North Carolina contractor license lookup
In North Carolina, a general contractor license from the NCLBGC is needed for projects costing $40,000 or more. Check any license free on the NCLBGC portal. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab), source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the NCLBGC website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: All fields are optional but enter at least one, such as license number, company name or last name, then check classification and limitation. (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$40,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
A general contractor license is needed to build or supervise a building, highway, utility, grading or other improvement where the cost is $40,000 or more. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
- Owners building for their own use are exempt, but if they don't occupy it for 12 months after completion, it is presumed they didn't build it for themselves. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
Penalties
- Contracting without a license is a Class 2 misdemeanor. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
3. Required insurance and bonds
We're still verifying this, check the official board: NCLBGC website (opens in a new tab).
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the NCLBGC website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: All fields are optional but enter at least one, such as license number, company name or last name, then check classification and limitation. (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
You can search by: License number, Qualifier number, Company name, First and last name, Phone, City, Classification. (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- A project of $40,000 or more with no NCLBGC license. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
- A project bigger than their limitation allows, such as a Limited license on a $900,000 job. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
- Their classification doesn't match the work. (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
How to complain
- File a complaint online with the NCLBGC. (source: NCLBGC online complaint form (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- NCLBGC online complaint form (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
When do I need a contractor license in North Carolina?
For projects costing $40,000 or more. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
What do Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited mean?
They cap the size of a single project: up to $750,000, up to $1,500,000, or no limit. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
Is unlicensed contracting a crime in North Carolina?
Yes, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))