North Carolina general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Experience and steps

1. Pick classification and limitation Choose a classification (such as Building or Residential) and a limit: Limited, Intermediate or Unlimited. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
2. Apply and pay Pay $75, $100 or $125 depending on the limitation. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
3. Pass the exam Pass the board's written exam (exam fee up to $100). (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
4. Show financial responsibility Show the board you meet its financial requirements. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

Bond

We're still verifying this, check the official board: NCLBGC website (opens in a new tab).

Insurance

We're still verifying this, check the official board: NCLBGC website (opens in a new tab).

Renewal

• Renew every 1 year. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
• Continuing education: 8 hours. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

Licenses expire 1 January and become invalid 60 days later unless renewed. Renewal costs the same as the application. The 8 CE hours apply to Building, Residential and Unclassified qualifiers. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

• The board may license contractors from other states without the written exam if that state's requirements are equal and it gives North Carolina the same privilege. This is at the board's discretion. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

How to complain

• File a complaint online with the NCLBGC. (source: NCLBGC online complaint form (opens in a new tab))