INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) — Indiana has cut the average processing time for professional licenses nearly in half since January 2025, according to figures released by Gov. Mike Braun’s administration.

The administration says the average processing time across all license types dropped from approximately 11.8 days in January 2025 to about 5.9 days in July 2026.

The faster processing is intended to get Hoosiers into jobs more quickly while maintaining the state’s existing requirements for safety, training and professional qualifications.

“Quicker time to licensure means a more direct line into a new job and a bigger paycheck for Hoosiers,” Braun said. “We are cutting red tape and breaking down barriers to great jobs without sacrificing safety, training, or skill requirements.”

The changes affect a broad range of professions, including healthcare, public safety, professional services and technical occupations.

Some of the largest improvements came in professional and technical licensing.

The average processing time for an Indiana auctioneer license fell from 16 days to just 0.63 days, a 96% reduction.

Certified general appraiser licenses dropped from an average of 17.75 days to two days, while certified public accountant licensing went from approximately 15.24 days to 3.22 days.

Healthcare and public-safety professions also saw significant reductions.

Optometrist license processing fell from an average of 22.67 days to one day — a 96% improvement.

Physical therapist applications went from approximately 6.98 days to 2.18 days, a 69% reduction.

Funeral director licensing saw one of the most dramatic changes, dropping from 50.82 days to approximately 2.5 days, representing a 96% reduction.

Processing times for pharmacy controlled substance registrations also fell by half, from 11.83 days to 5.99 days.

Nursing licenses have also moved through the system more quickly.

Registered nurse processing declined from 5.79 days to 3.42 days, a 41% reduction.

For registered nurses applying through the nursing compact, processing time dropped from 6.75 days to 4.97 days.

Licensed practical nurse compact applications fell from 9.81 days to 4.09 days, a 59% improvement.

Nurse midwife license processing saw an 88% reduction, falling from an average of 13.71 days to 1.6 days.

Temporary registered nurse permits improved from 3.33 days to 2.36 days.

The Medical Licensing Board also reported substantial reductions in processing times.

Physician licensing fell from an average of 7.47 days to 0.84 days, an 89% reduction.

Osteopathic physician licensing dropped from 6.69 days to 1.49 days, while temporary medical permits went from four days to approximately 0.78 days.

The administration says the reductions are part of a broader effort to remove administrative barriers that can delay workers from entering their professions.

For employers, shorter licensing timelines can also mean less time waiting for qualified workers to begin jobs, particularly in industries where staffing shortages can affect the availability of services.

The state says the faster processing has not involved eliminating professional licensing requirements. Instead, the administration says the focus has been on reducing the time required to process applications while retaining standards related to training, skills and public safety.

The latest figures compare average processing times in January 2025 with those recorded in July 2026.

The Braun administration is portraying the reduction as a workforce-development measure, arguing that getting qualified workers licensed more quickly can help Hoosiers begin earning wages sooner and give Indiana employers faster access to trained workers.

The administration’s statewide average now stands at approximately six days, compared with nearly 12 days when Braun took office.