Bulletproof Handyman

Handyman License Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Indiana has no statewide general contractor license, making licensing primarily a local matter. In Indianapolis, handymen and contractors must obtain a license from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) with a current fee of $124 (prorated through 12/31/2026). The state's Home Improvement Contract Act requires written contracts for residential work over $150, but this is not a licensing exemption. Plumbing is the only trade licensed at the state level; electrical and HVAC licensing are handled locally by Indianapolis BNS. No state business license is required, though you may need a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate ($25) from the Indiana Department of Revenue if selling taxable services.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

The following work requires a state-issued contractor license in IN. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

State Contractor Licensing Law (IN)

HICA applies to contracts over $150 for residential home improvements including remodeling, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, siding, decking, and roofing. HICA does not apply to original construction of new dwellings or commercial work. Unlicensed contractors may still file mechanics liens under Indiana law. All licensing is delegated to local jurisdictions (cities and counties).

County Requirements — Marion County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

City Business License — Indianapolis

Required. Contractor License (General, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, or Wrecking)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A LICENSE is permission from the government to perform a specific trade or business. A PERMIT is authorization to perform a specific project or work. You can have a contractor license but still need permits for individual jobs. Conversely, some work may not require a license but will require a permit. In Indianapolis, even handymen exempt from licensing requirements may need permits for certain work. Permits ensure work meets building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards. Permits typically require inspections at various stages of work. Failure to obtain required permits can result in fines, work stoppage orders, and difficulty selling the property later.

Business Entity Registration (IN)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in IN: $97 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

Legal Registration Steps for Indianapolis

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana:

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, etc.). LLC formation is recommended for liability protection. File Articles of Organization with Indiana Secretary of State online at https://inbiz.in.gov ($97 fee).
  2. Step 2: Register your business name (DBA) with the City of Indianapolis if using a name other than your legal name. Contact Indianapolis BNS at contractors@indy.gov.
  3. Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance ($500,000-$1,000,000 coverage) and workers' compensation insurance (or file exemption certificate if no employees). Get insurance certificates from your provider.
  4. Step 4: Obtain a surety bond ($10,000 minimum) with 'Consolidated City of Indianapolis and/or Unknown Third Party' as obligee. Contact a bonding company for a quote.
  5. Step 5: Apply for an Indianapolis General Contractor License through BNS. Email completed application, insurance certificate, and bond to contractors@indy.gov. Current fee: $124 (prorated through 12/31/2026). Pay via credit/debit card or eCheck after BNS review.
  6. Step 6: Attend mandatory orientation course within 60 days of receiving your license (first-time applicants only).
  7. Step 7: If performing plumbing work, obtain Indiana State Plumbing License from IPLA ($50 application fee) and register with Indianapolis BNS.
  8. Step 8: If performing electrical or HVAC work, obtain appropriate Indianapolis contractor licenses through BNS.
  9. Step 9: Register for a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate with Indiana Department of Revenue ($25) if selling taxable goods/services.
  10. Step 10: File for Workers' Compensation Exemption Certificate if you have no employees ($20 annual fee).
  11. Step 11: Verify you are not working in any excluded municipalities (Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Southport) without their separate licenses.
  12. Step 12: For any work in historic districts, contact Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for design review requirements before starting exterior work.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

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Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.