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Regulated Explosives Use

Regulated Explosive Licensing Overview

Certain explosives regulated by the state of Indiana under Indiana Code 35-47.5 require users to be licensed through IDHS in order to use them. The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission governs the rules for the licensing program as well as the actual use of these regulated explosives.

Licenses are issued for operators and blasters, which are defined as follows:

  • Regulated explosive use operator: Person/company who takes possession of a regulated explosive in Indiana for the purpose of detonation under the person’s direction or control and is the employer of a licensed regulated explosive use blaster.
  • Regulated explosive use blaster: Person who supervises or directs and performs the loading and firing of explosive materials in Indiana and is the employee of a licensed regulated explosive use operator.

Licenses expire after three years, and continuing education is a condition for license renewal. Indiana recognizes licenses of other states with substantially similar requirements established by the commission (reciprocity). Reciprocal licenses are effective for the duration of licensure or certification issued by the originating agency.

How to Apply for a License

There are two ways to meet the requirements for an Indiana operator or blaster license.

If you already have an unexpired blasting and/or operator’s license from another state in the U.S. or have a federal license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), you automatically are eligible to receive a license for Indiana. Please submit a completed application form for your respective license along with a photocopy (or photo) of your current regulated explosive license to regulatedexplosives@dhs.in.gov.

Applicants who do not currently have an out-of-state regulated explosive license or a federal license from the ATF are required to take and pass an exam to verify eligibility.

Examinations are conducted at Ivy Tech locations in Indiana (contact your local center to make sure the test is available there). A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the exam. You will receive your test results immediately after completing the exam. Photo identification will be required, and a square root calculator may be used at the time of testing.

After passing the test, please submit a completed application form for your respective license along with a photocopy (or photo) of your passing grade score to regulatedexplosives@dhs.in.gov.

Application Forms

Use the following application forms if applying for an Indiana operator or blaster license for the first time:

Operator license application Blaster license application

To renew your current Indiana operator or blasting license, use the application form below:

Renewal application

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about regulated explosive use can be found here. Click on a question below to reveal the appropriate  answer.

Under IC 35-47.5 and 675 IAC 26, IDHS’s primary responsibility is overseeing the licensing of regulated explosive‑use operators and blasters. This includes reviewing applications, issuing and renewing licenses, maintaining licensing records and addressing potential violations of statutes and rules governing licensed explosive users. IDHS’s role is focused on licensing and regulatory oversight rather than investigating every public complaint related to blasting.

IDHS’s role with regulated explosives is primarily licensing and regulatory oversight under IC 35‑47.5 and 675 IAC 26. While IDHS may address violations of those requirements, it does not have general authority to investigate allegations involving the use of explosives on private property outside its regulatory jurisdiction. Complaints involving unlawful possession or use of explosives should be referred to law enforcement, including local agencies or the Indiana State Police. Any resulting property‑damage claims are typically civil matters between the parties involved.

IDHS’s role with regulated explosives remains licensing and regulatory oversight under IC 35‑47.5 and 675 IAC 26. IDHS does not have general authority to investigate allegations of property damage or improper blasting unless information suggests a violation of explosives laws or regulations. Potential violations involving possession, storage, transportation or use of explosives may warrant review by the appropriate regulatory or law enforcement authority. Property‑damage claims are generally civil matters between the property owner and the quarry operator.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Reclamation (DOR), regulates coal mining and land reclamation. Complaints involving coal mine blasting, including potential property damage or blasting‑technique concerns, are handled by DOR, not IDHS. Guidance is available via DNR's Citizens Guide to Coal Mine Blasting in Indiana.