How to get a contractor license in North Dakota
The short version: 1) Business registration 2) Apply in FirstStop. (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the ND SOS website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search registered contractors in FirstStop to see if their license is in good standing, and check the class covers your job size. (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab), source: ND FirstStop Contractor Search (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official North Dakota Secretary of State, Contractor Licensing sources. See sources.
Step by step
- Business registration Register the business, trade name or partnership name with the Secretary of State if required. (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab))
- Apply in FirstStop Apply with a liability insurance certificate naming the ND Secretary of State and WSI workers' comp proof. (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class A license Renewal $90. | $450 (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab)) |
| Class B license Renewal $60. | $300 (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab)) |
| Class C license Renewal $45. | $225 (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab)) |
| Class D license Renewal $30. | $100 (source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Bonds and insurance
- Workers' comp: WSI certificate of payment, or a WSI letter of good standing if no ND employees
- General liability: Certificate required, ND Secretary of State as holder
(source: ND Secretary of State: Contractors (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.
- ND Secretary of State: Contractors (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- ND FirstStop Contractor Search (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].