Indiana electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Indiana electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (BNS), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,298 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Indiana?
| Who licenses them | local (city/county); no state electrician license. Indianapolis/Marion County: Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor (Indianapolis BNS) |
| When a license is required | None at state level; local rules vary |
The Indiana PLA has no electrician board; electrical licensing is up to each city or county. In Indianapolis, electrical contractors must pass an exam, get licensing-board approval, and file insurance and a bond with BNS; elsewhere check with your local building department.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Indiana?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Indiana electrical license lookup run by BNS.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact BNS.
What electrical licenses does Indiana issue?
- Electrical Contractor (Indianapolis BNS)
How do you get a electrical license in Indiana?
Licenses are issued by the local (city/county); no state electrician license. Indianapolis/Marion County: Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official BNS source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Indiana city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in Indiana?
The Census Bureau counted 1,298 electrical contractors with employees in Indiana in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Marion County | 168 |
|---|---|
| Allen County | 88 |
| Lake County | 69 |
| Hamilton County | 68 |
| Vanderburgh County | 49 |
| St. Joseph County | 47 |
| Hendricks County | 43 |
| Johnson County | 37 |
What do Indiana homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Indiana was built in 1976, 30% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 59% of homes heat with utility gas and 31% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Indiana?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: Indiana licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.