Obtaining an Indiana Pesticide Business License via Reciprocity
Any person or business entity (individual, partnership, corporation, etc.) that applies pesticides for hire within Indiana—either to another person’s property or through advertised services—must obtain an Indiana Pesticide Business License from the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC).
Reciprocal Licensing for Out-of-State Businesses
If your base of operations is outside Indiana, you may qualify for an Indiana Pesticide Business License and Indiana Applicator License through reciprocity with your home state.
Example: If your business is based in Ohio, your applicator’s license will be based on Ohio’s certification exams.
Important: Reciprocity is only available for businesses located outside Indiana. Applicators working for businesses located within Indiana must take Indiana exams.
Applicator License vs. Business License
It’s important to understand that an Indiana Pesticide Business License and an Indiana Applicator License are separate credentials:
- Certified Applicator: An individual who has passed pesticide certification exams and is licensed to apply pesticides or supervise others who apply them.
- Registered Technician (RT): An individual who applies pesticides under the supervision of a certified applicator. RTs must pass the Indiana Core Exam, which covers pesticide laws, pest biology, formulations, safety, and label comprehension.
Steps to Obtain an Indiana Pesticide Business License
To obtain a pesticide business license in Indiana, a firm must:
- Employ at least one certified pesticide applicator.
- Submit a completed application form for the business, and for each certified applicator and registered technician.
- Pay annual fees of $45.00 for the business and $45.00 for each certified applicator and registered technician.
- Submit a valid certificate of insurance.