Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, 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)

1. Indianapolis Contractor License — Electrical

   Indiana has no statewide electrical contractor license issued by a "Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission"; that commission adopts building codes. The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services states plainly that for electrical, HVAC, and wrecking contractors "licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality. There is no state license for these contractors." Electrical contractors working in the Consolidated City of Indianapolis must hold a BNS electrical contractor license under Revised Code section 875-201, which requires passing an exam and approval by the Board of Electrical Examiners before the application is submitted. The excluded cities of Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, and Southport license separately.

   Official government source

   BNS fee schedule effective January 5, 2026: electrical license $247 for a new or renewing business entity, $377 for a new individual license and $247 to renew it, plus $63 for each authorized agent beyond the five included.·No fixed turnaround is published. You must pass the exam and be approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners first, then email the application, insurance certificate, and bond to [email protected]; license cards are emailed after the assessed fees are paid.

   BNS fee schedule effective January 5, 2026: electrical license $247 for a new or renewing business entity, $377 for a new individual license and $247 to renew it, plus $63 for each authorized agent beyond the five included.

   No fixed turnaround is published. You must pass the exam and be approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners first, then email the application, insurance certificate, and bond to [email protected]; license cards are emailed after the assessed fees are paid.

2. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

   Indianapolis (Marion County) has no general business license and no product called a 'Commercial Zoning Certificate.' DBNS licenses only specific business types by ordinance (e.g., massage establishments $177, kennels/pet shops/stables $200, hotels, pawnbrokers). Most business types listed here do not require any Indianapolis business license — check DBNS's Business Licenses list for your specific type.

   Official government source

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)·N/A

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)

   N/A

3. Marion County / Indianapolis Electrical Permit (per project)

   An electrical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each electrical project. A final inspection is required upon completion.

   Official government source

   $169–$202 base (repair/alteration vs. new install), plus $23 per additional 500–1,000 sq ft·1–5 business days

   $169–$202 base (repair/alteration vs. new install), plus $23 per additional 500–1,000 sq ft

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• Indiana Electrical Inspections and Licensing — Electrical Contractor License
• Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services

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