Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Fort Wayne, IN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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 fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

2. Indiana — No Statewide General Contractor License (local registration required)

   Indiana does not issue a statewide general contractor license; contractor licensing is done by cities and counties. Indianapolis is a consolidated city-county government (UniGov), so licensing runs through the city's Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) rather than a separate Marion County office, covering general, electrical, HVAC, wrecking, and plumbing contractors. BNS states that for electrical, HVAC, and wrecking contractors "licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality. There is no state license for these contractors." Plumbing contractors are licensed by the State of Indiana and must register that license with the city. The excluded cities of Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, and Southport license separately.

   Official government source

   Indianapolis BNS fee schedule effective January 5, 2026: general, electrical, HVAC, and wrecking licenses $247 for a new or renewing business entity and $377 for a new individual license ($247 individual renewal); plumbing $142 new or renewal; $63 for each authorized agent beyond the five included. Fees in other Indiana cities and counties differ.·No fixed turnaround is published. Electrical, HVAC, and wrecking applicants must first pass an exam and be approved by the relevant licensing board, then email the application, insurance certificate, and bond to [email protected] and pay the assessed fees before license cards are issued.

   Indianapolis BNS fee schedule effective January 5, 2026: general, electrical, HVAC, and wrecking licenses $247 for a new or renewing business entity and $377 for a new individual license ($247 individual renewal); plumbing $142 new or renewal; $63 for each authorized agent beyond the five included. Fees in other Indiana cities and counties differ.

   No fixed turnaround is published. Electrical, HVAC, and wrecking applicants must first pass an exam and be approved by the relevant licensing board, then email the application, insurance certificate, and bond to [email protected] and pay the assessed fees before license cards are issued.

1. Fort Wayne — No General Business License

   Fort Wayne has no general city business license, and there is no "Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement" business license. The city's official Starting a Business guide states: "The City of Fort Wayne does not currently require a general business license." What does apply: register your business name with the Allen County Recorder if it does not include the owner's last name, verify zoning with the Allen County Department of Planning Services, and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Allen County Building Department after final inspection of any commercial space.

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists. Related fees: Certificate of Assumed Business Name $25 (Allen County Recorder); Allen County Building Department permit and contractor license fees vary by project.·Not applicable — there is no general license to apply for. Certificate of Occupancy timing depends on Allen County Building Department plan review and final inspection.

   $0 — no general business license exists. Related fees: Certificate of Assumed Business Name $25 (Allen County Recorder); Allen County Building Department permit and contractor license fees vary by project.

   Not applicable — there is no general license to apply for. Certificate of Occupancy timing depends on Allen County Building Department plan review and final inspection.

2. Allen County Building Department — Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits

   Regulated handyman work in Fort Wayne — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural alterations, roofing and siding, decks over 30 inches — requires a permit from the Allen County Building Department, the building authority for both the city and the county. Permits may only be pulled by a contractor registered with Allen County, and the department will not discuss projects with third parties. Handymen may not perform work reserved to state-licensed trades (plumbing and electrical) without the state license and county registration.

   Official government source

   Residential remodel, repair or alteration $0.03 per sq ft of gross floor area per floor, $60 minimum; commercial remodel $0.06 per sq ft, $60 minimum; electrical, HVAC and sanitary plumbing $0.03 per sq ft, $60 minimum each; roofing and siding $60; re-inspection $60. Contractor registration $90/year per trade category·1–3 weeks

   Residential remodel, repair or alteration $0.03 per sq ft of gross floor area per floor, $60 minimum; commercial remodel $0.06 per sq ft, $60 minimum; electrical, HVAC and sanitary plumbing $0.03 per sq ft, $60 minimum each; roofing and siding $60; re-inspection $60. Contractor registration $90/year per trade category

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Fort Wayne Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement
• Indiana Contractor Registration (local)

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