Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $700–$2,200 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Pennsylvania

2 stops

  1. Pennsylvania — No Statewide Plumber License

    Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide plumbing contractor license. Licensing is handled at the local/municipal level. Philadelphia has its own Master Plumber exam and license. In other parts of Pennsylvania, county or municipal licensing may apply. Statewide, contractors must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code.

    Official government source

    N/A (licensing is local)N/A

  2. Pennsylvania Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

    Official government source

    $125 (LLC filing fee)3–5 business days (online filing)

City of Philadelphia / Philadelphia County

2 stops

  1. City of Philadelphia Master Plumber License

    Philadelphia requires its own Master Plumber License issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I); Pennsylvania has no statewide plumber license. Applicants must pass the Philadelphia Master Plumber Examination (administered by the International Code Council), have been registered as a Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber for at least one year (or hold equivalent authorization from another jurisdiction), and carry insurance (general liability $500,000, auto liability $300,000, and workers' compensation).

    Official government source

    $303 initial (includes $50 non-refundable application fee); $253 annual renewal4–8 weeks (exam scheduling)

  2. Philadelphia Commercial Activity License

    All businesses operating in Philadelphia, including plumbing contractors, must obtain a Commercial Activity License (CAL) from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). The license is free, does not expire, and does not need to be renewed. You must first have a Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) account with the Department of Revenue; applying online through eCLIPSE issues the license automatically.

    Official government source

    $0 (no fee)Same day (issued automatically online via eCLIPSE)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$2,200 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides