Kentucky Plumber License Application Checklist

The Forms You Need

Kentucky uses three primary forms for plumber licensing, all submitted to the DHBC Licensing Branch in Frankfort:

Form PLB-3 (Exam Registration): Required for both journeyman and master candidates. This is your entry point — you cannot sit for an exam without it. Submit with the exam fee ($50 journeyman / $150 master) and a passport-sized color photograph taken within the last six months. Must be received at least three weeks before the exam date.

Form PLB-2 (Journeyman License Application): Submit after passing the journeyman exam. Include the $60 license fee, proof of a background check, and proof of U.S. citizenship or work authorization. This form also requires employment details — the legal name, address, and contact information for your last three employers, along with exact employment dates (month, day, year).

Form PLB-1 (Master Plumber License Application): Submit after passing the master exam. Include the $250 license fee and proof of general liability insurance of at least $250,000 with the DHBC named as certificate holder. If you employ anyone, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance proof is also required.

Journeyman Application Checklist

Before submitting your journeyman application, verify you have:

• Completed Form PLB-3 and received your exam admission
• Passed both the written and practical exam portions (75% overall, 70% per section)
• Completed Form PLB-2 with all employer sections filled
• $60 license fee (check payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer)
• Background check documentation
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or work authorization
• Signed experience affidavits from supervising master plumber(s) for each employer
• W-2 copies covering all claimed employment periods
• Active license numbers for each supervising master plumber

Master Application Checklist

Before submitting your master application, verify you have:

• Active journeyman license for at least 2 of the preceding 5 years
• Completed Form PLB-3 and received your exam admission
• Passed the written exam (80% overall, 75% per section)
• Completed Form PLB-1 with business affiliation details
• $250 license fee
• Certificate of general liability insurance ($250,000 minimum) naming the DHBC as certificate holder
• Proof of workers' compensation insurance (if employing anyone)
• Proof of unemployment insurance compliance (if employing anyone)

Common Mistakes That Delay Applications

Missing the 3-week deadline: Form PLB-3 must be physically received in Frankfort three weeks before the exam. Mailing it two weeks out means you wait for the next quarterly cycle.

Undocumented employment gaps: If your employment history shows periods where you were not working under a registered master plumber, the DHBC will flag them. Explain gaps proactively rather than leaving blank spaces.

Insurance certificate naming: The general liability certificate must specifically list the DHBC as the certificate holder. A generic certificate without that designation will be rejected.

Photograph specifications: The photo must be passport-sized, in color, and taken within the preceding six months. Submitting an old photo or a snapshot that does not meet specifications delays processing.

The Kentucky Plumber License Guide includes printable checklists for every credential level with space to track each document as you gather it.

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