Virginia Plumbing License Renewal: Your 2026 Guide

Keeping your Virginia plumbing license active is essential for your career. If you let it expire, you can't legally work, and you'll face extra costs and steps to get it back. In some cases, you might even have to reapply from the beginning. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Virginia plumbing license renewal process, from deadlines and continuing education to fees and common mistakes.

Understanding Virginia Plumbing Licenses

In Virginia, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), through its Board for Contractors, oversees plumbing licenses. The most common license types are Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. It's also worth noting that gas-fitter licenses have their own separate requirements.

Your plumbing license is valid for a set period and must be renewed before it expires. According to the DPOR, journeyman and master plumbers must complete three hours of continuing education (CE) during the renewal cycle.

Both license types must be renewed every three years by the last day of the month it was issued. Because rules can differ based on your specific license class, it’s crucial to know exactly what you need to do to stay compliant.

Renewal Timeline and Deadlines

To avoid penalties and work stoppages, staying on top of your renewal schedule is key.

DPOR provides a 30-day grace period. During this time, you can still renew your license by submitting the fee and proof of CE. It is important to note that you are not licensed to work during this grace period. You must pause all plumbing work until your renewal is officially approved.

If you don't renew within that 30-day window, your license enters a reinstatement phase. Virginia's administrative code allows you to reinstate your license for up to 24 months after expiration. This requires completing all renewal requirements and paying additional reinstatement fees. If your license remains expired for more than 24 months, it cannot be reinstated. You will have to start over as a new applicant.

To keep things simple:

• Mark your calendar with your expiration date.
• Complete your continuing education in advance.
• Submit your renewal application and fee before the deadline.

Failing to meet the deadline means you stop working, pay extra fees, and deal with unnecessary administrative headaches.

The Application Process and Renewal Fees

Renewing your Virginia plumbing license is a straightforward process if you plan ahead. The renewal fee for plumbers, as set by the DPOR, is $90. You must submit this payment before your license expires to keep your credentials active.

You can renew online through the DPOR's "Renew a License" portal or mail in a paper application. Before submitting, double-check that your CE hours are correctly recorded. Also, confirm that all your personal and business contact information is current. 

If you've missed a deadline, make sure any late fees are included with your payment.

While the DPOR doesn't guarantee a specific processing time, it can take weeks for your completed CE to appear in their system. Common renewal mistakes include waiting until the last minute, choosing a CE provider that isn't DPOR-approved, or submitting outdated information. The best way to ensure a smooth renewal is to complete your CE requirements early.

Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal

Completing your CE is one of the most critical parts of the renewal process. Here’s what you need to know for your Virginia plumbing license renewal.

Required Hours

Journeyman and Master plumbers must complete three hours of CE each cycle. If you also hold a specialty certification in gas fitting (natural gas or LP gas), you need an additional one hour of CE for each specialty.

Course Content

The CE course must cover recent changes to the plumbing code. This includes updates to the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). An approved course will focus on these essential updates to keep your knowledge current.

Finding an Approved Provider

You must take your CE course from a DPOR-approved provider. After you complete the course, the provider will report your hours to the DPOR electronically. While they handle the reporting, it's a good idea to keep a copy of your completion certificate for your records. Providers have seven days to submit course completions, so plan accordingly.

Timing is Everything

You must complete your CE before submitting your renewal application. If you wait until after your license expires, you will likely face penalties. If you hold both a journeyman and a master plumber license, you only need to meet the CE requirement once.

Ready to get your CE done? Our state-approved 3-hour Virginia Plumbing Continuing Education course is designed to make your renewal simple and efficient.

Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process

• Know Your Expiration Date: Mark your calendar two or three months before the last day of your issuance month.
• Complete CE Early: Finish your required hours well before the deadline to account for provider reporting times.
• Verify Your Provider: Double-check that your CE provider is approved by the DPOR to ensure your hours count.
• Keep Your Records: Save copies of your CE certificate, application receipts, and any other relevant documents.
• Check Your Status: About a week after completing your CE, use the DPOR's online license lookup tool to confirm your hours have been posted.
• Update Your Information: Ensure your business name, address, and contact details are current before you submit your renewal.
• Set Reminders: Use your phone or business software to set a reminder 90 days before your renewal date.
• Prepare Your Payment: Have the $90 fee ready to submit online or by mail before the expiration date.

Keep Your Plumbing Business Running Strong

Renewing your Virginia plumbing license is a manageable task when you approach it with a clear plan. By completing your CE early, updating your information, and submitting your application on time, you can maintain your credentials without any interruption to your business.

Your license is the foundation of your professional credibility and your ability to work. Stay ahead of the requirements to keep your plumbing trade thriving.

VA Plumbing License Renewal Frequently Asked Questions