Indiana has no state general contractor license
Indiana does not issue a state license for general contractors.1 Cities and counties set their own rules; this page lists what Indianapolis (Consolidated City of Indianapolis-Marion County; excludes Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Southport), Evansville / Vanderburgh County and South Bend / St. Joseph County require.
On this page
Is there a Indiana general contractor license?
No. Indiana does not license general contractors at the state level.1
The official wording“The only construction contractors licensed by the State of Indiana are plumbers…”1
State of Indiana (IN.gov), Contractor Services
City and county licenses
Indiana leaves general contractor licensing to cities and counties; requirements vary. Indianapolis, South Bend/St. Joseph County and Evansville/Vanderburgh County license or register general contractors (quotes per jurisdiction).1
| City or county | What it requires | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis (Consolidated City of Indianapolis-Marion County; excludes Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Southport) | General Contractor license from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (Revised Code sec. 875-101). Requires application packet, proof of business registration, general liability insurance (min $500,000 bodily injury + $100,000 property damage per occurrence, or $500,000 combined) naming the City-County as additional insured, workers’ compensation or waiver, and a $10,000 surety bond (expiration 12/31/2028 or later; continuous bonds not accepted). New license fee prorated: $247.00 (applied 01/01/2027-06/30/2027), $185.00 (07/01/2027-12/31/2027), $124.00 (2028); renewal $247.00; $63.00 per authorized agent beyond five. Licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years (2-year term). New licensees must complete orientation within 60 days or the license lapses. New General Contractor sole-proprietor applicants who (or whose spouse) are active duty or veterans, who are enrolled in a federal public assistance program, or whose household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty guideline may be eligible for a 50% or 100% initial fee reduction. Submit by email to [email protected] or by mail; no exam is listed for the general contractor license in the packet.2 | Official page2 |
| Evansville / Vanderburgh County | The Building Commission (City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County site) licenses contractors by exam and verified experience. Building Contractor: New $360.00, Renewal $210.00, 2-Year Renewal $400.00; Residential Contractor: New $210.00, Renewal $150.00, 2-Year Renewal $285.00. Application plus three letters of recommendation proving at least four years of experience; written exam scheduled and paid through Ivy Tech (passing 70% for most exams); $25,000 surety bond; general liability insurance at least $1,000,000 (commercial general contractor) or $500,000 (residential general contractor); workers’ compensation proof or affidavit.3 | Official page4 |
| South Bend / St. Joseph County | South Bend / St. Joseph County Building Department Building Contractor registration: pre-licensing registration form (notarized), original one-year $5,000 surety bond naming the City of South Bend/St. Joseph County as obligee, proof of workers’ compensation, state business registration if applicable, and a $125 annual registration fee. No exam listed on the form.5 | Official page6 |
Other rules for general contractors in Indiana
- Insurance
- Independent contractors in the construction and building trade are required to apply to the Indiana Department of Revenue for certification of independent contractor status before the Worker’s Compensation Board can process an exemption. The fee is $20 per application: $5 to the Department of Revenue and $15 to the Board. The certificate is valid for one year.1
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other fee | $201 | Indiana Department of Revenue ($5) and Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana ($15) | Independent contractors in the construction and building trade seeking a worker’s compensation exemption (state level) |
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
General contractor licenses in other states
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- IN.gov | Business Owner's GuideState of Indiana (IN.gov)Checked November 5, 2026
- indy.gov: Contractor LicensesCity of Indianapolis - Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 5, 2026
- License ProcessEvansville-Vanderburgh County Building CommissionChecked November 5, 2026
- License Fee ScheduleEvansville-Vanderburgh County Building CommissionChecked November 5, 2026
- Building Permits & Contractor RegistrationsCity of South BendDated September 29, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
- Building Contractor Registration Requirements / ApplicationCity of South Bend / St. Joseph County Building DepartmentChecked November 5, 2026