Indianapolis Contractor License Renewal

Last reviewed October 2026 · 9 min read

Indianapolis licenses its own contractors: the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) licenses general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors and registers state-licensed plumbing contractors working in the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (not Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway or Southport). Every license is renewable every two years and expires on December 31: general contractor licenses in even-numbered years, so the current ones on December 31, 2026, and electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing licenses in odd-numbered years, next on December 31, 2027. Renewal can't be done online: you email or mail BNS the same application packet a new contractor uses (for general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, with a current certificate of insurance and a bond or continuation certificate that runs through the next term), then pay from the link BNS emails you.

At a glance

Who needs it: BNS licenses individuals and businesses engaged in construction activity within the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, which doesn't include the excluded cities of Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway and Southport. Section 875-101 requires persons, partnerships or corporations engaging in any construction, land alteration, sewer, driveway or excavation work to be a listed contractor (the general contractor license); electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors are licensed under their own sections
License types: General, electrical, heating and cooling (HVAC), wrecking and plumbing. There is no state license for electrical, HVAC or wrecking contractors: applicants pass an exam and get approval from the city's licensing board first. Plumbing contractors are licensed by the State of Indiana (the Indiana Plumbing Commission) and register that license with the city
Renews every: 2 years. All general contractor licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years, so the current ones expire December 31, 2026. All electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing contractor licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years, next on December 31, 2027
How to renew: The application packet for each license type is used for new and renewing licenses, and it can't be completed online. Email your application(s) and the documents your packet lists (for general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, the certificate of insurance and bond) to contractors@indy.gov; BNS reviews them, adds the fees to your license and emails you a link to pay by credit or debit card or eCheck, then emails your license cards once you've paid. Or mail the application to the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services, Attn: Licensing, 200 E. Washington Street, Suite 107, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Complete packets only: Partial or incomplete packets aren't accepted, and incomplete or incorrect information gets the whole packet returned for revisions. The business name must read exactly the same on every document you send
Renewal fees: $247 for a general contractor license. Electrical, HVAC and wrecking: $247 for the business license and $247 for each license holder. Plumbing registration: $142 for the business and $142 for each license holder. Sole proprietorships with an electrical, HVAC, wrecking or plumbing license pay only the license holder fee. Authorized agents beyond the five free ones cost $63 each
Surety bond: For general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, a license or permit surety bond, or a continuation certificate when renewing: $10,000 for general and electrical contractors, $5,000 for HVAC contractors, and $30,000, $20,000 or $10,000 for Type A, B or C wrecking licenses. It names the "Consolidated City of Indianapolis and/or an Unknown Third Party" as obligee, is type-written, is signed by the owner or principal officer (all partners in a partnership) and must show an expiration date: 12/31/2028 or later for general contractors, 12/31/2027 or later for electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors. Continuous bonds aren't accepted
Liability insurance: For general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, a certificate of insurance (policy declarations aren't accepted) for general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage, or $500,000 per occurrence combined. It lists "Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County" or "Department of Business and Neighborhood Services" as certificate holder and as additional insured (BNS recommends endorsement ISO CG 20 36 04 13 or equivalent, with a copy of any endorsement listed), covers all work done under the license, and gives BNS at least 15 days' notice before the policy is cancelled
Workers' compensation: Required for workers employed in Indianapolis/Marion County. A sole proprietorship, partnership or LLC with no employees can sign the waiver on the license application or provide an exemption certificate from the Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana. Corporations, including Sub-S corporations, must carry coverage at least covering the owner or principal; with no employees, they provide the Board's exemption certificate. The plumbing packet doesn't ask for it
License holders: An electrical, HVAC, wrecking or plumbing business must have at least one craft license holder connected to it, each with their own Craft License Holder Application: for electrical, someone who passed the exam and was approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners; for HVAC and wrecking, someone who passed the exam; for plumbing, a currently licensed Indiana state plumbing contractor. An electrical license holder can't be connected to more than one partnership, LLC or corporation
Plumbing registration: BNS doesn't license plumbing contractors: a contractor licensed by the Indiana Plumbing Commission registers that license with the city to do plumbing work in the Consolidated City. The registration packet's checklist lists no bond or certificate of insurance, though its application form still has you agree to keep proof of liability, workers' compensation (if applicable) and bond coverage current: ask BNS whether to send them. Indiana's state plumbing contractor licenses also expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years
Business registration: LLCs, corporations, LPs and LLPs send proof of registration with the Indiana Secretary of State. A sole proprietor or general partnership using a business name without the owners' surnames sends proof it's registered in the county where the business originates (or a letter from the county if it doesn't record them)
Business changes: Tell BNS in writing about any change in the licensed business during the license term, including authorized agents or license holders. For electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing licenses, a change of business entity type needs a new business license; a new general contractor listing, including after an entity type change, must attend an orientation class within 60 days of its initial issuance, or the license lapses and becomes invalid
Continuing education: None listed: BNS's contractor licensing pages and application packets name no continuing education for renewing
Check a license: BNS posts lists of currently licensed general, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and wrecking contractors, typically updated the first Monday of every month, and the Citizen Access Portal has a contractor's license history
Contact: BNS contractor licensing: (317) 327-1291, contractors@indy.gov

Indianapolis general contractor licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years, so the current ones expire December 31, 2026. Renewal isn't online: leave time for BNS to review your packet, send back anything incomplete, and email you the payment link.

If you work in Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway or Southport, check with that city: they aren't part of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis.

How to renew

Check which year your license expires: general contractor licenses on December 31 of even years (this term ends December 31, 2026), electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing licenses on December 31 of odd years (next December 31, 2027).
Download the application packet for your license type from BNS's Contractor Licenses page and fill in the Contractor Company License Application with License Renewal ticked, plus a Craft License Holder Application for each license holder (electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing).
General, electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors: ask your insurance agent for a certificate of insurance listing the city as certificate holder and additional insured, and your surety for a bond or continuation certificate that runs through the next term. Plumbing registrations: the checklist lists no bond or certificate of insurance; make sure your Indiana state plumbing contractor license is current, and ask BNS if you're unsure what to send.
Email everything to contractors@indy.gov (or mail it to BNS, Suite 107, 200 E. Washington Street), checking the business name reads exactly the same on every document.
Pay through the link BNS emails you, then watch for your license cards by email.

Still tracking this in a spreadsheet? On a paid plan, get emailed 90, 60, 30, 7 and 1 days before it expires, by default.

Start free

Deadline checklist

90 days outConfirm your license type's expiration year (general: even years; electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing: odd years) and download its packet from BNS.
60 days outGeneral, electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors: ask your agent for a certificate of insurance naming the city as certificate holder and additional insured, and your surety for a bond or continuation certificate that runs through the next term. Plumbing contractors: check your Indiana state license is current.
45 days outEmail the completed application(s) and the documents your packet lists to contractors@indy.gov, with the business name exactly the same on every document.
7 days outMake sure you've paid through BNS's emailed link and received your new license cards.

Put this renewal in your calendar

Know your expiration date? Download a free calendar file with reminders before it, no sign-up needed. It's made in your browser: nothing you type is sent to us (your browser keeps it only if you follow the sign-up link, for your new ledger). A Google Calendar button sends just that one event to Google.

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

The license isn't the only thing expiring

Most lapses that cost contractors work aren't the license itself. They're one of these, renewing on a different date:

Your surety bond or continuation certificate: BNS wants one that runs through the next license term
General liability insurance policy, and the certificate naming the city as additional insured
Workers' compensation policy (or exemption certificate)
Your Indiana state plumbing contractor license, if you register one with the city (also December 31 of odd years)
Certificates of insurance (COIs) you've given to clients and GCs

LicenseLedger keeps every one of those dates in one place and emails you before each one expires, with reminders far enough ahead to finish CE and paperwork.

Track your renewal dates free

Frequently asked questions

When does an Indianapolis contractor license expire?

On December 31. General contractor licenses expire in even-numbered years, so the current ones expire December 31, 2026; electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing contractor licenses expire in odd-numbered years, next on December 31, 2027. Each is renewable every two years.

How much does it cost to renew?

$247 for a general contractor license. Electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses cost $247 for the business and $247 for each license holder, and a plumbing registration $142 for the business and $142 for each license holder; sole proprietorships with those licenses pay only the license holder fee.

Can I renew my Indianapolis contractor license online?

No. The application packet can't be completed online: email the application(s) and the documents your packet lists (for general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, the certificate of insurance and bond) to contractors@indy.gov, or mail them to BNS. BNS then emails you a link to pay by credit or debit card or eCheck, and your license cards once you've paid.

What bond do I need to renew?

A license or permit surety bond, or a continuation certificate: $10,000 for general and electrical contractors, $5,000 for HVAC contractors, and $30,000, $20,000 or $10,000 for Type A, B or C wrecking licenses, naming the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and/or an Unknown Third Party as obligee. It must show an expiration date of 12/31/2028 or later for general contractors and 12/31/2027 or later for electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors; continuous bonds aren't accepted.

What insurance does Indianapolis require?

For general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses: general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage, or $500,000 per occurrence combined, on a certificate of insurance listing the city as certificate holder and additional insured. You also need workers' compensation for workers employed in Indianapolis/Marion County; with no employees, a sole proprietorship, partnership or LLC can sign the waiver, and a corporation sends the Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana's exemption certificate.

Do plumbers need an Indianapolis license?

BNS doesn't license plumbing contractors. A plumbing contractor licensed by the Indiana Plumbing Commission registers that license with the city to do plumbing work in the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, and the registration expires on December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Official sources

Rules, fees and CE requirements change. Confirm the current requirements with the official source before you renew:

City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, Contractor Licenses

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Other Indiana guides

Indiana Plumbing License Renewal

All Indiana guides on one page

General contractor guides for other states

2027 license renewal deadlines, month by month

Get a reminder before this renewal is due

Add this license, your insurance policies and the COIs you collect from subs to LicenseLedger, and get an email before each one expires. Free for up to 3 records, no credit card required.

Start free

How LicenseLedger works for general contractors

Not ready to sign up? Get the free tracking spreadsheet

Indianapolis Contractor License Renewal

Last reviewed October 2026 · 9 min read

At a glance

Who needs it: BNS licenses individuals and businesses engaged in construction activity within the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, which doesn't include the excluded cities of Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway and Southport. Section 875-101 requires persons, partnerships or corporations engaging in any construction, land alteration, sewer, driveway or excavation work to be a listed contractor (the general contractor license); electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors are licensed under their own sections
License types: General, electrical, heating and cooling (HVAC), wrecking and plumbing. There is no state license for electrical, HVAC or wrecking contractors: applicants pass an exam and get approval from the city's licensing board first. Plumbing contractors are licensed by the State of Indiana (the Indiana Plumbing Commission) and register that license with the city
Renews every: 2 years. All general contractor licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years, so the current ones expire December 31, 2026. All electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing contractor licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years, next on December 31, 2027
How to renew: The application packet for each license type is used for new and renewing licenses, and it can't be completed online. Email your application(s) and the documents your packet lists (for general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, the certificate of insurance and bond) to contractors@indy.gov; BNS reviews them, adds the fees to your license and emails you a link to pay by credit or debit card or eCheck, then emails your license cards once you've paid. Or mail the application to the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services, Attn: Licensing, 200 E. Washington Street, Suite 107, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Complete packets only: Partial or incomplete packets aren't accepted, and incomplete or incorrect information gets the whole packet returned for revisions. The business name must read exactly the same on every document you send
Renewal fees: $247 for a general contractor license. Electrical, HVAC and wrecking: $247 for the business license and $247 for each license holder. Plumbing registration: $142 for the business and $142 for each license holder. Sole proprietorships with an electrical, HVAC, wrecking or plumbing license pay only the license holder fee. Authorized agents beyond the five free ones cost $63 each
Surety bond: For general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, a license or permit surety bond, or a continuation certificate when renewing: $10,000 for general and electrical contractors, $5,000 for HVAC contractors, and $30,000, $20,000 or $10,000 for Type A, B or C wrecking licenses. It names the "Consolidated City of Indianapolis and/or an Unknown Third Party" as obligee, is type-written, is signed by the owner or principal officer (all partners in a partnership) and must show an expiration date: 12/31/2028 or later for general contractors, 12/31/2027 or later for electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors. Continuous bonds aren't accepted
Liability insurance: For general, electrical, HVAC and wrecking licenses, a certificate of insurance (policy declarations aren't accepted) for general liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage, or $500,000 per occurrence combined. It lists "Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County" or "Department of Business and Neighborhood Services" as certificate holder and as additional insured (BNS recommends endorsement ISO CG 20 36 04 13 or equivalent, with a copy of any endorsement listed), covers all work done under the license, and gives BNS at least 15 days' notice before the policy is cancelled
Workers' compensation: Required for workers employed in Indianapolis/Marion County. A sole proprietorship, partnership or LLC with no employees can sign the waiver on the license application or provide an exemption certificate from the Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana. Corporations, including Sub-S corporations, must carry coverage at least covering the owner or principal; with no employees, they provide the Board's exemption certificate. The plumbing packet doesn't ask for it
License holders: An electrical, HVAC, wrecking or plumbing business must have at least one craft license holder connected to it, each with their own Craft License Holder Application: for electrical, someone who passed the exam and was approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners; for HVAC and wrecking, someone who passed the exam; for plumbing, a currently licensed Indiana state plumbing contractor. An electrical license holder can't be connected to more than one partnership, LLC or corporation
Plumbing registration: BNS doesn't license plumbing contractors: a contractor licensed by the Indiana Plumbing Commission registers that license with the city to do plumbing work in the Consolidated City. The registration packet's checklist lists no bond or certificate of insurance, though its application form still has you agree to keep proof of liability, workers' compensation (if applicable) and bond coverage current: ask BNS whether to send them. Indiana's state plumbing contractor licenses also expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years
Business registration: LLCs, corporations, LPs and LLPs send proof of registration with the Indiana Secretary of State. A sole proprietor or general partnership using a business name without the owners' surnames sends proof it's registered in the county where the business originates (or a letter from the county if it doesn't record them)
Business changes: Tell BNS in writing about any change in the licensed business during the license term, including authorized agents or license holders. For electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing licenses, a change of business entity type needs a new business license; a new general contractor listing, including after an entity type change, must attend an orientation class within 60 days of its initial issuance, or the license lapses and becomes invalid
Continuing education: None listed: BNS's contractor licensing pages and application packets name no continuing education for renewing
Check a license: BNS posts lists of currently licensed general, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and wrecking contractors, typically updated the first Monday of every month, and the Citizen Access Portal has a contractor's license history
Contact: BNS contractor licensing: (317) 327-1291, contractors@indy.gov

If you work in Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway or Southport, check with that city: they aren't part of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis.

How to renew

Check which year your license expires: general contractor licenses on December 31 of even years (this term ends December 31, 2026), electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing licenses on December 31 of odd years (next December 31, 2027).
Download the application packet for your license type from BNS's Contractor Licenses page and fill in the Contractor Company License Application with License Renewal ticked, plus a Craft License Holder Application for each license holder (electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing).
General, electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors: ask your insurance agent for a certificate of insurance listing the city as certificate holder and additional insured, and your surety for a bond or continuation certificate that runs through the next term. Plumbing registrations: the checklist lists no bond or certificate of insurance; make sure your Indiana state plumbing contractor license is current, and ask BNS if you're unsure what to send.
Email everything to contractors@indy.gov (or mail it to BNS, Suite 107, 200 E. Washington Street), checking the business name reads exactly the same on every document.
Pay through the link BNS emails you, then watch for your license cards by email.

Still tracking this in a spreadsheet? On a paid plan, get emailed 90, 60, 30, 7 and 1 days before it expires, by default.

Start free

Deadline checklist

90 days outConfirm your license type's expiration year (general: even years; electrical, HVAC, wrecking and plumbing: odd years) and download its packet from BNS.
60 days outGeneral, electrical, HVAC and wrecking contractors: ask your agent for a certificate of insurance naming the city as certificate holder and additional insured, and your surety for a bond or continuation certificate that runs through the next term. Plumbing contractors: check your Indiana state license is current.
45 days outEmail the completed application(s) and the documents your packet lists to contractors@indy.gov, with the business name exactly the same on every document.
7 days outMake sure you've paid through BNS's emailed link and received your new license cards.

Put this renewal in your calendar

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

The license isn't the only thing expiring

Most lapses that cost contractors work aren't the license itself. They're one of these, renewing on a different date:

Your surety bond or continuation certificate: BNS wants one that runs through the next license term
General liability insurance policy, and the certificate naming the city as additional insured
Workers' compensation policy (or exemption certificate)
Your Indiana state plumbing contractor license, if you register one with the city (also December 31 of odd years)
Certificates of insurance (COIs) you've given to clients and GCs

LicenseLedger keeps every one of those dates in one place and emails you before each one expires, with reminders far enough ahead to finish CE and paperwork.

Track your renewal dates free

Frequently asked questions

When does an Indianapolis contractor license expire?

How much does it cost to renew?

Can I renew my Indianapolis contractor license online?

What bond do I need to renew?

What insurance does Indianapolis require?

Do plumbers need an Indianapolis license?

Official sources

Rules, fees and CE requirements change. Confirm the current requirements with the official source before you renew:

City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, Contractor Licenses

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Other Indiana guides

Indiana Plumbing License Renewal

All Indiana guides on one page

General contractor guides for other states

2027 license renewal deadlines, month by month

Get a reminder before this renewal is due

Add this license, your insurance policies and the COIs you collect from subs to LicenseLedger, and get an email before each one expires. Free for up to 3 records, no credit card required.

Start free

How LicenseLedger works for general contractors

Not ready to sign up? Get the free tracking spreadsheet