OKLAHOMA · welder
Welder License
Oklahoma Department of Labor — Welder Licensing ProgramScope of License
The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) Welder Licensing Program issues new and renewal licenses for welders, weld inspectors, and weld test facilities in Oklahoma. The state-issued welder license authorizes a holder to perform structural and general welding work covered by Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 380, Chapter 20 (Welding Rules) and Title 59 O.S. §1628. Source: ODOL Welder Licensing Program (https://oklahoma.gov/labor/safety-and-health/safety-standards/welders.html).
Important Scope Limitation
The Oklahoma welder license card states explicitly: NOT VALID FOR BOILERS / PRESSURE VESSELS. Welding on boilers and pressure vessels in Oklahoma is governed by separate ASME / National Board accreditation (R, S, U stamps) at the employer level, and individual welders performing that work must be qualified under an ASME-certified shop's Section IX program. The ODOL welder license does not authorize boiler or pressure vessel work. Source: ODOL Welder Licensing FAQs (https://oklahoma.gov/labor/safety-and-health/safety-standards/welders/faqs.html).
Qualification Pathway
To obtain the license, an applicant must pass a weld test administered by a Weld Test Facility certified by ODOL, then submit the original test results, copies of required photo identification, and a $25.00 fee with the Welder Certification License Application to the Oklahoma Department of Labor. Source: ODOL Welder FAQs (https://oklahoma.gov/labor/safety-and-health/safety-standards/welders/faqs.html).
Military Crosswalk
Not specified in the published ODOL welder rules located at OAC 380:20. Applicants with verified military welding experience should contact ODOL directly to determine whether prior qualification testing performed under DoD welding programs can be accepted toward the Oklahoma weld test requirement. Pending editor verification.
Exam
Hands-on weld test conducted at an ODOL-certified Weld Test Facility. There is no published written / multiple-choice exam component for the basic Oklahoma welder license; the credential is performance-qualification based. Test position(s), process(es), and base material range are recorded on the certification card by the testing facility. Source: OAC 380:20-1-7 — Weld-test facility certification.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity is not addressed in the published ODOL Welder rules. Out-of-state applicants must complete an ODOL-recognized weld test through an Oklahoma-certified Weld Test Facility. Pending editor verification.
Renewal
1-year renewal cycle. Welders renew by the last day of their birth month each year with a $25.00 check, money order, or certified check payable to the Oklahoma Department of Labor. License holders may renew up to 90 days prior to expiration. Renewing after expiration adds a $10.00 late fee. Failure to renew within one year of expiration requires retesting and full re-certification. Source: ODOL Welder FAQs (https://oklahoma.gov/labor/safety-and-health/safety-standards/welders/faqs.html).
Continuing Education
No CE hours are specified in the ODOL Welder Licensing rules. The credential is maintained through annual renewal and, where the work record lapses, performance retesting.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Oklahoma Department of Labor — Welder Licensing Program before acting