Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

   Official government source for Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (opens in a new tab)

   $25 one-time registration fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

2. Indiana Department of Environmental Management — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste Rules

   Indiana auto repair shops must comply with IDEM's used-oil rules at 329 IAC 13, which incorporate the federal standards at 40 CFR 279. Generators of used oil — what a typical repair shop is — are not required to notify IDEM or obtain a U.S. EPA identification number. That requirement applies only to businesses that transport used oil, operate a used oil transfer facility, process or re-refine it, burn off-specification used oil fuel, or market off-spec used oil directly to a burner. Generators must still meet container-management, on-site-burning, spill-cleanup, and off-site-shipment standards; using used oil as a dust suppressant and storing it in surface impoundments are prohibited.

   Official government source for Indiana Department of Environmental Management — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste Rules (opens in a new tab)

   $0 — no IDEM registration or notification fee applies to a shop that only generates used oil. Real costs are compliant storage containers and a licensed collection or disposal service, priced by private vendors.·Not applicable — a used-oil generator has no IDEM registration to file. Businesses that transport, process, or market used oil must obtain a U.S. EPA identification number through MyRCRAid before operating.

   $0 — no IDEM registration or notification fee applies to a shop that only generates used oil. Real costs are compliant storage containers and a licensed collection or disposal service, priced by private vendors.

   Not applicable — a used-oil generator has no IDEM registration to file. Businesses that transport, process, or market used oil must obtain a U.S. EPA identification number through MyRCRAid before operating.

1. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

   Indianapolis (Marion County) has no general business license and no product called a 'Commercial Zoning Certificate.' DBNS licenses only specific business types by ordinance (e.g., massage establishments $177, kennels/pet shops/stables $200, hotels, pawnbrokers). Most business types listed here do not require any Indianapolis business license — check DBNS's Business Licenses list for your specific type.

   Official government source for Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)·N/A

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)

   N/A

2. Marion County / Indianapolis Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops must be in properly zoned commercial/industrial areas (confirm via a Zoning Classification Letter, $85, from DBNS if unsure). The City of Indianapolis/Marion County does not issue a Certificate of Occupancy — the contractor instead files a Certificate of Completion and Compliance with DBNS after construction, before occupancy.

   Official government source for Marion County / Indianapolis Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy (opens in a new tab)

   $85 (optional Zoning Classification Letter); no separate CO fee (none issued)·2–6 weeks

   $85 (optional Zoning Classification Letter); no separate CO fee (none issued)

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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