Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $700–$2,500 est. 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Colorado

3 stops

  1. Colorado Master Plumber License

    Colorado requires a Master Plumber License issued by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers for anyone performing plumbing work. To qualify a plumbing contracting business, the responsible individual must hold a Colorado Master Plumber License. Applicants need 4 years of experience (2 as journeyman) and must pass a state exam.

    Official government source

    $60 application fee + $30 exam fee; $40/year renewal4–8 weeks

  2. Colorado Plumbing Contractor Bond

    Plumbing contractors in Colorado are generally required to carry a surety bond and liability insurance. Denver specifically requires proof of $1,000,000 general liability insurance.

    Official government source

    $500–$1,500/year (combined bond and insurance)1–5 days

  3. Colorado Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Colorado Secretary of State.

    Official government source

    $50 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online filing)

City of Denver / Denver County

2 stops

  1. City and County of Denver — Plumbing Contractor License

    Denver requires a separate city-issued Plumbing Contractor License from Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD). A Denver-licensed Master Plumber must be listed as the qualifier. The contractor license is separate from the individual master plumber license and must be renewed annually. Apply via the Denver eLicense portal.

    Official government source

    $200/year1–3 weeks

  2. Denver Sales Tax License

    Plumbing contractors selling materials as part of their work must obtain a Denver Sales Tax License from Denver Treasury. Required for businesses collecting Denver's 4.81% sales tax.

    Official government source

    $50 (one-time registration fee)1–5 days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$2,500 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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