full license fee - no discount, no pro-ratingExam or Retake CEUs06/30/2023No

Late fees are not subject to a 30% discount when renewing multiple licenses late. The paper application fee is also not subject to the 30% discount. When calculating fees that include either a late fee or paper application fee, add these fees after you have calculated any license fees that are subject to a discount.

On-Time Renewal Fees

The renewal fee for a three-year license, valid from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

On-Time Renewal Fees
License TypeOn-time Renewal Fee
Apprentice or Inactive License$50.00
Journeyperson License$180.00
Master License$240.00
Inactive Master/Active Journeyperson License$230.00

Contractor License and Registration

($250 Contractor License Fee + $150 3-Year Contractor Registration Fee)

$380.00

Service Tech HVAC License

Disconnect/Reconnect Plumbing Technician License

Hearth Systems Specialty License

Private School/College Routine Maintenance License

$50.00
Med Gas Piping Certification Renewal Fee$75.00

Fees apply per license. If you are renewing multiple active journey, master, or contractor licenses for the same individual at the same time, a 30% discount off the total renewal fee is calculated.

Reinstatement Fees

If your license expired more than one year ago, board rules specify that you are not entitled to a prorated, reduced renewal fee. You must pay the full renewal fee for each license you are seeking to reinstate.

  • Specialty License Reinstatement Fee: $50
  • Med Gas Piping Certification Reinstatement Fee: $75
  • Journeyperson License Reinstatement Fee: $180
  • Inactive Master/Active Journeyperson License Reinstatement Fee: $230
  • Master License Reinstatement Fee: $240

*To see all fees associated with plumbing and mechanical licensure, see Iowa Administrative Code 641-Chapter 28. 

Contractor Fees

Contractors who perform services in plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics, or mechanical systems now have a β€œone-stop shop” to apply for both the contractor license and contractor registration on a single application. Previously contractors were required to apply/renew the license with the board office every three years and also submit a separate application and fee for contractor registration to DIAL on an annual basis. Beginning with this renewal, contractor licensure and registration have been combined into a single three-year application and renewal process. This means that contractors will be required to submit a fee for a three-year contractor registration in addition to the contractor license renewal fee. On the fee chart add both the PMSB license fee and the DIAL registration fee, plus any applicable late fees or paper application fees. The registration portion of the fee is transferred electronically to DIAL.