Updated
Does Maine require a septic license?
Partly. Maine credentials some septic work at the state level, but not every septic trade. Maine licenses site evaluators who design systems; installer certification is voluntary.
Who licenses septic contractors in Maine?
Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program.
Maine's septic credentials:
- Licensed site evaluator
- Voluntary installer certification
How to check a septic contractor's license in Maine
- Open the Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program lookup.
- Search by the contractor's name, the license holder's name or the license number.
- Check the license type covers your job (installation, pumping or inspection) and that the status is active.
- If the contractor's business name doesn't come up, ask which person on staff holds the license: several states license individuals, not companies.
Septic permits in Maine
A contractor license says who may do septic work; a permit authorizes a specific system. In Maine, permits for new systems, replacements and most repairs come from the local health department or the state agency office that covers the property. Ask your installer to pull the permit and include the fee in the quote.
Maine septic licensing: common questions
Do you need a license to install septic systems in Maine?
Partly. Maine credentials some septic work at the state level, but not every septic trade. Maine licenses site evaluators who design systems; installer certification is voluntary.
Who issues septic licenses in Maine?
The Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program issues Maine's septic credentials: Licensed site evaluator; Voluntary installer certification.
How do I check a septic contractor's license in Maine?
Open the Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program lookup. Search by the contractor's name, the license holder's name or the license number. Check the license type covers your job (installation, pumping or inspection) and that the status is active. If the contractor's business name doesn't come up, ask which person on staff holds the license: several states license individuals, not companies.
Do you need a permit for a septic system in Maine?
New septic systems, replacements and most repairs need a permit before work starts. The permit comes from the local health department or the state agency office that covers your property, and the permit, not the contractor license, is what authorizes a specific job.
Sources: Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program; state license lists loaded into The Septic Guide. See how we verify licenses.