DBE Certification and Re-evaluation in Indiana

What it's for

The Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) Business Opportunity Initiative (BOI) Division certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in Indiana. It also certifies Airport Concession DBEs (ACDBEs); the same ITAP enrollment covers "DBE and ACDBE certification." DBE certification lets a firm count toward DBE goals on contracts paid for with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) money.

Where this state stands

• DOT's UCP status page (updated Oct 2, 2026) shows Indiana's re-evaluation is complete.
• INDOT "began the statewide DBE reevaluation process on February 23, 2026." The priority window "closed June 30, 2026."
• INDOT's July 10, 2026 update asked firms to respond promptly to INDOT information requests and to keep their contact information and email current in ITAP, which is how INDOT sends notices.
• That update also said "Collection of the annual declaration of eligibility (DOE) requirement remains paused."
• INDOT says it is processing new DBE applications under the updated federal rules.
• Where to upload: the narrative and PNW go into ITAP. INDOT's guide says "re-evaluation will not be complete till you have uploaded your Personal Narrative, completed the PNW for all owners, e-sign, and click 'Submit.'"
• Narrative format: INDOT says narratives "should focus on your personal experiences" and include specific instances of economic hardship, systemic barriers and denied opportunities. No page limit or template is published.
• The federal final rule says the narrative is "not a technical or legally complex document to be written by consultants or legal experts."

Have this ready

Re-evaluation:

• Personal narrative (PN), uploaded in ITAP.
• Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement for each owner, completed in ITAP.

New applications (INDOT checklist, summarized):

• Personal narrative and PNW statement.
• ID for qualifying owners (birth certificate/passport/naturalization documents and driver's license).
• Business registration proof; formation documents for your entity type (articles, bylaws or operating agreement, minutes, stock records as applicable).
• Three years of business and personal tax returns.
• Property leases or titles; equipment and vehicle records; list of active contracts.
• Proof of owners' initial investment; loan agreements; professional licenses; resumes.
• "Notarized Signature or Affidavit of Certification."
• Out-of-state firms: current home-state certification letter and onsite review report.
• INDOT says to address every item or mark it "N/A" to avoid delays.

Steps

Already certified (re-evaluation):

1. Log in to ITAP with your Access Indiana account. Use a computer, not a phone; the system times out after 20 minutes.
2. Open "DBE and ACDBE certification" and select "Launch."
3. Upload your personal narrative (written by you) and complete the PNW for every owner.
4. Fill all required fields, e-sign and click "Submit."
5. Watch your ITAP email for requests and answer quickly. The UCP decides eligibility.
6. Firms certified in another state must finish re-evaluation with their home state first.

New applicants:

1. Optional: email BOIInquiry@indot.in.gov with subject "Business Consult."
2. Create an Access Indiana account and make sure your business is registered in INBiz.
3. In ITAP, choose "Enroll New Application," then "DBE and ACDBE certification," and complete the short form (1-3 business days to approve).
4. Launch the application, choose in-state or out-of-state, complete all seven sections, upload documents, e-sign and submit.

After you're certified

• Federal rules require a yearly Declaration of Eligibility on your certification anniversary. INDOT said in July 2026 that DOE collection "remains paused." Check with INDOT before your anniversary.
• Report material changes within 30 days (49 CFR 26.83).
• Out-of-state firms can apply in Indiana with their home-state certification letter and onsite report.

Watch out for

• No expedited re-evaluation: INDOT processes them "in the order received."
• Keep your ITAP email current or you may miss INDOT requests.
• Free help: email BOIInquiry@indot.in.gov for a business consult. Help from the UCP is free. Application fee: not published.
• This is a process guide, not legal advice. The UCP decides who qualifies.

What changed nationally, plus DOT's narrative and net worth checklists →

Sources

• www.transportation.gov/UCPstatus
• www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/Business-Opportunity-Initiative-Divis
• www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/Business-Opportunity-Initiative-Divis
• www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/files/DBE-Update-7.10.26.pdf
• www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/files/DBE-Re-Evaluation-Quick-Guide-U
• www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/files/New-DBE-Application-Quick-Guide
• www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/files/Supporting-Documentation_Checkl
• www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-19688
• www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-26/subpart-D/section-26.83

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with USDOT or any certifying agency, and this isn't legal advice. Your state's UCP decides who qualifies. FindMyBids never writes personal narratives and never asks for your net worth figures.