What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana?

By Ray Duke, 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 You Can Do Without a License

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting and exterior painting (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry work such as installing shelving, trim, and baseboards
• Fixture replacement (faucets, light fixtures, door handles) - not including electrical panel work
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• General handyman repairs and maintenance under the $150 HICA threshold (though written contract required over $150)
• Pressure washing and exterior cleaning
• Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (non-structural)
• Door and window frame repairs (non-structural; replacement may require permits)

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Indianapolis

Based on the IN threshold, handymen in Indianapolis commonly take on:

• Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
• Interior painting and exterior painting (non-structural)
• Basic carpentry work such as installing shelving, trim, and baseboards
• Fixture replacement (faucets, light fixtures, door handles) - not including electrical panel work
• Caulking and weatherstripping
• General handyman repairs and maintenance under the $150 HICA threshold (though written contract required over $150)
• Pressure washing and exterior cleaning
• Gutter cleaning and minor gutter repairs (non-structural)

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (requires Indianapolis Electrical Contractor License)
• Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (requires Indiana State Plumbing License + Indianapolis registration)
• HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance (requires Indianapolis HVAC Contractor License)
• Gas piping installation (may require licensed plumber or pipe fitter under IC 25-28.5)
• Structural modifications or load-bearing wall work
• Roofing installation or replacement (may require general contractor license depending on scope)
• Siding installation or replacement (may require general contractor license)
• Deck or patio construction (may require general contractor license and permits)
• Window or door replacement affecting structural integrity
• Water heater installation or replacement (requires permit; may require plumber license)
• Any work on commercial property (requires appropriate contractor license)
• Work valued over $150 on residential property (requires written contract under HICA; may require license depending on work type)

Business License — Indianapolis

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

Setting Up Your Business in IN

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in IN: $97 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Indianapolis

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.

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