Question 1

How do I verify a plumber's license?

Accepted Answer

To verify a plumber's license, ask the plumber for their state license number before they begin any work. Then visit your state's contractor licensing board website and enter the number in their public search tool. The result will show whether the license is active, what type of work it authorizes, and whether any disciplinary actions have been taken. Most state lookup tools are free and return results instantly. On RateYourPlumber, every claimed plumber profile includes a license number you can verify directly.

Question 2

What does LARA license verification mean?

Accepted Answer

LARA stands for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — it is the state agency that issues and regulates plumbing licenses in Michigan. When you verify a Michigan plumber through LARA's online lookup, you confirm that the plumber holds a current, state-issued license to perform plumbing work. An active LARA license means the plumber passed the required trade exams, met experience requirements, and is in good standing. Other states have equivalent licensing boards (e.g., CSLB in California, TDLR in Texas) that provide the same verification service.

Question 3

Why should I verify a plumber's license before hiring?

Accepted Answer

Verifying a plumber's license protects you in three critical ways. First, unlicensed plumbing work can void your homeowner's insurance policy — if an unlicensed contractor causes water damage, your insurer may deny the claim. Second, licensed plumbers are required to carry general liability insurance and, in most states, workers' compensation, meaning you are not financially liable if someone is injured on your property. Third, many jurisdictions require a licensed contractor to pull permits for major plumbing work — without a permit, you may face fines, be required to undo the work, or have trouble selling your home. License verification takes under two minutes and is completely free.

Question 4

What is the difference between a licensed plumber and a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

A licensed plumber is an individual who holds a state-issued plumbing license — either a journeyman plumber license (qualified to work under supervision) or a master plumber license (qualified to work independently and supervise others). A plumbing contractor is typically the business entity that employs licensed plumbers and holds a contractor's license to bid and perform plumbing work commercially. When hiring a plumbing company, you should verify that the business holds a contractor's license AND confirm that the individual performing the work is a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Some states issue a single license covering both.

Question 5

What happens if I hire an unlicensed plumber?

Accepted Answer

Hiring an unlicensed plumber carries significant financial and legal risks. If the work is done incorrectly and causes water damage, your homeowner's insurance may deny coverage because the work was not performed by a licensed contractor. Unpermitted work can require costly removal and replacement to pass a future inspection, which is a common issue when selling a home. You also have limited legal recourse if the work is substandard — many state licensing boards only have jurisdiction over licensed contractors. In some states, contracts with unlicensed contractors are unenforceable, meaning you may not be able to recover money paid for defective work.

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