Licensed Master Plumber
A Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) is a plumbing professional licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). An LMP can perform and supervise plumbing and gas work, apply for the required trade permits, and take responsibility for work within the scope of the license. Applicants must meet one of DOB’s approved experience pathways, pass both written and practical examinations, and complete DOB’s licensing review. After getting licensed, an LMP must keep the license active and follow DOB’s licensing, business, and insurance requirements.
LMP – Key facts (NYC)
- Holds a Master Plumber license issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).
- Can apply for plumbing and gas-work permits and supervise work within the scope of the license.
- Must meet DOB’s experience requirements and pass written and practical examinations. Under the standard experience pathway, applicants need at least seven years of qualifying experience within the previous ten years, including at least two years as a registered journeyman plumber in NYC. Other approved pathways are available.
- Must renew the license and maintain the applicable business and insurance requirements.
DOB issues Master Plumber licenses and Journeyman Plumber registrations. These are different credentials with different requirements. A Journeyman Plumber registration does not authorize someone to operate independently as a Licensed Master Plumber or obtain permits as an LMP.
When do I need an LMP?
- Installing or changing plumbing or gas piping.
- Applying for required plumbing or gas-work permits.
- Correcting plumbing or gas conditions cited in a DOB violation or an OATH summons, sometimes called an ECB violation.
- Installing or replacing water heaters, or performing boiler-related plumbing work, depending on the equipment and scope.
Some plumbing work does not require a DOB permit but still must be performed by a licensed plumber. Boiler projects may also require a Licensed Oil Burner Installer or a registered design professional, depending on the work. Correcting a condition does not automatically close a violation or summons; required inspections, compliance documents, and any separate penalties must also be addressed.
NEXT STEP
See the official NYC requirements for a Master Plumber license
Good to know
This page is for general education only and is based on public New York City sources when available. Some technical and legal terms are simplified into plain English to help homeowners and ESL readers. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a licensed professional. NYC construction and safety requirements can change, and a project may have additional DOB*, zoning, floodplain, utility, or local requirements. Before starting work, verify current requirements with an NYC Licensed Master Plumber, a New York State licensed design professional when needed, or directly with the NYC Department of Buildings.
If you see an abbreviation in capital letters on this page or in an official letter from the city and do not understand it, try the search tool on our NYC Violation Codes HUB page.
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