The Application for Sheet Metal Systems Technician or Apprentice License is the form the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) uses for a NEW Sheet Metal Systems Technician certificate or Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice permit. If you searched for a Philadelphia business license, note that this is an individual trade license application, one of several trade license forms L&I publishes. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the form is marked "DO NOT MAIL THIS APPLICATION."
Last updated
What is L_018_F?
The Application for Sheet Metal Systems Technician or Apprentice License is the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) form used to apply for a new Sheet Metal Systems Technician certificate or a new Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice permit, the credentials required for work on sheet metal systems in the city.
The one-page form (printed as L_018_F, Rev 11.2022, Form AB) has three parts:
- Part A asks you to select the type of license and to give your contact information and, if applicable, your business or company information.
- Part B asks you to verify supplemental information: that a 2 in. x 2 in. color photo ID is provided and that the requirements for the license you chose are met.
- Part C lists the limits and conditions that apply to sheet metal systems work, followed by the applicant's declaration and signature.
L&I issues trade licenses to individuals, businesses and inspectors who do work in Philadelphia. This form covers the sheet metal technician certificate and the apprentice permit only. L&I publishes separate applications for other trades, such as plumbing, fire suppression systems workers and apprentices, and contractors.
Who needs to file L_018_F?
The main group is individuals who want a NEW Sheet Metal Systems Technician certificate or a NEW Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice permit from L&I.
- Technician applicants confirm on Part B that they completed a Registered Sheet Metal Systems Technician Apprentice Program registered with the United States Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council.
- Apprentice applicants confirm that they are enrolled in a Sheet Metal Apprentice Program registered with the United States Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council.
The form's note refers to a minimum of 8,000 hours of documented practical experience and at least 800 hours of classroom, shop or related instruction in the installation, maintenance and other servicing of sheet metal systems.
Part C states that no person may engage, or cause or direct anyone else to engage, in work on a sheet metal system without a valid technician certificate or apprentice permit. A business may not advertise sheet metal systems work unless it employs duly certified and permitted persons under Chapter 9-3000. The form is for new licenses; it does not describe renewals or other license types.
When to file L_018_F
Submit the form when you are applying for a new Sheet Metal Systems Technician certificate or Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice permit. The form prints no filing deadline or expiration date. Part C says no person may do or direct work on a sheet metal system without a valid certificate or permit, so the application is made before that work begins. The form is labeled for a NEW license only.
Documents you need
- Photo identification, 2 in. x 2 in., in color, provided with the application; Part B asks you to confirm it is included.
How to fill out L_018_F
Select the type of license
In Part A, select one: Sheet Metal System Technician Certificate or Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice Permit.
Enter applicant information
Write your name as Applicant Name, your Applicant Address, your Applicant Email and your Phone #.
Add business information if applicable
If the business or company differs from you, enter the Business / Company Name, Business / Company Address, email and phone number. Skip these lines if no business applies.
Confirm the photo identification
In Part B, check Yes to confirm that a 2 in. x 2 in. color photo identification is provided with this application.
Verify technician requirements
If you are applying as a technician, check Yes to confirm completion of a Registered Sheet Metal Systems Technician Apprentice Program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council.
Verify apprentice requirements
If you are applying as an apprentice, check Yes to confirm enrollment in a Sheet Metal Apprentice Program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council.
Read the limits and conditions
Part C lists the prohibitions on unlicensed work, advertising and misrepresentation, and notes that violations of Chapter 9-3000 are subject to the fines in Section 9-3010 of The Philadelphia Code.
Sign and date the declaration
Enter Applicant's Signature and Date. By signing you certify the statements are true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.
Review and download the PDF
Check that one license type is selected and every line is complete. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF, then apply through L&I's channels described under How to submit.
How to submit L_018_F
L&I accepts trade license applications online or in person. Do not mail this application: the form and the L&I trade license page both say so.
- Online: L&I states that trade licenses can be applied for online. The department's trade license materials are listed at https://www.phila.gov/documents/trade-license-materials/.
- In person: take the application to the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse.
Include the 2 in. x 2 in. color photo identification that Part B asks you to provide with the application. The form prints no fee or processing time; contact L&I for those details. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the L&I channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mailing the application. The form is marked "DO NOT MAIL THIS APPLICATION"; L&I takes applications online or in person at the Permit and License Center.
- Selecting both license types in Part A instead of one: either the Technician Certificate or the Apprentice Permit.
- Leaving out the 2 in. x 2 in. color photo identification that Part B says must be provided with the application.
- Checking the technician requirement without having completed a registered apprenticeship program, or the apprentice requirement without being enrolled in one registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council.
- Submitting the form unsigned or undated; the declaration requires the applicant's signature and date.
- Using this form for a renewal or another trade; it is for a NEW sheet metal technician or apprentice license only.
- Working on or advertising sheet metal systems work before holding a valid certificate or permit, which Part C prohibits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sheet metal systems technician or apprentice license application?
It is the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections form for applying for a NEW Sheet Metal Systems Technician certificate or Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice permit. You select one license type in Part A, verify requirements in Part B and sign the declaration.
Can I mail the sheet metal license application to L&I?
No. The form is marked "DO NOT MAIL THIS APPLICATION," and the L&I trade license page repeats it. You can apply online or take the application to the Permit and License Center in the MSB Concourse.
What do I need for the technician certificate versus the apprentice permit?
For the technician certificate, you confirm completion of a Registered Sheet Metal Systems Technician Apprentice Program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council. For the apprentice permit, you confirm enrollment in such a program.
Do I need a photo with the application?
Yes. Part B asks you to confirm that photo identification, 2 in. x 2 in. and in color, is provided with the application. Check Yes only if you are including it.
Is this the same as a Philadelphia business license?
No. This is a trade license application for an individual technician or apprentice. L&I publishes separate applications for other trade licenses, such as contractor, plumbing and fire suppression licenses, listed on its trade license materials page.
Can I fill out this application online on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service and does not submit the application to L&I; you apply through L&I's online or in-person channels.
What are the work limits that come with this license?
Part C says no one may do or direct work on a sheet metal system without a valid technician certificate or apprentice permit. Businesses may advertise such work only if they employ duly certified and permitted persons under Chapter 9-3000.
What happens if I give false information on the application?
The declaration says that if you knowingly make a false statement, you are subject to possible revocation of any license issued as a result of the false application, and to penalties prescribed by law or ordinance.
Ready to fill out L_018_F?
Fill out L_018_F now