Handyman Business 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)

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. 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

2. Marion County / Indianapolis Building and Craft Permits (for regulated work)

   Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural work in Indianapolis requires a permit from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, and the work must be done by a contractor holding the matching DBNS licence. A handyman should not perform licensed trade work without that licence.

   Official government source

   Craft permits (DBNS fee schedule eff. 1/5/2026): electrical $169 repair or $202 new install; plumbing $89-$185; heating/cooling $153-$185; each plus $23 increments. Residential structural work adds a $40 application fee plus review and issuance fees (e.g. $150 review + $200 issuance for a remodel)·Permit must be issued before work starts; inspections are required at completion

   Craft permits (DBNS fee schedule eff. 1/5/2026): electrical $169 repair or $202 new install; plumbing $89-$185; heating/cooling $153-$185; each plus $23 increments. Residential structural work adds a $40 application fee plus review and issuance fees (e.g. $150 review + $200 issuance for a remodel)

   Permit must be issued before work starts; inspections are required at completion

Official Sources

• Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services
• Indiana Contractor Registration (local)

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