Hiring a contractor in North Carolina: check, red flags, complaints
For jobs of $40,000 or more, check the NCLBGC license and make sure the classification and project limit fit your job. (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.
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))
Penalties
- Contracting without a license is a Class 2 misdemeanor. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
How to complain
- File a complaint online with the NCLBGC. (source: NCLBGC online complaint form (opens in a new tab))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- 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)
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