Contractor Licensing in Indiana: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Indiana requires a statewide license for 1 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission. Initial cost is $250.
Indiana has very limited statewide contractor licensing. Only plumbing is licensed at the state level through the Indiana Plumbing Commission under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Electricians, HVAC technicians, general contractors, and roofing contractors are all licensed at the local (city/county) level, with requirements varying by jurisdiction. Indianapolis (Marion County), Fort Wayne (Allen County), and other municipalities each have their own licensing boards and requirements.
General Contractor
Not requiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
Not requiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
Not requiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
Not requiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Indiana Licensing Overview
Indiana requires statewide licensing for 1 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — plumber — are regulated by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission (IPLA). General Contractor and Electrician and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the city and county level rather than statewide. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $250 to $250, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Indiana Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Electrician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Plumber | $50 | $100 | $100 | — | $250 |
| HVAC Technician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Roofing Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Indiana
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Indiana. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Key Facts About Indiana Contractor Licensing
- No state-mandated GL requirement for general contractors, but most local jurisdictions require proof of general liability and workers comp insurance. Indiana law requires workers comp for all employers with one or more employees.
- Indiana does not require a statewide license for general contractor or electrician or hvac technician or roofing contractors. Local permits may still apply.
- Plumbing is the ONLY trade with statewide licensing in Indiana
- Apprentice licenses expire October 1 of every even year
- No continuing education required for renewal
You're licensed in Indiana — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission issues the Plumbing Contractor; the business that invoices Indiana customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Indiana does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Indiana does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. No state-mandated GL minimum for plumbing contractors, but strongly recommended. Workers comp required for all employers under Indiana law. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indiana require a contractor license?
Yes, Indiana requires statewide licensing for 1 of 5 trades: plumber. General Contractor and Electrician and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Indiana?
The estimated initial cost is $250, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Indiana have license reciprocity with other states?
Indiana does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
What trades require a state license in Indiana?
Indiana requires statewide licenses for: plumber. General Contractor and Electrician and HVAC Technician and Roofing Contractor licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Indiana?
No state-mandated GL requirement for general contractors, but most local jurisdictions require proof of general liability and workers comp insurance. Indiana law requires workers comp for all employers with one or more employees.