Permits, violations & licenses

Plumbing work needs to be done by a licensed master plumber.

Plumbing work includes the construction, alteration, or repair of any of the following systems or components:

• Drainage
• Cesspools
• Traps
• Waste vents
• Water piping
• Fixtures attached to plumbing elements, excluding gas or electric heaters

Who

Individual plumbers can apply for this license.

Requirements

Other licenses and registrations

• Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
• Commercial Activity License

Insurance

You must provide a Certificate of Insurance that includes these minimum amounts:

• General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
• Automobile Liability Insurance: $300,000
• Worker’s Compensation:
  • $100,000 per accident
  • $100,000 per employee
  • $500,000 policy limit

  Experience

  To qualify, you must be registered as a Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber for a minimum of one year.

  Alternatively, you may submit proof of a similar authorization granted by any other state or local jurisdiction with equal or greater qualification requirements. This is subject to approval by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

  Testing and certification

  You must have proof of successful completion of the Philadelphia Master Plumber Examination. This exam is administered by the International Code Council.

  The exam must reference the current version of the Philadelphia Code and associated standards or your application must be submitted within 12 months of successful completion of the exam.

  Proof of employment

  If you are not self-employed, submit a statement of current or prospective employment. This statement must be on company letterhead and signed by the employer.

  Photo identification

  2 in. x 2 in., color

  Tax compliance

  The contractor must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.

  Where and when

  Online

  If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

  In person

  Permit and License Center
  1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
  MSB, Public Service Concourse
  Philadelphia, PA 19102

  Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

  Cost

  License fee

  A non-refundable application fee of $50 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.

  Renewal fee

  If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

  Payment methods and details

  Accepted payment methods

  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.10% surcharge. The minimum fee is $1.50.)
  • Debit card (+$3.45 fee)
  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.10% surcharge. The minimum fee is $1.50.)
  • Debit card (+$3.45 fee)
  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
  • Cash

  Credit and debit card payments

  Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.

  Checks and money orders

  Check requirements

  • Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
  • The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
  • Personal checks are accepted.
  • Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.

  Reasons your check may be rejected

  L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

  • Unsigned.
  • Expired.
  • Post-dated.
  • Starter checks without account info.

  Returned payment policy

  If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

  1. You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
  2. You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
  3. The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
  4. If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
  5. You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
  6. The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
  7. You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.

  Late license payment

  If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

  Payment methods and details

  How

  You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

  Online

  Upload all required documents.

  Applications are reviewed within five business days.

  If the application is approved, you will receive a notice to pay the balance.

  If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

  In person

  Visit the Permit and License Center.

  L&I can review most applications while you wait.

  L&I will issue your license or request more information.

  Renewal requirements

  This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

  To renew your license, you must be current on City of Philadelphia taxes.

  A note about deactivation

  A master plumber may choose to temporarily deactivate a license by submitting a request to L&I online or by calling 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if outside Philadelphia.

  When a license is deactivated:

  • All business operations must stop.
  • All advertisements must be removed.
  • The plumber’s journeyman license is reactivated.