How to Verify a Plumber in Colorado (2026 Checklist)
Colorado licenses plumbers at the state level, so you can check any plumber's license in about a minute.
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What Colorado requires
- Colorado's State Plumbing Board, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), licenses individual plumbers (master, journeyman and residential) and registers plumbing contractors.
- Ask for both the company's plumbing contractor registration and the license number of the plumber doing the work, then look them up on DORA's free license search.
- Most work beyond simple repairs — water heaters, new lines, re-pipes, sewer work — needs a permit from your city or county. A licensed pro pulls it.
Before you hire: the checklist
- Look up the license (state or city) and match the name to the company on your quote.
- Get a certificate of insurance sent directly from their insurance agent, naming you as certificate holder.
- Get a written, itemized contract before any deposit.
- Confirm who pulls the permit and when inspections happen.
- Pay in stages, and ask for lien waivers from the contractor and major suppliers as you pay.
- Check confirmed past jobs — not just star ratings.
- Get the water heater's brand, size and venting type in writing before you compare quotes.
- For sewer or drain work, ask for the camera inspection video, not just a verbal diagnosis.
Red flags
- Cash-only, or a big payment before any work starts.
- No written contract, or pressure to sign today.
- Asks you to pull the permit yourself.
- The license name doesn't match the business name on the quote.
- Can't produce a current insurance certificate.
Questions homeowners ask
How do I check if a plumber is legit in Colorado?
Check any license on the state or city lookup, ask for a current certificate of insurance, and look for customer-confirmed jobs. ProveHound shows all three with links and check dates.
Should I pay a plumber up front?
Avoid paying in full up front. A reasonable deposit with the rest tied to milestones and final inspection protects you. Ask for lien waivers as you pay.
What should a plumber quote include?
Scope, materials with brands and models, permits, timeline, payment schedule and warranty — all in writing.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — confirm with the licensing agency or your city.