Contractor License from California to Indiana: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) ↗
Indiana does not offer contractor reciprocity with any state. Expect a full application to the Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency), including Indiana's exams.
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Verdict
No reciprocity offered
Indiana recognizes no state's contractor license, so coming from California changes nothing — it is a full application either way. The practical plan: identify which Indiana license class matches your work, book the business/law and trade exams, and prepare the financial statement and bond early. Nothing about your California license is wasted, but none of it substitutes for Indiana's process.
What changes, California → Indiana
| California (current) | Indiana (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $650–$800 (Original license application (exam or waiver, one classification) $450 + initial license fee $200 sole owner / $350 non-sole owner. The $25,000 bond premium and Live Scan fingerprint fees are additional.) | $30 (Nonrefundable online application fee; applicant must still sit and pass the Indiana exam.) |
| Processing time | CSLB does not publish a firm reciprocity processing range. | Application is reviewed by the board at its meeting before exam approval; no board-stated week range. |
| Licensing authority | California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) | Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Indiana sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Review Indiana's initial-licensure requirements on the Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) website (linked below).
- Expect to meet Indiana's education/experience requirements and pass its required exams — prior out-of-state licensure may still count toward experience.
- Submit the standard (new applicant) application with fees ($30 (Nonrefundable online application fee; applicant must still sit and pass the Indiana exam.)).
- Allow Application is reviewed by the board at its meeting before exam approval; no board-stated week range..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Indiana accept a California contractor license?
Indiana does not offer contractor reciprocity with any state. Expect a full application to the Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency), including Indiana's exams.
What still applies even if reciprocity covers my trade?
Indiana's business and law exam, financial statement, bond, and registration — reciprocity waives the trade exam only, not these.
What does the California-to-Indiana move cost and how long does it take?
$30 (Nonrefundable online application fee; applicant must still sit and pass the Indiana exam.); processing Application is reviewed by the board at its meeting before exam approval; no board-stated week range..
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
If you do commercial general-building work, possibly — about 15 states accept the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building exam toward licensure. Check whether Indiana is one on the Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) site.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Indiana PLA — Plumbing Licensing Information (FAQ: 'Reciprocity is not available for journeyman and contractor plumbers') ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — Reciprocity (program states: Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — Reciprocal Classifications List (AZ full incl. C-10/C-36/C-20; NV incl. C-20; LA/MS/NC = B only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — Reciprocity Requirements (active license in good standing for the previous 5 years; NASCLA 'B' waiver) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California CSLB — List of All Fees ($450 application; $200 sole / $350 non-sole initial license) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]