Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Indiana
Contractor, IN
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Indiana?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Indiana?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Indiana
What Are the Requirements of an Indiana Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Indiana?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Indiana?
Indiana Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Indiana Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Indiana?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Indiana?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives, and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these people to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Indiana employs 5,450 managers and 24,100 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. In Indiana, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for laborers and managers is lower, at 5%. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Indiana?
Unlike for plumbing contractors, Indiana doesn’t require a statewide license for general contracting. However, as is the case for HVAC technicians, roofing professionals, and electricians, many municipalities have local licensing regulations.
It’s up to the contractor to verify local licensing requirements and comply in the jurisdictions in which they complete work.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Indiana?
The process varies depending on the locality.
The Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services lists license requirements on its website. Applicants need to provide proof of business registration with the Indiana Secretary of State, a certificate of insurance confirming general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, an insurance bond, and a license fee of $247, or a prorated amount based on when in the current licensing term you apply.
The City of Evansville also outlines the process online. You’ll need three notarized letters of recommendation and to pay a $175 exam fee and pass the exam. There’s also an application fee after you pass:
Building Contractor: $360
Residential Contractor: $210
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Indiana
Localities have different types of licenses. For example, the City of Indianapolis issues a General Contractor license through the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, which is required for any contractors engaging in any construction, land alteration, sewer, driveway, or excavation work in relation to residential, commercial, and construction work, whether that be initial construction, service, or replacement to properties. The license applies to all of Marion County, except for the cities of Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, and Southport.
To operate a contracting business in the City of Evansville and County of Vanderburgh, you need one of the following license types from the City of Evansville Building Commission:
Building General Contractor: Required for a contractor engaged in the business of wrecking, constructing, installing, repairing, remodeling, or servicing any structural or nonstructural portions of any multi-family residential, commercial, or industrial building, including all roof coverings and site work.
Residential General Contractor: Required for a contractor engaged in the business of wrecking, constructing, installing, repairing, remodeling, or servicing any structural or nonstructural portions of any one- or two-family dwellings and residential or agricultural building, including residential roof coverings and site work.
Getting a general contractor license in Indianapolis
The general contractor licensing process in Indianapolis requires these steps:
OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE: As a general contractor in Indianapolis, you’re required to hold general liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 for each occurrence of death or bodily injury and a minimum of $100,000 for each occurrence of property damage, or a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence for combined coverage of both bodily injury and property damage. The “Consolidated City of Indianapolis” must be named as Additional Insured. You need workers’ compensation coverage for any workers (or subcontractors) employed in Marion County. Sole proprietors, LLCs, and partnerships with no employees must complete a workers’ compensation waiver section on the application. Lastly, you need a $10,000 license bond with Consolidated City of Indianapolis named as Obligee.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: Complete the license application. Email or mail the license and required proof of insurance documents to contractors@indy.gov or the Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services, Contractor Licensing, 200 E. Washington St., Ste. 107, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Include a $247 license fee, or the prorated amount listed on the license requirements page based on when you apply. After approval, you’ll receive an email with your license cards attached.
Getting a general contractor license in Evansville
To obtain a license in Evansville, follow these steps:
OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE: The Building Contractor license requires proof of general liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000. The Residential Contractor license requires a $500,000 policy. A $25,000 surety bond and workers’ compensation insurance (or a waiver if you don’t have employees) is required for both license types.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: Complete the license application, which requires three notarized letters of recommendation. Submit the completed application with required documents (proof of insurance coverage) to the Building Commission at 1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Civic Center Complex, Room 310, Evansville, IN 47708.
PASS REQUIRED EXAM: Once the application is approved, you will be contacted (via email or phone) with approval to contact Ivy Tech to schedule your exam, which is open book and based on the type of contractor license. A $175 exam fee applies. Test study guides are listed on the license classifications page.
PAY LICENSE FEE: After passing the exam, contact the Building Commission at (812) 436-7880 or email cevenson@evansville.in.gov to pay the license fee ($360 for Building Contractor or $210 for Residential Contractor) and receive your license.
You can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumber license, or electrical contractor license in Indiana.
What Are the Requirements of an Indiana Contractor License?
Since there is no statewide license for contractors in Indiana, the requirements are up to each locality. Both Indianapolis and Evansville require general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and a contractor bond. In Evansville, you must demonstrate competency by passing the required exam. Both cities require an application fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Indiana?
The length of time depends on the city in which you are obtaining licensure. There are no experience prerequisites for general contractor licensing in Indianapolis or Evansville, so it’s relatively quick to complete the application process and receive a license.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Being efficient in the contracting world, no matter where you are in your licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one contracting software gives workers and business owners in residential field service, commercial contracting, or new construction the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it effectively.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Indiana?
The General Contractor license in Indianapolis incurs a $247 license fee. Licenses expire on Dec. 31 of even-numbered years. If you apply in the last six months of an odd year, you’ll pay a prorated $185. Obtaining a license at any time during an even-numbered year costs $124.
Additional fees associated with contracting work include insurance coverage, bonds, and building permits.
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Indiana Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
While there’s no education requirement to become a general contractor in Indiana, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering to expand your knowledge and be a more competitive job candidate. There are many higher education options throughout the state. Each of the following schools offers a Construction Management Bachelor of Science degree.
There are also many Indiana community colleges that offer Construction Management programs and associate degree and certificate options.
Does Indiana Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Since there is no statewide general contractor license requirement, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states. Indianapolis and Evansville do not offer general contractor license reciprocity.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Indiana?
Yes, local licenses typically have renewal requirements. Evansville contractor licenses are valid for one year initially, then you have the option to renew for a one- or two-year period. For a Building Contractor license, one-year renewal costs $210, and two-year renewal costs $400. The cost to renew a Residential Contractor license is $150 for one year or $285 for two. The Indianapolis General Contractor license must be renewed every two years, and the license renewal fee is $247.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Indiana?
Since there’s no state license, penalties are up to each jurisdiction.
In Indianapolis, an unlicensed contractor incurs a civil penalty for the first violation in a 12-month period, which is typically a $250 fine. Subsequent violations within the same period may lead to increased fines or other enforcement actions, such as a cease-and-desist order that halts all work until the proper licensing is obtained.
Contracting without the appropriate license in Evansville incurs a fine between $500 to $2,500 per violation, with each day being a separate violation.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
In Evansville, contractors need to complete three continuing education units per year to renew their license. Indianapolis does not require continuing education.
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
