Last verified: Oct 24, 2026 Next check due: Jan 24, 2027 3 official sources How we verify

NCLBGC license search: how to check a North Carolina general contractor

Use the NCLBGC Verify License Search. Enter a license number, company name or last name, then check the classification and limitation fit your project. (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (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

Open the NCLBGC license search (button above). (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
Enter at least one field, such as license number, company name or last name. (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
Open the result and note the classification (for example Building or Residential). (source: NCLBGC Verify License Search (opens in a new tab))
Check the limitation covers your project's cost. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

A license is needed when the project costs $40,000 or more. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
Limitation: Limited covers single projects up to $750,000, Intermediate up to $1,500,000, Unlimited has no cap. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))
Licenses expire 1 January and are invalid 60 days later unless renewed. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

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))

Do small jobs need an NCLBGC license?

Projects under $40,000 don't need a general contractor license, but trades like electrical and plumbing have their own boards. (source: NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1 (opens in a new tab))

Is unlicensed contracting illegal in North Carolina?

How do I complain about a general contractor?

Last verified: Oct 24, 2026. Next check due: Jan 24, 2027. Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.

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