Are you looking to become a general contractor in Indiana? Getting a general contractor license in Indiana can be a complicated process. However, understanding the Indiana general contractor license requirements can help make the process easier. In this blog post, we'll cover the Indiana general contractor license requirements for 2024 so that you can get a better understanding of what's involved.

Who Needs An Indiana General Contractor License?

In the state of Indiana, there is no statewide license requirement for individuals working as general contractors. Instead, licensing is overseen at the municipal or county level. It is crucial to verify the specific licensing prerequisites with local authorities before commencing any work. Notably, plumbing is the sole profession in Indiana subject to state-level regulation, while all other licenses are administered at the municipal or county level.

How To Get a General Contractor License in Indiana

Since Indiana grants cities and counties the authority to establish their unique prerequisites, the subsequent section provides guidance on the process of obtaining a contractor license in the three most populous cities within the state.

Lake County, Indiana

Contractors planning to operate in Lake County, Indiana, must navigate the licensing process facilitated by the county government, specifically overseen by the Planning Commission. The following steps outline the requirements for general contractors:

1. Submit your Application:

To initiate the licensing process, start by completing the online application meticulously. Alongside the application, include a $300 licensing fee, attach two colored passport photos, and provide notarized endorsements.

2. Written Examination:

Achieving a score of 76 percent or higher on a written examination is a crucial step in securing your contractor license.

3. Application Details:

When filling out your application, ensure that you include the applicant's full name, specify the business name and address, furnish the Federal Tax ID Number, and indicate the desired license type, including any relevant specialties. Additionally, you must present evidence of property and liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000, or alternatively, an umbrella policy with coverage worth $1,000,000. Submitting a surety bond with a minimum value of $5,000 is also required, along with proof of workman's compensation insurance. Moreover, provide a detailed account of your experience in the contracting business within Lake County, Indiana. Finally, secure two endorsements from residents of Lake County who can vouch for your work experience. These comprehensive steps will guide you through the licensing process effectively. Be sure to have all necessary documentation ready before submitting your application to the Planning Commission.

St. Joseph County, Indiana

If you plan to work as a general contractor in St. Joseph County, Indiana, it's essential to register as a Building Contractor and assemble all necessary documentation before proceeding with your application, which should be submitted through the City of South Bend's Building Department.Here are the key steps to initiate this process:

1. Pre-Licensing Registration: 

Begin by completing the Pre-Licensing Registration form, which is an integral part of the online application. Additionally, you will need to register with the State of Indiana Secretary of State to meet the relevant regulatory requirements.

2. Surety Bond: 

It's necessary to obtain a surety bond meeting the following criteria:

• The bond must be valid for a one-year duration.
• The minimum bond amount required is $5,000.
• The obligee on the bond should be designated as the City of South Bend/St. Joseph County.

3. Worker's Compensation Insurance: 

Ensure you can provide verifiable proof of worker's compensation insurance.

Marion County, Indiana

In Marion County, most contractor licensing is managed through the consolidated City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. If you're planning to work in Indianapolis as a general contractor, obtaining the necessary license is a requirement. Here's a comprehensive guide to the licensing process:

1. License Fee: The license fee varies based on the time of year, with rates set at $247, $185, or $124. Ensure you pay the applicable fee.

2. DBA Registration: If you operate under a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name, it's crucial to register it with the city before proceeding with your license application.

3. Completed Application: The application form should be completed and signed by either the sole proprietor, a partner, or an officer of the corporation.

4. General Liability Insurance: Provide a general liability insurance certificate with the following coverage:

• Minimum of $500,000 for each occurrence of death or bodily injury.
• Minimum of $100,000 for each occurrence of property damage.
• Alternatively, a combined policy with a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence is acceptable.

5. Surety Bond Certificate:Obtain a surety bond certificate with a minimum value of $10,000, naming "Consolidated City of Indianapolis and/or Unknown Third Party" as the obligee.

6. Workman's Compensation Insurance: Furnish proof of workman's compensation insurance. If you do not employ any workers, you may need to provide a waiver as appropriate.

Penalties for Unlicensed Contractors in Indiana

As nearly all contractor licensing regulations in Indiana are determined by individual municipalities, the consequences for non-compliance differ significantly. Each county or municipality has the authority to impose fines and penalties and even categorize unlicensed contracting as a criminal offense according to their discretion.

The advantage of the state delegating control to municipalities is evident in Indiana's mechanics lien law, which does not stipulate any specific licensing requirements for filing a lien. Nonetheless, it is unwise to undertake contracting work without a license if your local municipality mandates one.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know how to get a general contractor license in Indiana, it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.