General Information About License Applications

Be advised that several of these licenses require fingerprint background checks. For these licenses, you must deliver your application to our office NO LATER THAN 2:30P.M.

For all other applications, you may use the online application where available or submit your application via mail with a check payable to “The City of Indianapolis” for all applicable fees. Fees for applications delivered to the DCE office may be paid with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Inspections, if required, will be initiated upon receipt of your application and fees. Upon completion and approval of inspections required as set forth in the ordinance, a letter of denial or a valid operating license will be mailed to you.

Any questions regarding the instructions or application, please contact the Licensing Division at: (317) 327-4316.

Types of Business Licenses

Adult Entertainment – The Adult Entertainment license is required for a number of different type of establishments defined in the ordinance below. Any establishment that has received a license from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to serve alcohol on the premises is exempted from the license requirement

 

Alarm Company– For further information regarding the Alarm Company License please contact IMPD AT (317) 327-3430

Amusement Location– Any location with five (5) or more coin operated machines, such as pool tables or arcade-style video games, is defined as an amusement location. A license from the Department of Code Enforcement is required to legally operate such a location

 

Carriage Company and Coach Operator– All horse-drawn carriages are required to be licensed. Operators are required to register with the City

 

Commercial Parking Facility– Lots and garages that charge a fee for motor vehicle parking are required to obtain a license from the Department of Code Enforcement

 

Dance Hall License and Permit– A license may be required for a location where people are charged admission to enter and engage in dancing

 

Escort License and Escort Company

 

Fire Prevention Business and Serviceperson– A license must be obtained to legally service fire prevention equipment

 

Hotel/Motel– Any business that provides lodging, either regularly or occasionally, for profit must obtain a license

Kennel/Groomer/Pet Store/Stable– Numerous business which maintain facilities to keep or sell animals and pets may require a license from the Department of Code Enforcement. Please review the ordinance to see if a certain type of business requires this license

 

Massage Parlor and Massage Therapist– Businesses and individuals that perform massage may require a license

 

Nude Model Studio and Nude Model– Any Indianapolis business which provides nude modeling services must be licensed. Additionally, each nude model must obtain a license.

 

Pawn Broker– Pawn shops are required to obtain license from the Department of Code Enforcement

 

Pedal Cab Company and Operator– Pedal cabs are tricycles that transport passengers primarily in the downtown area. The pedal cab company must obtain a license and operators must obtain ID cards from the Department of Code Enforcement.

 

Public Payphone– All Public Pay Phones are required to be licensed and each location must be approved by the Department of Code Enforcement.

 

Refuse Hauler– All vehicles that transport other people’s refuse and scrap materials require the Refuse Hauler License.

Scrap/Salvage– Locations and buy and/or sell junk or scrap metal are required to be licensed by the Department of Code Enforcement.

Transient Merchant– Businesses that are mobile and use private property which belongs to another individual or business may be required to obtain a transient merchant license. Please review the ordinance to find out of a particular business requires a transient merchant license.

Don't see the license you need listed? Click here to visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website or you may call them at (317)-232-2980.

For information on your parcel number please visit the Marion County Assessor’s website.