Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Madison, WI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin.

Updated 2026-03-14 5 stops $400–$1,200 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Wisconsin

1 stop

  1. Wisconsin Department of Revenue — Seller's Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property, certain services, or digital products in Wisconsin. Wisconsin charges a 5% state sales tax; local county taxes may apply (0.5%). Free to obtain from the Wisconsin DOR.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via My Tax Account)

City of Madison / Dane County

3 stops

  1. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Master Plumber License

    Plumbing contractors in Wisconsin must be licensed as Master Plumbers by DSPS. Requires 5 years of apprenticeship and passing a state exam.

    Official government source

    $100 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. City of Madison Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development — Business License

    Madison requires a Business License for regulated business types and a Certificate of Occupancy for any commercial space. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Dane County / Madison Plumbing Permit (per project)

    A separate permit must be pulled with the local building/plumbing department for each job. Inspections are required upon job completion.

    Official government source

    $50–$300 per project1–5 business days

Terminus

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

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

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides