What Type and When is a License Required

The page provides guidelines for when a building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical license is required for work on any commercial or residential project. Permits may still be required. Please see this page for a list of building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical projects that do not require a permit.

Building License

Residential

• A residential builders license is NOT required for homeowners to do work on their own home (repairs and remodels).
• See affidavit on permit application
• A residential builders license is required for residential builders doing work on any home that is not their own for remodels, repairs and new builds, per PA 230 of 1972, section 125.1510 and PA 299 of 1980, section 339.2403.
• New Build. A residential builder license is NOT required if a homeowner is applying for a building permit to build:
  • Their new home and intend to reside in it
  • Are doing the wok themselves
  • PA 6 of 2008 "Owner Built Residence Transfer Act"

Commercial

• A builders license is NOT required
• Need to have a licensed architect/design professional stamp and seal all plans

Electrical License

Residential or Commercial

• An electrical license is NOT required for homeowners to do work in their own home
• All other work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor
  • Owns the company and may NOT have electrical experience
  • Must have a Master Electrician
  • Only one company can be supported by a Master Electrician
• Master Electrician
  • Only one company can be supported
  • Can work alone and train an apprentice
• Journeyman
  • Can work alone and train an apprentice
  • Must work under a Master Electrician
• Apprentice
  • Must work under a Journeyman or Master Electrician
  • Ration NOT to exceed three-to-one
  • PA 407 of 2016, section 339.5713

Plumbing License

Residential or Commercial

• A plumbing license is NOT required for homeowners to do work in their own home
• All other work must be done by a licensed plumbing contractor
  • Owns the company and may NOT have plumbing experience
  • Must have a Master Plumber
  • Only one company can be supported by a Master Plumber
• Master Plumber
  • Only one company can be supported
  • Can work alone or train an apprentice
• Journeyman 
  • Can work alone or train an apprentice
• Apprentice
  • Must work under a Journeyman or Master Plumber
  • No ratio is required 
  • PA 407 of 2016, section 339.6107

Mechanical License

Residential or Commercial

• A mechanical license is NOT required for homeowners to do work in their own home
• All other work must be done by a licensed mechanical contractor
• No further license requirements
• PA 407 of 2016, Section 339.5809