Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.

Verified 2026-09-06 5 stops $400–$1,200 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Idaho

1 stop

  1. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

City of Boise / Ada County

3 stops

  1. Idaho DOPL State Plumbing Board — Plumbing Contractor License

    Plumbing contractors in Idaho must hold a Plumbing Contractor License from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) State Plumbing Board, which absorbed the former Division of Building Safety in 2021. A licensed journeyman plumber must be on staff.

    Official government source

    $169.50 initial ($22.50 application fee + $147 license fee, 3-year term); $108 renewal4–8 weeks

  2. City of Boise — No General Business License

    Boise does not require a general/blanket business license. Businesses must instead comply with zoning, required building/health permits, and any applicable activity-specific city license (Animal, Food & Alcohol Beverage, Security Services, Vehicle Licensing). Most professional/personal-service businesses fall under none of these categories and need no city business license — verify your specific business's obligations with the City Clerk's Licensing page.

    Official government source

    N/A — no general business license existsN/A

  3. City of Boise Plumbing Permit (per project)

    A separate plumbing permit must be pulled from Boise Planning & Development Services for each job in the city (Ada County Development Services for work outside city limits). Inspections are required at rough-in and completion. Starting work without a permit triggers a special investigation fee equal to the full permit fee on top of it.

    Official government source

    Commercial: $32 base fee plus 2.28% of the installation value under $500,000. New single-family: $130–$325 by house size. Residential additions and alterations: $32 base plus per-fixture charges. Re-inspection is $55.Straightforward permits are typically issued within 1–5 business days; longer where plan review is required.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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