How Do I Get a General Contractor License in Indianapolis?

To get a general contractor license in Indianapolis, follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify eligibility

Determine if your work qualifies for a general contractor’s license. General contract work, both residential and commercial, includes construction, land alteration, sewer, driveway, and excavation. 

Next, verify that you’re operating under the Consolidated City of Indianapolis. This includes all of Marion Country except the cities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Speedway and Southport. 

Note: We also offer other Indiana contractor license bonds if you're working in another city or county.

Step 2: Register your business

Define your business’s legal structure. LLCs and corporations must complete the Business Entity Report Form online to register with the Indiana Secretary of State. 

Self-employed (sole proprietor) general contractors and partnerships do not need to register. 

Step 3: Purchase a surety bond

You need a $10,000 surety bond to apply for a license. This is a financial guarantee that you’ll uphold all city contractor laws under Indianapolis Code of Ordinances Chapter 875. 

Purchase your Indianapolis general contractor license bond online to receive it in minutes via email. Premiums are $175 for a full two-year term but will be prorated based on your purchase date. 

Step 4: Purchase insurance coverage

You also need to purchase a general liability insurance policy. It must have a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence in combined coverage for bodily injury and property damage. 

If your contracting business has employees, you must also purchase workman’s compensation insurance. 

Step 5: Submit application

Complete the general contractor company application. If you have authorized agents, also complete the supplemental application. 

Submit all supporting documents with the application form, including your surety bond, certificate of insurance and business registration. 

You can email your completed forms to [email protected] or mail them to the address below:

Department of Business & Neighborhood Services 

Attn: Licensing

200 E. Washington Street

Suite 107

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Step 6: Check for follow-up emails

The Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (DBNS) primarily uses email to contact you about your application status. Once approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email outlining your licensing fees. Pay via card or eCheck. 

You’ll receive a second email with your official license card attached.

Step 7: Attend an orientation class 

Once you receive your license, you must attend a contractor orientation class within 60 days of issuance. This is only for first-time applicants.

Information on how to register for a class will be in your licensing email. 

How to Renew Your General Contractor License

Indianapolis general contractor licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. To continue operating as a licensed contractor, submit the following:

• The same application form
• $247 renewal fee 
• Proof of up-to-date surety bond and insurance policies

LLCs and corporations must renew the Business Entity Report Form by the end of the month in which your business was initially registered.