Minnesota Plumber Renewal and Continuing Education

CE Requirements by License Type

Minnesota structures continuing education differently depending on your credential:

Registered Unlicensed Plumber (PA): Two hours of DLI-approved CE per year, focused on the Minnesota Plumbing Code. Due with your annual June 30 renewal.

Licensed Journeyman: 16 hours of DLI-approved CE per biennial cycle. At least eight hours must directly cover the Minnesota State Plumbing Code. The remaining eight can cover approved technical, building code, or statutory topics. Renewal deadline: December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Licensed Master: Same 16-hour structure as journeyman (eight hours code, eight hours technical/statutory). Renewal deadline: December 31 of even-numbered years.

The staggered deadlines are intentional — the DLI staggers odd-year and even-year renewals so the system doesn't process every licensed plumber simultaneously.

Finding Approved Courses

The DLI maintains an online directory of approved CE sponsors and courses. Approved sponsors report completed hours directly to the DLI — you don't need to submit course completion certificates yourself under normal circumstances.

The exception is a CE audit. The DLI periodically selects licensees for random continuing education audits. If you're audited, you'll need to produce physical or digital course completion certificates. Keep your records for at least one full renewal cycle beyond when you completed the courses.

Online courses are accepted as long as the provider is on the DLI-approved list. Not every online plumbing CE course qualifies — the sponsor must be specifically approved by the Minnesota DLI, not just accredited by another state.

Renewal Process

All renewals go through the DLI iMS portal. The steps:

1. Log into your iMS account
2. Complete the online renewal application
3. Verify your CE hours are recorded (if they're not showing, contact the CE sponsor first)
4. Pay the renewal fee

Contractor renewals also require current proof of insurance and bond, plus current workers' compensation coverage or a valid exemption if applicable.

What Happens When a License Expires

Missing a renewal deadline can interrupt your status. For journeyman and master licenses, the DLI lists late surcharges for late renewals; follow the current DLI instructions for the applicable process.

The real danger is a prolonged lapse. If a Minnesota plumber license lapses for more than two years, renewal privileges are forfeited entirely. At that point, you must submit a new initial application and retake the written exam — as if starting from scratch. Two years of complacency can cost you the exam you already passed.

For restricted licenses, the window is even shorter — a lapse of more than 12 months can trigger permanent forfeiture.

The Contractor Renewal Catch

Contractor license renewals require more than just a fee and CE hours. The DLI verifies that your $25,000 surety bond, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage or valid exemption are current. If the company name on any of these documents doesn't match the Secretary of State filing exactly, the renewal will be rejected.

Business owners should build a calendar reminder at least 60 days before the December 31 deadline to confirm that all insurance and bonding documents are current and name-matched.

The Minnesota Plumber License Guide includes a renewal timeline by license type and a checklist for the contractor renewal document alignment that the DLI enforces.

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