How often do I need to renew my Indianapolis General Contractor License in Indiana?

The Indianapolis General Contractor License in Indiana must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Indianapolis General Contractor License in Indiana?

The renewal cost for a Indianapolis General Contractor License in Indiana is $247.00.

What happens if my Indianapolis General Contractor License expires in Indiana?

Contracting in Indianapolis without a BNS contractor license is subject to penalty; the City's license and permit fee schedule lists a $250 penalty for an unlicensed contractor's first offense.

Indiana renewal guide

Indianapolis General Contractor License

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

See this alongside the other 8 Indiana license pages we track.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS)

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$247.00

Bond requirement

Yes — $10,000.00

Insurance requirement

Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation

Last verified

Sep 2026

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
Make sure the bond still clears

The $10,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
2
Check the insurance certificates

Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
3
File with the board

File through City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) and pay the $247.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
4
Leave room for processing

Typical processing time is 14 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

Indianapolis General Contractor License

The City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) requires contractors performing construction work within Marion County to obtain a local contractor license. Indiana does not have a statewide general contractor license.

Requirements

Bond: A surety bond in the amount of $10,000
Insurance: General liability of at least $500,000 per occurrence for death or bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage, plus workers' compensation
Authorized Agents: $63 for each authorized agent beyond five
Application Fee: $247 for a license applied for in the first six months of the two-year term (prorated lower later in the term)

Renewal Information

Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee: $247
Late Penalty: Not published
No CE Required: Indianapolis does not mandate continuing education

Scope of Work

The Indianapolis contractor license authorizes general construction work within Marion County (City of Indianapolis). This includes new construction, renovation, and repair of commercial and residential structures.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The City's license and permit fee schedule lists a $250 penalty for an unlicensed contractor's first offense.

Indiana Licensing Structure

Indiana is one of the states without a statewide general contractor license. Licensing requirements vary by city and county, making it essential for contractors to check local requirements for each jurisdiction.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Indianapolis BNS.*

Official links

Check the board or agency directly.

Official website Apply online Renew online

Required documents

Proof of Insurance
surety_bond
government_issued_id

Source notes

City of Indianapolis BNS general contractor license packet (https://us-east-1-indy.graphassets.com/ActDBC5rvRWeCZlNNnLrDz/cmgsc7fb60u0x07lgs8a6hlr4?dl=true): license renewal fee $247.00; initial fee $247.00 when applied for in the first six months of the term; licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years and renew every two years; surety bond in the amount of $10,000.00; GL minimum $500,000 per occurrence of death or bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence of property damage . BNS license and permit fee schedule as of 2026-01-05 (https://us-east-1-indy.graphassets.com/ActDBC5rvRWeCZlNNnLrDz/cmk5m819t0az807k8xug0dwuw?dl=true, linked from https://www.indy.gov/activity/license-and-permit-fees): business entity renewal $247. Re-verified 2026-09-28.

Rules move. Check City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.