HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. 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 HVAC Contractor Licensing (local only)

   Indiana does not license HVAC contractors at the state level. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency's list of professions includes Plumbing but no HVAC or mechanical trade board. HVAC contractor licensing or registration, where it exists, is imposed by cities and counties: Indianapolis, for example, licenses HVAC contractors through the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Check with the building department for the jurisdiction where you will work.

   Official government source

   No state fee (no state licence exists). Local example: Indianapolis DBNS HVAC contractor licence is $247 for a business entity or $377 for an individual, with $63 per eligible employee beyond the allotted five·Set by the local jurisdiction; there is no state application to file

   No state fee (no state licence exists). Local example: Indianapolis DBNS HVAC contractor licence is $247 for a business entity or $377 for an individual, with $63 per eligible employee beyond the allotted five

   Set by the local jurisdiction; there is no state application to file

1. Indianapolis — HVAC Contractor License and Heating/Cooling Permit

   Indianapolis requires HVAC contractors to hold a heating and cooling contractor license from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services under Revised Code section 875-301 — covering heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration equipment, and exhaust-hood ductwork — and to obtain a heating/cooling (mechanical) permit for each installation project. BNS states that for HVAC contractors "licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality. There is no state license for these contractors"; applicants must pass an exam and be approved by the Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners before submitting the license application.

   Official government source

   DBNS fee schedule effective January 5, 2026: HVAC 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. Heating/cooling permits: $153 for a heating or a cooling system up to 2,500 sq ft, $185 for a combined system, plus $23 per additional 1,000 sq ft; refrigeration equipment $156; general service activity $89.·No fixed turnaround is published. Pass the exam and obtain Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners approval first, then email the application, insurance certificate, and bond to [email protected]; license cards are emailed once the assessed fees are paid. Permits themselves are applied for through the Accela Citizens Access Portal.

   DBNS fee schedule effective January 5, 2026: HVAC 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. Heating/cooling permits: $153 for a heating or a cooling system up to 2,500 sq ft, $185 for a combined system, plus $23 per additional 1,000 sq ft; refrigeration equipment $156; general service activity $89.

   No fixed turnaround is published. Pass the exam and obtain Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners approval first, then email the application, insurance certificate, and bond to [email protected]; license cards are emailed once the assessed fees are paid. Permits themselves are applied for through the Accela Citizens Access Portal.

Official Sources

• Indianapolis Mechanical Permits

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