Indiana Home Inspector Licensing — What You Need to Know

March 2, 2026

Indiana has required home inspector licensing since 2009 under IC 25-20.2. Here’s how the licensing system works, what inspectors must do to get and keep their license, and what it means for consumers hiring an inspector.

The Legal Foundation: IC 25-20.2

The Indiana Home Inspector Licensing Board was established under Indiana Code 25-20.2 and is administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). The law makes it illegal for anyone to:

Perform a home inspection for compensation without a valid license
Represent themselves as a licensed home inspector without a current license
Use any title or designation implying licensure without IPLA credentials

This means every home inspector you hire for a real estate transaction in Indiana must hold an active IPLA license.

How to Get a License

To obtain a Licensed Home Inspector credential in Indiana, applicants must:

1. Complete an approved training program Applicants must complete a pre-licensing education course approved by the Indiana Home Inspector Licensing Board. Course content covers structural systems, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and reporting standards.

2. Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) Indiana uses the NHIE, the national exam administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). Candidates must achieve a passing score.

3. Submit an application to IPLA The application includes proof of education, exam scores, and the application fee. IPLA processes applications and issues the initial license.

4. Meet continuing education requirements Licensed home inspectors must complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle to keep their license active. CE courses must be approved by the licensing board.

License Format and What to Look For

Indiana home inspector license numbers follow the format HI followed by digits (example: HI00500006). When verifying a license, confirm:

Name matches the inspector you’re hiring
Status is Active (not Expired, Suspended, or Probation)
Expiration date is in the future

Licenses on Probation status are still technically active but indicate a disciplinary action. Use your judgment when hiring an inspector whose license shows Probation status.

Verifying a License

Three ways to verify an Indiana home inspector license:

IPLA verification portal — mylicense.in.gov/everification/ — search by name or license number
This directory — every profile shows current IPLA license status and expiration date
Ask the inspector directly — any licensed inspector should immediately provide their license number without hesitation

What IPLA Does Not Regulate

IPLA regulates the license — it does not set inspection standards or define what an inspection must cover. Standards of practice in Indiana are set by professional associations such as:

ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) — Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics
InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) — Standards and ethics

Most Indiana home inspectors follow one of these standards. When hiring, ask which SOP the inspector follows — it tells you what’s in scope for their inspection.

Why Licensing Matters

Before mandatory licensing, Indiana had no minimum standard for who could call themselves a home inspector. Anyone could inspect homes for money. Licensing creates:

Baseline competency — all licensed inspectors completed training and passed a national exam
Consumer recourse — IPLA can investigate complaints and suspend or revoke licenses
Accountability — inspectors can lose their livelihood for serious violations

An unlicensed home inspection has no legal standing and provides no consumer protection if something goes wrong.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe a licensed Indiana home inspector violated professional standards or committed fraud, file a complaint at in.gov/pla. IPLA investigates and can impose:

Formal reprimand
Probation with conditions
License suspension
License revocation
Civil penalties

Keep your inspection report and any written communications with the inspector — these are evidence for any complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What law governs home inspector licensing in Indiana?

IC 25-20.2 (Indiana Code Title 25, Article 20.2) establishes the Home Inspector Licensing Board and all licensing requirements. The Board operates under IPLA.

How do I file a complaint against an Indiana home inspector?

File a complaint with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at in.gov/pla. IPLA investigates complaints and can suspend or revoke licenses for violations.

Can someone inspect homes without an Indiana license?

No. Under IC 25-20.2, performing a home inspection for compensation without a license is illegal. There's no grandfather clause or exemption for experienced inspectors.