Indianapolis General Contractor License (2026): Cost, Exam & Requirements
General Contractor License (company)
Issued by City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) — Contractor Licensing · (317) 327-1291
Fees
- License$124
- Renewal (2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years))$247
- New license fee (01/01/2026–12/31/2026 prorated)$124
- Full two-year license fee$247
- Additional authorized agent (beyond 5)$63
Exam: Not required. No exam for the general contractor company license. (Exam required only for trade-specific individual craft licenses — electrical, HVAC, plumbing, wrecking.)
Experience: Not required. No experience requirement stated in the official application packet for the GC company license.
Bond: $10,000 surety bond required. $10,000 surety bond; obligee 'Consolidated City of Indianapolis and/or an Unknown Third Party'; expiry 12/31/2026 or 12/31/2028; continuous bonds not accepted. Source
Insurance: General liability: $500,000/occurrence (death/BI) AND $100,000 (property damage); OR $500,000 CSL. Workers' comp: Required for employees; no-employee entities may waive on-application. Certificate Holder 'Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County'; named Additional Insured (ISO CG2036 0413). Source
Indiana does not license GCs at state level; Indianapolis = Marion County (consolidated). Company-level license. Orientation class required within 60 days. Does NOT apply within Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Southport (they license independently). $124 is prorated 2026 rate; full 2-yr is $247. Application packet revision-stamped 09/2025.
How to get licensed in Indianapolis
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Secure the required surety bond.
- Submit your application and fees to City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) — Contractor Licensing.
- Renew the license every 2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Indianapolis?
Yes. Indianapolis requires a general contractor license through the City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) — Contractor Licensing.
How much does a contractor license cost in Indianapolis?
The license fee is $124.
Is an exam required for a Indianapolis contractor license?
No, Indianapolis does not require an exam for this license.
Do I need a bond for a Indianapolis contractor license?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Indiana— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Sources
- Contractor licenses page
- Application packet (2025-09-01)
Last verified 2026-06-10 · Operator-verified