Plumber licenses in
Iowa
Iowa licenses plumbers statewide.
Search Iowa plumber licenses (opens official site)
Official search run by Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) at amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us.
What the license should say
In Iowa you'll see one of these on a plumber's card, bid or truck:
- Master plumber
- Individual; plans or superintends design, installation or repair and may run the business.
- Journeyperson plumber
- Individual; works as an employee under a master.
- Plumbing contractor
- Business; must employ a master plumber, carry $500,000 liability insurance and a $5,000 bond.
Hiring a company, not a person?
A contractor license from the board; the business must employ at least one active master licensee in the discipline, carry $500,000 liability insurance and a $5,000 bond, and register as a contractor with DIAL.
Doing it yourself
Iowa Code 105.11(3) lets an owner do plumbing or mechanical work on their existing principal residence (not new construction) if it qualifies for the homestead tax credit.
Before you hire
- Contractor licensing in Iowa (small-job limits, bonds, permits)
- How to check a license in Iowa, step by step
- Before-you-hire checklist (one page, free PDF)
- File a complaint about a plumber (opens official site)
Keep this handy
We'll email you the one-page before-you-hire checklist, plus occasional tips on hiring safely.