You need a water heater replaced. You get three quotes.

Plumber A: $1,800
Plumber B: $1,750
"Plumber" C: $900 (and he can start tomorrow!)

It is tempting to take the low bid. In this economy, who doesn't want to save nearly a thousand dollars?

But before you let Plumber C into your utility closet, there is one critical question you must ask: Are you licensed?

In 2026, the internet is flooded with handymen posing as licensed tradespeople. They do unpermitted, dangerous work that can void your homeowners' insurance and lead to catastrophic failures down the road.

At True Plumber, we pre-vet every professional on our platform. But if you are hiring off the street, you need to know how to do that vetting yourself. Here is the step-by-step guide to verifying a plumbing license in any state.

The Critical Distinction: Business License vs. Trade License

This is where most homeowners get tricked.

A handyman might proudly show you their "license." It might look official. But you need to know the difference:

A Business License (Tax Receipt): This is just a piece of paper from the local city or county that allows someone to operate any business and pay taxes. It requires zero proof of plumbing skill, knowledge, or insurance.
A Plumbing Contractor Trade License: This is issued by a State Board. To get this, a plumber usually needs:
- 4–5 years of documented apprenticeship experience.
- To pass difficult, multi-part state exams on code, law, and practical skills.
- Proof of liability insurance and bonding.
- Background checks (in many states).

If they only have #1, they are not a plumber. Do not hire them for plumbing work.

Why It Matters (The Risks of Unlicensed Work)

Hiring an unlicensed person isn't just "cutting corners." It carries massive financial liability for you.

Insurance Denials: If an unlicensed worker causes a flood or a gas leak fire, your homeowners' insurance company will likely deny the claim. You are on the hook for the entire rebuild.
Failed Inspections: If you try to sell your house, a home inspector will spot unpermitted work, forcing you to pay a licensed pro to rip it out and redo it correctly.
Health & Safety: Incorrectly installed sewer lines or gas pipes can lead to methane leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, or sewage backing up into your drinking water.

Step-by-Step Verification Guide

In 2026, every state has an online digital portal for instant verification. You don't need to call a government office and sit on hold.

Step 1: Get the Number

Ask the plumber for their full name and their license number.

A Real Pro Wants You to Check: A legitimate plumber worked hard for their license. They will happily provide the number. It is often on their business card, truck, or quote.
A Fake Pro Gets Defensive: If they get angry, say they "don't have it on them," or try to talk around it, that is a massive red flag.

Step 2: Find Your State’s Lookup Tool

Go to Google. Search for the following terms:

"[Your State] contractor license lookup"
"[Your State] plumbing board license verification"

Example searches: "Texas plumber license lookup" or "California CSLB check license".

Look for official government websites ending in .gov. Avoid third-party aggregator sites, as their data might be old.

Step 3: Run the Search and Check Status

Enter the license number or their name into the state portal.

When the result pops up, look for three things:

Status: It must say "Active" or "Current." If it says "Expired," "Suspended," or "Revoked," do not hire them.
Classification: Ensure it specifically says "Plumbing" or "Master Plumber." A general contractor license or an electrical license does not qualify someone to do plumbing.
The Name Matches: Make sure the name on the license matches the name of the person or company standing in your driveway. Some shady operators will "borrow" a friend's license number.

Red Flags of an Unlicensed Contractor

Even before you look them up, watch out for these warning signs:

"Cash Only" deals: They want to avoid a paper trail.
Unmarked trucks: A beat-up minivan with no company name or license number displayed (many states require the number on the vehicle).
They refuse to pull permits: If they tell you "The city doesn't need to know about this" for a water heater or repipe job, run away.

Conclusion

Verifying a license takes less than five minutes on your smartphone, but it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in damages. Don't gamble with your home's critical infrastructure.

Want to skip the detective work? Every technician in the True Plumber network is pre-verified, licensed, and insured. Find a trusted local plumber now.