How to get a contractor license in North Carolina
The short version: 1) Pick classification and limitation 2) Apply and pay 3) Pass the exam 4) Show financial responsibility. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (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.
Step by step
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Show financial responsibility Show the board you meet its financial requirements. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
The exam
An exam is required. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Limited license application (or renewal) | $75 (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Intermediate license application (or renewal) | $100 (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Unlimited license application (or renewal) | $125 (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Exam fee (maximum) | $100 (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
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)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].