Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $600–$1,800 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 Tennessee

3 stops

  1. Tennessee Plumbing Contractor License

    Required to perform plumbing contracting work in Tennessee. Issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Applicants must submit financial statements, proof of experience, pass a trade exam, and provide proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. License is required for projects over $25,000 in value.

    Official government source

    $250 application fee + exam fees; $100/year renewal4–8 weeks

  2. Tennessee Home Improvement License (for smaller jobs)

    For plumbing projects under $25,000, a Tennessee Home Improvement License may be required instead of the full contractor license. Issued by the Tennessee Home Improvement Contractors Licensing Board.

    Official government source

    $100 application fee2–4 weeks

  3. Tennessee Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

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

    Official government source

    $300 (LLC filing fee)3–5 business days (online filing)

City of Nashville / Davidson County

2 stops

  1. Metropolitan Nashville — Contractor Registration

    Plumbing contractors must register with the Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Metropolitan Government, Codes Administration Department before pulling any plumbing permits. The Tennessee state license must be on file. Registration is required annually.

    Official government source

    $75–$150/year1–2 weeks

  2. Nashville Metro Business License

    All businesses with annual gross receipts of $10,000 or more must obtain a Metro Business License from the Nashville Metro Clerk's office. Contractors are subject to this requirement.

    Official government source

    $15 minimum (based on gross receipts)1–5 days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,800 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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