Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $400–$1,200 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Indiana

1 stop

  1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

    Official government source

    $25 one-time registration feeImmediate (online via INBiz)

City of Evansville / Vanderburgh County

3 stops

  1. Indiana Plumbing Commission — Plumbing Contractor License

    Indiana has no 'Master Plumber' license. Anyone contracting plumbing work must hold a Plumbing Contractor license from the Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency). Qualify via four years in a Commission-approved apprenticeship school, four years working under a licensed plumbing contractor, or an equivalent out-of-state license with four years' experience, then pass the PROV-administered exam. Applicants must be at least 18.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee; $100 renewal (3-year cycle)4–8 weeks after exam pass

  2. No General Business License in Evansville

    Evansville does not require a general/universal business license for most business types. The City Controller's office issues licenses only for specific activities (e.g., street vending, hotels, pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers) — none apply to a typical service business. Verify zoning compliance and, if applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy with the Area Plan Commission / Building Commission before opening.

    Official government source

    Not applicable (no general license fee)Not applicable

  3. Evansville–Vanderburgh County Building Commission — Plumbing Permit

    A plumbing permit must be pulled from the Evansville–Vanderburgh County Building Commission for each job in Evansville or Vanderburgh County before work begins. Only a contractor licensed under Evansville Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5.70 — and holding the state Indiana Plumbing Contractor license — may pull the permit, with the required bond and insurance on file. Inspections are required at completion; apply through the Building Commission's online permitting portal.

    Official government source

    Per EMC 15.05.470(C): fixtures and openings $6.00 each; sanitary sewer, water service, water heater, gas piping and orifice change $6.00 each; water heater or fixture replacement $25 residential or $50 commercial; grease trap $35; new gas meter $30 residential or $50 commercial; $30 minimum fee1–5 business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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Official Sources

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