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Indiana Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Water Well Driller License

DNR license authorizing water well drilling and driving under IC 25-39. DNR records driller and pump-installer authorizations on one card; possession of that card does not itself establish both authorizations. Statutory exemptions in IC 25-39-1.5-3 and IC 25-39-4-11 retain their limited scope.

Licensing authority: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water · Application information

Renewal with active duty statutory extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty
Full-time qualifying service exceeding 30 consecutive days in a calendar year under IC 25-1-12-2.
Board combination ce
The DNR page separately states: Beginning with the 2011 license year, a person who has held a well driller or pump installer license for at least one (1) calendar year must complete a minimum of six (6) hours of approved continuing education during each two-year cycle to be eligible for license renewal. A person who has held a combination water well driller and pump installer license must complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of approved continuing education. Each cycle for continuing education is two (2) years in duration, including one odd- and one even-numbered year. Hours are due by December 31 of the second (even-numbered) year of the cycle in order for a licensed individual to be eligible to renew their license for the following year. Well driller and pump installer licenses continue to require renewal on an annual basis; however, a license holder may not renew a license until the requirement for continuing education hours has been satisfied.
Ce waiver
DNR may waive or modify continuing education on written application for an established emergency, an incapacitating illness verified by the applicant and a licensed physician, or prevention by active military duty. DNR may approve delayed hours for demonstrated good cause under 312 IAC 13-2-3.3(c).
Continuing education
After holding the license for at least one calendar year, complete at least six actual hours of approved continuing education before December 31 of each even-numbered year; retain attendance verification and course records for three years.
Duty proof
Provide a copy of discharge or government movement orders at renewal.
Eligibility
License holder called to qualifying out-of-jurisdiction active duty; the license is not revoked, suspended, lapsed or subject to an IC 25-1-7 complaint on entry to duty, expires during duty and no expiration notice was received before entry.
Extension
Renewal and continuing-education deadlines extend to 180 days after discharge or release; DNR may extend for a service-related illness, injury or disability, no later than 365 days after discharge or release.
Lapse boundary
Renewal without examination is subject to restoration with reexamination once at least one year has passed since expiration under 312 IAC 13-2-3(c). The DNR page describes its lapse threshold as more than one year; the rule controls the threshold.
Late fees
Any late fees for this renewal are waived.
Renewal application
Submit identifying information, signed accuracy attestation and the $100 fee. Deliver the completed renewal application at least five business days before it is to become effective.
Verification
Submit attendance verification forms and attest to continuing-education compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board combination ce
The DNR page separately states: Beginning with the 2011 license year, a person who has held a well driller or pump installer license for at least one (1) calendar year must complete a minimum of six (6) hours of approved continuing education during each two-year cycle to be eligible for license renewal. A person who has held a combination water well driller and pump installer license must complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of approved continuing education. Each cycle for continuing education is two (2) years in duration, including one odd- and one even-numbered year. Hours are due by December 31 of the second (even-numbered) year of the cycle in order for a licensed individual to be eligible to renew their license for the following year. Well driller and pump installer licenses continue to require renewal on an annual basis; however, a license holder may not renew a license until the requirement for continuing education hours has been satisfied.
Ce waiver
DNR may waive or modify continuing education on written application for an established emergency, an incapacitating illness verified by the applicant and a licensed physician, or prevention by active military duty. DNR may approve delayed hours for demonstrated good cause under 312 IAC 13-2-3.3(c).
Continuing education
After holding the license for at least one calendar year, complete at least six actual hours of approved continuing education before December 31 of each even-numbered year; retain attendance verification and course records for three years.
Lapse boundary
Renewal without examination is subject to restoration with reexamination once at least one year has passed since expiration under 312 IAC 13-2-3(c). The DNR page describes its lapse threshold as more than one year; the rule controls the threshold.
Renewal application
Submit identifying information, signed accuracy attestation and the $100 fee. Deliver the completed renewal application at least five business days before it is to become effective.
Verification
Submit attendance verification forms and attest to continuing-education compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement of an unavailable license card
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Already holds a DNR water well driller license for the same calendar year.
Replacement ground
Original license is lost, stolen, destroyed or otherwise unavailable; apply to DNR for a duplicate, effective during the same calendar year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Indiana Water Well Driller Competency Examination
Application
Complete the departmental initial-application form, including identifying information, equipment types and years operated, applicable employment experience and signed accuracy attestation.
Application window
The DNR examination notice gives candidates up to one year after passing to complete the initial license application and required references.
Exam delivery
Written delivery is standard; oral delivery is available on applicant request, rather than a separately registered examination.
Exam pass
Successfully complete the DNR water well driller competency examination; minimum passing score 70 percent.
Exam registration
Contact Division of Water to register; pay the $25 administrative fee per examination and present valid photographic identification.
License fee
$100 for the license.
License period
IC 25-39-3-1(d) provides calendar-year expiration. IC 25-1-2-6(e), read with IC 25-0.5-3-24, extends a first license issued less than 90 days before general expiration to the conclusion of the next licensing period; the DNR page describes December 31 expiration without that exception.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
References
Three references familiar with work experience and professional competency; at least two must be water well drillers, water well pump installers, or licensed plumbing contractors. Reference statements include residence, contact and occupation details, acquaintance and work knowledge, a competency assessment and signed attestation.
Restoration following lapse
Indiana Water Well Driller Competency Examination
Application
Complete an initial-form application under 312 IAC 13-2-1(a), including references, and submit the $100 license fee.
Continuing education
The DNR page requires six hours of continuing education before renewal of a lapsed license.
Disciplinary limit
DNR may refuse restoration for the violations identified in IC 25-39-4-7(b).
Exam pass
Again satisfy the water well driller competency examination; written delivery is standard and oral delivery is available on request.
Lapse
At least one year has passed since expiration; 312 IAC 13-2-3(c) requires competency reexamination. The DNR page uses more than one year; the rule controls.
Military service applicant licensure by existing credentials
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board general requirements
The DNR licensing page states its ordinary requirements generally rather than describing this statutory military exception: Individuals are required to meet the following qualifications in order to obtain a water well driller or water well pump installer license: 1) Be at least 18 years of age; 2) Furnish evidence from three (3) references, two (2) of whom are water well drillers, water well pump installers, or licensed plumbing contractors familiar with the applicant’s work experience and professional competency; 3) Have successfully completed a competency examination prepared and administered by the department; and 4) Pay a $100 license fee.
Conduct
No act in any jurisdiction that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation in Indiana when committed.
Eligibility
Military service applicant under IC 25-1-17-4.
Experience credit
Credit all relevant military service in discharge of official duties under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Apply to DNR and pay the required fees.
Pending proceedings
No occupational-board complaint or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Prior license
Current credential from another jurisdiction with requirements substantially equivalent to or exceeding Indiana requirements; held for at least one year.
Statutory priority
IC 25-1-17 provides issuance notwithstanding other law; its enumerated conditions govern this pathway.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse or dependent licensure by existing credentials
Indiana Water Well Driller Competency Examination
Competency method
IC 25-1-17-5(2) requires competency demonstrated through methods determined by DNR. The DNR implementing licensing page names successful completion of its competency examination; that currently offered examination is retained as a leaf, and the applicant must obtain the department's determination of any alternative competency method.
Conduct
No disqualifying act in any jurisdiction; good standing without discipline by the issuing agency; no pending board complaint or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Eligibility
Military spouse or dependent as defined in IC 25-1-17-3 and IC 25-1-17-1.5. A dependent is a natural, step or adopted child under 26 who resides with the military parent or attends the specified schooling in Indiana.
Expedited processing
DNR must expedite issuance or renewal where the spouse or parent is assigned to a duty station in Indiana under IC 25-1-17-11.
Experience credit
Credit all relevant full-time, part-time, paid and volunteer practice experience under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Apply and pay DNR-required fees.
Nonresidency
A nonresident credential holder has the same rights and obligations as a resident under IC 25-1-17-7(b).
Prior license
Holds a current credential from another jurisdiction with requirements substantially equivalent to or exceeding Indiana requirements, held for at least one year.
Licensure based on military training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board general requirements
The DNR licensing page states its ordinary requirements generally rather than describing this statutory military exception: Individuals are required to meet the following qualifications in order to obtain a water well driller or water well pump installer license: 1) Be at least 18 years of age; 2) Furnish evidence from three (3) references, two (2) of whom are water well drillers, water well pump installers, or licensed plumbing contractors familiar with the applicant’s work experience and professional competency; 3) Have successfully completed a competency examination prepared and administered by the department; and 4) Pay a $100 license fee.
Conduct
No act in any jurisdiction that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation in Indiana when committed.
Eligibility
Military service applicant under IC 25-1-17-4.
Experience credit
All relevant military service in discharge of official duties must be credited; academic equivalence is assessed using the American Council on Education recommendations under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Apply to DNR and pay the required fees.
Military training
Completed a military training program, received a military occupational specialty and performed in it at a level substantially equivalent to or exceeding the academic or experience requirements for the Indiana license.
Pending proceedings
No occupational-board complaint or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Statutory priority
IC 25-1-17 provides issuance notwithstanding other law; its enumerated conditions govern this pathway.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military member, spouse or dependent licensure based on work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board general requirements
The DNR licensing page states its ordinary requirements generally rather than describing this statutory military exception: Individuals are required to meet the following qualifications in order to obtain a water well driller or water well pump installer license: 1) Be at least 18 years of age; 2) Furnish evidence from three (3) references, two (2) of whom are water well drillers, water well pump installers, or licensed plumbing contractors familiar with the applicant’s work experience and professional competency; 3) Have successfully completed a competency examination prepared and administered by the department; and 4) Pay a $100 license fee.
Conduct
No act in any jurisdiction that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation in Indiana when committed.
Eligibility
Military member, military spouse or dependent.
Experience credit
Credit the relevant military service and all relevant paid, unpaid, full-time and part-time spouse or dependent practice under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Apply to DNR and pay the required fees.
Good standing
In good standing and not disciplined by the issuing agency.
Pending proceedings
No occupational-board complaint or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Statutory priority
IC 25-1-17 provides issuance notwithstanding other law; its enumerated conditions govern this pathway.
Work experience
At least three years in an occupation in a jurisdiction that does not license it; DNR must determine that its scope is similar to the occupation licensed in Indiana.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Indiana Water Well Driller Competency Examination

Provider
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water
Format
Written competency examination; oral delivery available upon applicant request under 312 IAC 13-2-4(c).
Passing score
70 percent
Exam fee
$25 per examination
Examination outline
  • Placement of wells
  • Well drilling procedures
  • Operations of well drilling and water well pump equipment
  • Contamination precautions
  • Installation of well casing and water well pumps
  • Well grouting procedures
  • Well screen design and installation
  • Pitless adapter units
  • Installation of pumping apparatus
  • Well disinfection
  • Sealing abandoned wells
  • Ground water occurrence
  • Aquifer characteristics
  • Drawdown requirements and limitations
  • Depth considerations
  • Methods of measuring well yield
  • The requirements of this chapter and other laws relating to wells
  • Other accepted standards relating to the drilling, operation, and abandonment of wells and water well pumps
Examination sources