Plumbing & Mechanical Systems License Fees

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 apply per discipline or trade.

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.

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 off the licensing fees. This discount does not apply to the $25 paper application fee, late renewal fees, or the contractor registration fee. 

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 2 active journeyperson licenses (expire 6-30-23) 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 2 active master licenses (expire 6-30-23) 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.

Miscellaneous Fees

Late Fees

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.

Renewal Fees

Licenses that expire June 30, 2023

The renewal fee for a three-year license that will be valid from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2023.  Renewal fees for a single license are:

• $50    Apprentice or Inactive License Renewal Fee
• $50    Service Tech HVAC, Disconnect/Reconnect Plumbing Technician, Hearth Systems Specialty, or Private School/College Routine Maintenance
• $75    Med Gas Piping Certification Renewal Fee
• $180  Journeyperson License Renewal Fee
• $230 Inactive Master/Active Journeyperson License Renewal Fee
• $240 Master License Renewal Fee

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

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.

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

*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 “one-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 3 years and also submit a separate application and fee for contractor registration to Iowa Workforce Development Division of Labor on an annual basis. Beginning with this renewal, contractor licensure and registration have been combined into a single 3-year application and renewal process. This means that contractors will be required to submit a fee for a 3-year contractor registration in addition to the contractor license renewal fee. On the fee chart add both the PMSB license fee and the IWD registration fee, plus any applicable late fees or paper application fees. The registration portion of the fee is transferred electronically to the IWD Division of Labor.