What is an AIA invoice?

"AIA invoice" is common shorthand for a progress billing package in AIA G702/G703 format, showing work completed against a schedule of values, retainage and previous payments.

Can I send a standard invoice instead?

Only if your contract allows it. Sending the wrong format is a frequent cause of returned or delayed pay applications.

What backup goes with an AIA invoice?

Common items include lien waivers, certified payroll, stored-material documentation and insurance certificates. Requirements vary by project.

AIA BILLING

AIA invoice vs. standard invoice

By DrawPrep editorial · Updated October 27, 2026 · 5 min read

When a GC asks for an "AIA invoice" they usually mean a G702/G703-style progress billing package, not a one-line invoice. Here is how the two differ and when each is used.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A standard invoice bills a fixed amount; an AIA invoice reports progress against the whole contract.
Commercial projects with a schedule of values and retainage usually require AIA-style billing.
Small service or time-and-material work is often billed with a standard invoice.
Read your subcontract billing exhibit to confirm what format the GC accepts.

What is the difference between an AIA invoice and a standard invoice?

A standard invoice requests a fixed amount for delivered goods or services. An "AIA invoice" is a progress billing package, usually G702/G703 format, that reports how much of the entire contract is complete, how much is retained, what was paid before, and what is due now.

	Standard invoice	AIA-style pay application
Basis	Fixed amount or hours	Percent complete per SOV line
Retainage	Rarely	Usually
History	Each invoice stands alone	Each period builds on the last
Backup	Optional	Waivers and other required documents
Typical use	Service, T&M, small jobs	Commercial lump-sum subcontracts

When do GCs require AIA billing?

Most commercial and institutional GCs require AIA-style billing for lump-sum subcontracts with a schedule of values and retainage. The requirement lives in your subcontract or its billing exhibit, along with the due date and required attachments. Learn more in what AIA billing is.

When is a standard invoice fine?

Service calls, time-and-material work, small fixed-price jobs and material-only sales are often billed with a standard invoice, unless the customer asks otherwise.

How to switch from invoices to AIA billing

Build and get approval of a schedule of values.
Confirm the forms, retainage rate and due date with your GC.
Set up a repeatable monthly process that carries forward prior periods.

See how trades like painting and flooring subcontractors use DrawPrep for this.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an AIA invoice?: "AIA invoice" is common shorthand for a progress billing package in AIA G702/G703 format, showing work completed against a schedule of values, retainage and previous payments.
When do GCs require AIA billing?: Typically on commercial and institutional projects with lump-sum subcontracts, a schedule of values and retainage. The requirement is usually written into the subcontract or billing exhibit.
Can I send a standard invoice instead?: Only if your contract allows it. Sending the wrong format is a frequent cause of returned or delayed pay applications.
What backup goes with an AIA invoice?: Common items include lien waivers, certified payroll, stored-material documentation and insurance certificates. Requirements vary by project.