Indianapolis Contractor Licenses

Select a license to view its requirements, definition, exams, books, and classes.

State Licenses

License Application Requirements

Submit your Application Online

This application is a generic application for the contractor licenses.

Follow the process below to submit your application for a NEW contractor license.

• Email your application, insurance certificate, and bond to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• BNS staff will review your submittal and add the appropriate fees to your contractor license.
• You’ll receive an email with a link to pay your license application fees. Pay by credit/debit card or eCheck.
• After payment, you’ll receive an email with your license card attached.

General Contractor License Requirements

Please submit all documentation required for the filing status in which you are applying. The names on all documentation (application, certificate of insurance, bond, and workman’s compensation) must read identical. General Contractor licenses expire on December 31st. of even-numbered years and are renewable every two years. All new listings, including name changes, will be required to take online General Contractor Orientation and submit a General Contractor Orientation Confirmation within sixty (60) days of issuance.

• Must have dated signature of sole proprietor, partner, or officer of the corporation (attesting that information is complete and accurate)
• May list other agents authorized to obtain permits

• The following is required to obtain a General Contractor License:
  • General liability insurance certificate
  • Surety bond or Bond continuation certificate
  • Workman's compensation insurance

Electrical, Heating & Cooling, and Wrecking License Requirements

Please submit all documentation required for the filing status in which you are applying. The names on all documentation (application, certificate of insurance, bond, and workman’s compensation) must read exactly the same. Electrical, Heating & Cooling, and Wrecking licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years and are renewable every two years.

Electrical, Heating & Cooling, and Wrecking Application

• Must have dated signature of sole proprietor, partner, or officer of the corporation (attesting that information is complete and accurate)
• Must list at least one license holder that has taken the appropriate required examination. For more information on this, please contact Trade Board & Licensing Coordinator, Jessica Knight, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 317-327-8467.
• May list other agents authorized to obtain permits

• The following is required to obtain a Electrical, Heating & Cooling, and Wrecking License Contractor License:
  • General liability insurance certificate
  • Surety bond or Bond continuation certificate
  • Workman's compensation insurance

Electrical Exam Information

Licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality in the state of Indiana. There is not a state electrical license. For more information, please visit Electrical Exam Information

• Master – Unrestricted
• Residential – Allows license holder to work on one- and two-family structures only

Application Process (Electrical)

• The applicant submits the application packet to the Board Coordinator at least ten (10) business days before the board meeting.
• Applicant appears before the Board of Electrical Examiners for an interview. The Board determines if the applicant meets the requirements to take the appropriated Prometric exam.
• If approved, the applicant is given the information to work with Prometric and sit for the exam.
• If the applicant scores 75% or higher on the Prometric exam, the applicant reappears before the Board for orientation. After passing the exam, proof of surety bond, general liability insurance, and workmen’s compensation coverage must be submitted with proper fees and applications for the license.

Minimum application requirements to go before the Board of Electrical Examiners:

The applicant must submit the following to the Board of Electrical Examiners at least ten (10) business days before the board meeting and the applicant’s name must be placed on the board agenda:

• Electrical exam application
• A signed and notarized letter of reference from employer on original letterhead documenting six (6) years of experience. The letter must include dates of employment (start and end dates) and a description of the job responsibilities. The board may assign up to two (2) years of experience for successful completion of related college courses, or a related apprenticeship.
  • If not available, three (3) letters of reference, citing dates, from supply houses, or general contractors/builders, who have employed you as an electrician, may be submitted. Corporation or business license documents, including founding dates, should be submitted. W-2’s, copies of check stubs or other relevant tax documents, which record six (6) years of experience in the electrical field, may be used in conjunction with the other documents.
  • At least three signed customer reference letters (for the individual, not the company).
  • Photocopy of driver’s license
  • If applicable, copies of current licenses, certificates, and diplomas (relating to the electrical industry).

Electrical Reciprocal Information

Electrical Reciprocal License Application

• Master – Unrestricted
• Residential – Allows license holder to work on one- and two-family structures only

Electrical Reciprocal Application Process

• The applicant submits the application packet to the Board Coordinator at least ten (10) business days before the board meeting.
• Applicant appears before the Board of Electrical Examiners for an interview. The Board determines if the applicant meets the requirements for a reciprocal license.
• If approved, the applicant attends orientation.
• If approved, the applicant may immediately apply for license(s), submitting proof of surety bond, general liability insurance, and workmen’s compensation coverage with fees and applications for the license to the licensing section.

Plumbing License Requirements

Plumbing Application

Please complete all information on the application. The names on all documentation and applications must read exactly the same. Plumbing licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years and are renewable every two years.

• Must have dated signature of sole proprietor, partner, or officer of the corporation (attesting that information is complete and accurate)
• Must list at least one license holder authorized to obtain permits
• May list other agents authorized to obtain permits

Department of Business and Neighborhood Services

Contractor Licensing

Address: 1200 Madison Ave Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46225
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone Number: (317) 327-8700
Fax: (317) 327-5174

Exam Packet Submittal

Exam packets can be:

• Emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Faxed to 317-327-8401 to Jessica Knight’s attention
• Mailed to Board of Electrical Examiners
  • 1200 Madison Avenue, Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46225

You may submit all documents via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.