Indiana Contractor License Requirements
Indexation gate: passedIndiana pairs a statewide regulatory board for plumbing with a municipal home rule system for general construction, electrical work, and HVAC systems. There is no statewide general contractor license: builders register with local city and county building departments (e.g., Indianapolis / Marion County BNS) to pull permits. Additionally, Indiana enforces one of the strictest consumer contract laws in the nation under the Home Improvement Contracts Act (IC 24-5-11), mandating signed written contracts with detailed disclosures for any residential project exceeding $150.
1. Statewide Plumbing Commission Licensing (IC 25-28.5)
Unlike general construction trades, plumbing is strictly regulated at the state level by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Indiana Plumbing Commission:
Plumbing Contractor License (IC 25-28.5-1-11)
in:statute:ic-25-28-5Under IC 25-28.5-1-11, it is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to act as, advertise as, or use the title of plumbing contractor without holding an active, unrevoked license issued by the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
- Qualifications: 4 years of verified plumbing experience or approved 4-year apprenticeship program.
- Examination: Statewide Plumbing Contractor trade and business law examination.
- Surety Bond: $10,000 surety bond filed with IPLA and local jurisdictions.
- Renewal: Biennial renewal expiring December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Journeyman Plumber License (IC 25-28.5-1-12)
in:statute:ic-25-28-5Under IC 25-28.5-1-12, individuals performing plumbing labor and installation must hold a Journeyman Plumber license issued by the Indiana Plumbing Commission and work under the employment or direct supervision of a licensed Plumbing Contractor.
- Scope: Authorized to perform plumbing installation under the employment or direct supervision of a licensed contractor.
- Prerequisites: 4-year registered apprenticeship completion or 4 years verified journeyman field experience.
- Examination: Statewide practical journeyman plumbing test.
Bonding & Insurance Mandates for Plumbers
in:reg:860-iacPlumbing contractors must maintain surety bond coverage conditioned upon the faithful compliance with Indiana plumbing laws, administrative rules, and municipal codes where work is executed.
Plumbing contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance protecting the public from bodily injury and property damage arising from plumbing operations.
2. Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act (IC 24-5-11)
Mandatory Written Contract Floor: $150
in:statute:ic-24-5-11Under the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act (IC 24-5-11-10), any contract for home improvement work exceeding $150 in total value must be set forth in a written agreement signed by the consumer and the contractor before commencement.
Under IC 24-5-11-10, every residential home improvement contract must contain the contractor's legal name, business address, telephone number, approximate completion dates, clear scope of work, contingencies, and precise contract price.
- Contractor Identification: Full legal business name, physical street address, and telephone number.
- Project Timeline: Explicit approximate start date and completion date.
- Detailed Specifications: Full description of work, materials, and alterations.
- Financial Terms: Fixed contract amount and specific progress payment schedules.
- Deceptive Acts: Failure to provide these disclosures is deemed a deceptive consumer transaction under IC 24-5-0.5, prosecuted by the Indiana Attorney General.
3. Municipal Home Rule & County Contractor Permitting (IC 36-1-3)
Absence of Statewide General Contractor Board
in:ag:home-improvement-guideUnder the Indiana Home Rule Act (IC 36-1-3), general contracting, electrical wiring, and HVAC installations are regulated directly by local municipal and county building departments rather than a centralized state board.
General contracting, electrical wiring, and HVAC services are administered directly by Indiana cities and counties:
- Indianapolis / Marion County: Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) requires contractor registration under Revised Code Chapter 875, listing general contractors, electrical, and HVAC classifications.
- Fort Wayne / Allen County: Allen County Building Department administers local examinations and contractor licenses.
- Evansville / Vanderburgh County: Evansville Building Commission requires local licensing and bonds before permit issuance.
- South Bend / St. Joseph County: Local building authority enforces contractor licensing and trade registrations.
4. Workers' Compensation Compliance (IC 22-3)
Employer Coverage Mandate
in:statute:ic-22-3Under IC 22-3-2-2, all construction employers operating in Indiana with one or more employees must secure and maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage.
Any contractor employing one or more individuals must maintain workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs with no employees may file an exemption clearance certificate with the Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana.
5. Indiana Project Compliance Guides
Detailed statutory licensing rules for common construction activities across Indiana:
Minor Work & Handyman
The $150 written contract statutory threshold, local registration, and trade boundaries.
Roof Replacement
Municipal building permits, Home Improvement Contracts Act compliance, and insurance.
Electrical Wiring
Local municipal electrical contractor examinations, city permits, and NEC standards.
Plumbing Installation
Statewide Indiana Plumbing Commission contractor license mandate under IC 25-28.5.
HVAC Installation
Municipal mechanical contractor licenses, refrigerant regulations, and mechanical permits.
6. Statutory Seams & Clarifications
Indiana regulates plumbing statewide (IC 25-28.5) and consumer home improvement contracts (IC 24-5-11), but has no state licensing board for general contractors.
Indiana Code Title 24 Article 5 Chapter 11 — Home Improvement Contracts ActMunicipalities (e.g., Indianapolis / Marion County BNS Chapter 875, Fort Wayne) require contractors to obtain local licenses, post surety bonds, and provide insurance before pulling permits.
Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection — Home Improvement Guidelinesdocumented
Analysis notes
Resolved: Indiana operates under local home rule for general building, electrical, and HVAC. Statewide licensing is exclusively reserved for plumbing (IPLA Plumbing Commission). Contractors must comply with local municipality licensing for building permits while adhering to state contract rules.
7. Official Statutory & Administrative Sources
Primary verified legal authorities governing contracting in Indiana: