Can you hire a plumber who is still getting licensed?

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

1. ADecline. Wait for your licensed plumber or find another licensed one. Using an unlicensed plumber puts your MHIC license at risk and the work won't pass inspection
   Correct

   Plumbing in Maryland requires a master plumber's license. 'In the process of getting licensed' means unlicensed. As the prime contractor, using unlicensed trade subcontractors is YOUR violation. The plumbing inspection will require the plumber's license number — if he doesn't have one, the inspection fails. 15 years of experience without a license means 15 years of operating illegally.

2. BHire Steve — 15 years of experience matters more than a piece of paper
   Wrong

   Experience without a license means unlicensed work. When the inspector asks for the plumber's license number and Steve doesn't have one, your inspection fails. You'll need to hire a licensed plumber to redo or sign off on Steve's work — so you pay twice. The building inspector doesn't accept 'but he's really good' as a credential. License first, experience second.

3. CHave Steve work under your supervision — you'll take responsibility for the plumbing
   Wrong

   Your MHIC license does not authorize plumbing work. Plumbing requires a separate master plumber's license. You cannot supervise or authorize work outside your licensing scope. This is the same principle as the electrical licensing issue — specialized trades require specialized licenses. Your general contractor license means you coordinate the work, not that you can perform or authorize every trade.