Indiana Contractor License Bonds

How much does an Indiana contractor license bond cost?

Indiana contractor license bond costs start at $50 annually. Your exact premium will depend on your city or county's licensed contractor classification and its required bond amount. Some cities and counties require their contractor bonds to expire on the same day annually, so your personal premium will be based on when you purchase your bond.

How do you get an Indiana contractor license bond?

You can buy your Indiana contractor license bond online 24/7. Choose which construction contractor bond you need from the dropdown above or the table below. Your city or county determines the information required for filing approval, but you typically need to provide your contractor or construction company name, physical business address, and license type. After your order is processed, your bonding confirmation will be delivered to your email.

How fast can I get a contractor bond?

Our industry-leading technology and expert customer service team allow us to deliver official Indiana contractor license bonds faster than any other surety provider. SuretyBonds.com offers digital delivery for most Indiana contractor license bonds. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed bond delivery. If your city or county requires your official bond be physically issued and delivered to you, we'll ship it to your preferred mailing address.

What are Indiana contractor bonds?

Indiana contractor bonds are required by some cities and counties for contractor registration and are used to enforce local licensing compliance. The contractor who purchases and files the bond is the “principal.” The city or county that requires the bond is the "obligee." The surety company that issues the bond to guarantee the contractor's compliance is the “surety.”

Why do Indiana contractors need license bonds?

By filing a surety bond, contractors agree to work according to the city or county's construction compliance laws. If a contractor fails to do so, the bond protects the city, county, or consumers from financial loss. The issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which the contractor must then reimburse in full. 

Who regulates licensing for contractors? 

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security manages registrations for contractor licensing at the state level. If you have questions about becoming a licensed contractor with the state, you can call the State Information Center at 1(800)457-8283. Some cities and counties also enforce their own contractor licensing and surety bond requirements. 

Who is required to obtain an Indiana contractor license bond?

Indiana contractor license bonds are not required for state licensing but are required by certain cities and counties. If you work in one of the cities or counties listed in the dropdown or table above, you must file a local compliance bond with the city or county directly before being licensed to work in the area. If you need a surety bond for a city not listed, call 1(800)308-4358. 

Depending on your city or county's requirements, you might need to be licensed and bonded at the local level if you work in the following trades or classifications. 

• building contractor
• electrical contractor
• general contractor
• home improvement contractor
• mechanical contractor
• plumbing contractor
• sign contractor

Need a surety bond for a construction project in Indiana?

Indiana contractor bonds are required for licensing compliance. If you need a surety bond before you can begin work on an individual contracted project, you might need a bid bond, payment bond, performance bond, or other type of contract bond. If you work in states other than Indiana, we also offer contractor license bonds nationwide.

How do I update or change my contractor license bond form?

If your city or county requires you to update any information on your bond form, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating your name or address to match your professional licensing.

How do I renew my contractor bond? 

You must renew your contractor bond before its current term expires to maintain your active contractor license with your city or county. If your original bond was issued by SuretyBonds.com, we'll email you renewal instructions after you pay your renewal invoice.

How do I get licensed as an Indiana contractor? 

To apply for your Indiana contractor license, you'll need to follow the specific instructions outlined by the Department of Homeland Security based on your business structure.

• Individual Contractor License Instructions
• LLP Contractor License Instructions
• Corporate Contractor License Instructions

For instructions on applying as a licensed contractor in a specific city or county, review the Additional Resources section below or contact your local licensing authority.