DORA Plumber License Application in Colorado

Colorado Uses an Exam-First System

Colorado handles plumbing license applications differently than most states. Instead of applying to DORA, getting approved, and then scheduling your exam, Colorado operates under an "exam-first" model. You schedule and pass your PSI exam first, then submit your application to DORA with the passing score report attached.

DORA doesn't pre-approve candidates to sit for the exam. You go directly to PSI, register, take the test, and only after passing do you start the application process with the state. This means you need to be confident in your preparation before paying the exam fee — there's no state review of your qualifications beforehand.

The MyLicense Portal

All plumbing license applications are submitted through DORA's MyLicense Office portal. This is the same system used for apprentice registrations, license renewals, and contractor registrations. You'll create an account if you don't already have one, then submit your application package electronically.

The portal handles:

• Individual license applications (residential, journeyworker, master)
• Apprentice registrations
• Contractor registration applications
• License renewals and reinstatements
• Endorsement applications (out-of-state transfers)

What You Need to Submit

Your application package must include:

Passing PSI score report. This is the score sheet you receive at the testing center immediately after passing. The exam must be the one matching the license tier you're applying for — Residential (70% passing), Journeyworker (70%), or Master (75%).

Notarized experience affidavits. These forms document your qualifying field hours. Every hour must be verified by the supervising master plumber or registered plumbing contractor — you cannot verify your own experience under Board Rule 1.4 A(3)(f). If a former employer is unreachable, alternative documentation includes co-owner/office manager verification on company letterhead, or requesting your verified hours from DORA's annual apprentice reporting database.

Application fee. The fees vary by license tier:

• Residential Plumber: $100
• Journeyworker Plumber: $120
• Master Plumber: $140

Criminal history disclosure. Prior convictions don't automatically disqualify you (under HB 24-1004), but failing to disclose them is grounds for immediate denial. Disclose everything and let the Board evaluate.

Experience Hour Requirements

DORA calculates experience using 163 hours per month of full-time work. The requirements by tier:

• Residential: 3,400 hours (approximately 2 years full-time)
• Journeyworker: 6,800 hours (approximately 4 years full-time)
• Master: 8,500 hours (approximately 5 years full-time), plus at least one year holding an active journeyworker license

You can offset up to 2,000 hours with accredited trade school or community college credits (one classroom hour equals one field hour, from a program at least two years in duration). Military plumbing experience is credited at one month of field time per six months of military training, up to one year.

Tracking Your Application Status

After submitting through MyLicense, you can log back in to check your application's processing status. DORA reviews applications in the order received, and processing times vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your submission.

If your application is incomplete — missing documents, unsigned affidavits, insufficient fee — DORA will hold the incomplete file for up to one year. After that, the file closes and you'll need to restart the process with a new application and fee. Getting everything right the first time saves you both money and months of waiting.

Apprentice Registration Cards

For apprentice registrations (the entry point before any licensing), the process is simpler. Your employing contractor submits the registration application and $30 fee within 30 days of your employment start date. DORA issues a physical registration card with your unique apprentice number.

You must carry this card at all times on every job site. Licensing inspectors conduct random job-site audits and can request proof of registration from every worker on-site. Not having your card is a compliance violation that puts both you and your employer at risk.

After Your License Is Issued

Once DORA approves your application and issues your license, you'll receive your credential through the MyLicense system. Your license is then visible in DORA's public license lookup tool, where anyone can verify your status, license type, and disciplinary history.

From there, your license is subject to the state's renewal cycle and continuing education requirements — currently transitioning from a two-year to a three-year cycle effective March 1, 2027.

The Colorado Plumber License Guide covers the entire application process in detail, including how to handle difficult experience verification situations and what to do if your application stalls during DORA processing.

See more Colorado guides →