Maine Plumber License Fees
Every Fee in One Place
Maine's plumber licensing fees are set by the Plumbers' Examining Board and paid through OPOR's online portal; trade exam fees are paid directly to Prov. Here's the full schedule across all license tiers, exams, and renewal scenarios.
Initial License Fees
| License Tier | Application Fee | Background Check | Total Initial Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Plumber | $100 | $21 | $121 |
| Student Trainee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Journeyman-in-Training | $200 | $21 | $221 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $200 | $21 | $221 |
| Master Plumber | $200 | $21 | $221 |
The $21 criminal background check fee is mandatory for every initial application except Student Trainee. It's non-refundable and processed through the Maine State Bureau of Identification.
Exam Fees
Trade exams are administered by Prov, Inc. — a separate testing company. The exam fee ranges from $65 to $90 per attempt and is paid directly to Prov when you schedule, not to the Board. If you fail and need to retake, you pay the exam fee again.
The Board must approve your exam application before you can schedule with Prov. The exam fee is separate from the state license fees and is paid to Prov when you schedule.
Free Download
Get the Maine — Plumber License Path Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
Biennial Renewal Fees
| License Tier | Renewal Fee | Background Check | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Plumber | $100 | — | $100 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $200 | — | $200 |
| Master Plumber | $200 | — | $200 |
The Student Trainee license is valid for a two-year academic term and doesn't have a standard renewal cycle. The JIT license is non-renewable — it's a single four-year term.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement Penalties
Letting your license lapse gets progressively more expensive:
| Scenario | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Renewal within 90 days of expiration | $50 late fee (plus standard renewal fee) |
| Reinstatement 90 days to 2 years after expiration | $100 penalty fee (plus standard renewal fee) |
| Lapsed more than 2 years | Must re-apply and re-take the trade exam |
Every day your license is expired, you're not authorized to perform plumbing work at that tier. Hours worked on an expired license don't count toward advancement.
Costs the State Doesn't Cover
The fees above are only the state-level licensing costs. Plumbers also face separate costs that fall outside OPOR's fee schedule:
- Municipal plumbing permits — fees vary by city. Portland charges a $40 minimum (first four fixtures) plus $10 per additional fixture. Some municipalities add surcharges.
- Business registration — filing an LLC or corporation with the Maine Secretary of State involves its own fee schedule.
- Insurance — Workers' Compensation and general liability premiums vary by coverage level and business size.
The Maine Plumber License Guide covers the full cost picture, including the municipal and business expenses that follow state licensure.
Get Your Free Maine — Plumber License Path Checklist
Download the Maine — Plumber License Path Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.