How to Verify a Plumber License in Texas

Step 1: Ask for the License Number Before Work Starts

The first step is simple: ask the plumber for their license number. A licensed professional should be able to provide it immediately. Some may have it printed on their business card, invoice, or website. If they hesitate or can't provide it, that's a red flag—consider finding another plumber.

Step 2: Search on LicenseStatusVerify or TSBPE

You have two options to look up a plumber's license:

• LicenseStatusVerify: Use our free search tool to look up the plumber by name or license number. We pull directly from TSBPE records.
• TSBPE directly: Search the official TSBPE license search for the most current information.

Step 3: Check the License Status

Once you find the plumber's record, check the status. It should say ACTIVE. Here's what each status means:

• ACTIVE: Licensed and in good standing. Safe to hire.
• EXPIRED: License is no longer valid. Do not hire. The plumber may be breaking the law by working without a current license.
• SUSPENDED: License is temporarily revoked, usually due to unpaid fees, discipline, or complaint. Do not hire.
• REVOKED: License has been permanently canceled by TSBPE. Do not hire.

Step 4: Match the License Type to the Work Being Done

TSBPE issues several types of plumbing licenses. Make sure the plumber has the right license type for your job:

• Master Plumber: Can design plumbing systems, pull permits, and supervise other plumbers. Required for most residential and commercial permit work.
• Journeyman Plumber: Can perform plumbing work under the supervision of a Master Plumber. Cannot pull permits independently.
• Apprentice Plumber: In training; must work under direct supervision. Should not be the sole plumber on your job.

For any work requiring a permit (new installations, major repairs), hire a Master Plumber or ensure a Master Plumber is on-site to pull the permit.

What to Do If the License Is Expired

If you find that a plumber's license has expired, do not hire them. Before walking away, you can:

• Ask the plumber directly—they may be in the middle of renewing and have applied but not yet received the updated license.
• Check the expiration date on TSBPE. If it expired recently (within a few days), they may be renewing.
• Do not accept their word that they are "licensed" or "have applied." Wait for the license to show active in the TSBPE system.

Red Flags to Watch For

Beyond expired licenses, watch for these warning signs when verifying and hiring:

• Won't share their license number: This is the biggest red flag. Legitimate plumbers are proud of their credentials and will share them instantly.
• No Texas address on their TSBPE record: All active plumbers in Texas should have a Texas business address listed. Out-of-state addresses or missing address information can indicate unlicensed work.
• Discrepancies between what they tell you and the TSBPE record:If their name, license type, or status doesn't match, ask for clarification.
• Too-good-to-be-true pricing:Unlicensed plumbers sometimes undercut licensed competitors. Good price doesn't mean good work.

Additional Verification Tips

Beyond checking status, you can look for disciplinary action or complaints:

• On TSBPE's website, search for enforcement actions or disciplinary history related to the plumber's name or license number.
• A few minor complaints or corrected violations are normal for any busy contractor, but a pattern of serious violations, fraud, or unsafe work is a reason to choose someone else.
• Check local Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews alongside the license lookup for a fuller picture of the plumber's track record.