Colorado requires you to renew your plumbing license before it expires, but you can restore an expired license through the Division of Professions and Occupations if you act within a set timeframe

An expired Colorado plumbing license cannot be used for work. If your license has lapsed, you have options depending on how long it has been expired. Colorado allows reinstatement of licenses that have been expired for up to two years without requiring you to retake the exam, but you must complete continuing education hours, pay reinstatement fees, and submit the correct forms to the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO).

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to retake the plumbing exam and meet current requirements as if you were obtaining a new license. The reinstatement process is faster and less expensive than starting over, but only if you act within the two-year window.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado allows reinstatement of expired plumbing licenses within two years of expiration without retaking the exam, but you must complete the required continuing education hours first.
  • You must submit a reinstatement process directly to the Division of Professions and Occupations, along with proof of continuing education and the reinstatement fee.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to retake the plumbing exam and meet all current licensing requirements.
  • Reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after the DPO receives your complete process.

Reinstatement Requirements for Licenses Expired Less Than Two Years

To reinstate a plumbing license that expired within the past two years, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) before submitting your reinstatement process. These hours must be approved by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations and must cover topics relevant to plumbing practice, safety, or code updates. You can take these courses through accredited providers, community colleges, or online platforms that offer Colorado-approved plumbing CE.

After completing your continuing education, you will need to gather your documentation and submit the reinstatement process to the DPO. The process requires your license number, proof of the 24 CE hours (usually a certificate of completion from your course provider), and payment of the reinstatement fee. Colorado's reinstatement fee is typically between $150 and $250, though you should confirm the current amount with the DPO before submitting, as fees can change.

You cannot work as a plumber or use your license in any capacity until the DPO officially reinstates it. Once your process is complete and approved, you will receive written confirmation and your license will be restored to active status.

How to Submit Your Reinstatement process

Contact the Division of Professions and Occupations directly to request the reinstatement process form. You can reach them by phone at 303-894-7800 or visit their website at dora.colorado.gov/pls to read the form. The DPO also accepts applications by mail to their Denver office. Include your name, license number, current contact information, and a brief explanation that you are seeking reinstatement of an expired license.

Submit the completed process along with your proof of continuing education and the reinstatement fee. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the payment method the DPO accepts. Mail applications to the Division of Professions and Occupations, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202. If you submit by mail, allow extra time for processing — typically two to four weeks from the date the DPO receives your complete process.

Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records. If the DPO needs additional information, they will contact you by phone or email, so make sure your contact details are current and correct on the process.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your plumbing license has been expired for more than two years, reinstatement is not available. Instead, you must retake the Colorado plumbing exam and meet all current requirements as though you were obtaining a new license for the first time. This includes passing the exam, meeting any updated education or experience requirements, and paying the full process and exam fees.

Contact the DPO to learn what the current requirements are for plumbing licensure in Colorado, as they may have changed since your license was active. You will need to register for the exam through the testing provider, study for the current exam content, and schedule your test date. This route takes longer and costs more than reinstatement, but it is the only option if the two-year reinstatement window has closed.

Continuing Education Requirements and Approved Providers

The 24 hours of continuing education required for reinstatement must be completed through providers approved by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations. Approved providers include accredited trade schools, community colleges, online learning platforms, and professional plumbing associations that offer Colorado-approved courses. You can verify whether a course or provider is approved by contacting the DPO directly or checking their website.

Courses must be relevant to plumbing practice and may cover topics such as code updates, safety standards, new materials or techniques, or business practices. You cannot count general business courses or unrelated training toward your CE requirement. Each course provider will issue a certificate of completion once you finish, and you must submit this certificate with your reinstatement process as proof that you have met the requirement.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

After the DPO receives your complete reinstatement process, expect processing to take two to four weeks. During this time, the DPO will verify your continuing education hours, confirm your fee payment, and review your process for completeness. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you and ask you to provide additional information or documentation.

Once your process is approved, the DPO will send you written confirmation and your license will be restored to active status. You can then legally work as a plumber in Colorado. If you need your license reinstated urgently, contact the DPO to ask whether expedited processing is available, though this may require an additional fee.

If you do not hear from the DPO within four weeks, call them at 303-894-7800 to check the status of your process. Have your license number and process submission date ready when you call.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement

The most common error is submitting continuing education certificates from unapproved providers. Before you enroll in a course, confirm with the DPO that the provider is approved for Colorado plumbing CE. Courses taken through non-approved providers will not count, and you will have to retake them elsewhere, which delays your reinstatement.

Another frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete process. Make sure you include your license number, proof of all 24 CE hours, the reinstatement fee, and your current contact information. Missing any of these will cause the DPO to return your process or contact you for clarification, adding weeks to the process.

Do not attempt to work or advertise your services as a plumber while your license is expired or pending reinstatement. Colorado law prohibits unlicensed plumbing work, and working without an active license can result in fines and legal action. Wait until you receive written confirmation from the DPO that your license has been reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a plumber while my reinstatement process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally work as a plumber in Colorado until your license is officially reinstated by the Division of Professions and Occupations. Working with an expired license violates Colorado law and can result in fines and other penalties. Wait for written confirmation from the DPO before you resume plumbing work.

What if I completed my continuing education but forgot to submit my process before my two-year window closed?

Once the two-year reinstatement window closes, reinstatement is no longer available, even if you have completed the CE hours. You will need to retake the plumbing exam and meet all current requirements. Contact the DPO when ready to understand what the current requirements are and how to proceed.

Can I take my continuing education hours online?

Yes, as long as the online course provider is approved by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations. Many accredited online platforms offer Colorado-approved plumbing CE. Verify the provider's approval status with the DPO before you enroll to make sure your hours will count toward reinstatement.

How much does reinstatement cost in Colorado?

The reinstatement fee is typically between $150 and $250, though the exact amount can change. Contact the Division of Professions and Occupations at 303-894-7800 or check their website to confirm the current fee before you submit your process.

What if the DPO rejects my reinstatement process?

The DPO will explain in writing why your process was rejected. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unapproved continuing education, or submission after the two-year window. You can address the issue and resubmit if the problem can be corrected, or contact the DPO to discuss your options.