North Carolina Contractor License Bond

In North Carolina, contractors are required to buy a North Carolina Contractor License Bond when applying for a contractor license. This bond ensures that contractors in North Carolina will meet their construction obligations and follow state laws. Moreover, it guarantees that the public of North Carolina will be compensated for any financial losses if the contractor does not comply with the licensing rules.

Sample Payment and Performance Bond Form
North Carolina Contractor License Bond

Required for contractors who work in electrical, irrigation, landscaping, and various home setup specialties.

green checkmark
Acceptance Guaranteed
green checkmark
Refund within 5 days if not satisfactory
1 Year Bond Starts at
1 Year Bond Price
$90
of bond amount, based on credit check
based on your credit history
Get QuotePurchase

Pricing

Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of various licensing bonds required for contractors in different areas. You will need a contractor license bond if you work in one of the following fields:

  • Electrical
  • Irrigation
  • Landscaping
  • Manufactured or modular home setup

You can look up the specific bond based on the type of contracting work you do below:

Get Quote
purple moneyDecorative Purple Dollar Sign

FAQs

Who Regulates Licensing for Contractors in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) is in charge of regulating contractor licensing. This state agency oversees the licensing process for general contractors, sets the standards and qualifications needed for a contractor's license, conducts examinations, and enforces bonding requirements. Additionally, the board ensures that licensed contractors follow state laws and regulations while carrying out construction work in North Carolina.

For licensing and general questions in North Carolina, you can contact the NCLBGC by calling their main telephone number (919) 571-4183 or by email at licensing@nclbgc.org

What Contractors are Required a Contractor License in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are five types of general contractor license classifications available for application. The five being:

  • Specilaty Contractor
  • Building Contractor
  • Residential Contractor
  • Highway Contractor
  • Public Utilities Contractor

Here's a brief explanation of each classification and the types of work that qualify for them.

Specialty Contractor

In North Carolina, the specialty contractor license is a specific type of general contractor's license. As you explore each general contractor license, you'll find that certain specialties are covered by this particular license. There are 16 specialty licenses outlined and described in the NCLBGC Laws and Regulations.

Building Contractor

The building contractor license in North Carolina covers all kinds of building construction and demolition. This includes commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential building projects.

The building contractor license in North Carolina also applies to projects like parking decks, site work, grading, paving parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and gutters. Moreover, it covers contractors working on retaining walls, screening walls, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, running tracks, bleachers, and seating.

If you have a building contractor's license in North Carolina, it also includes these specialty licenses:

  • Concrete
  • Insulation
  • Interior construction
  • Marine construction
  • Masonry
  • Roofing
  • Metal structures
  • Swimming pools
  • Asbestos
  • Wind turbine construction

Residential Contractor

North Carolina's residential contractor license covers all construction and demolition for building residential units, following the state's Building Code Council building codes.

If you have a residential contractor’s license in North Carolina, it also includes these specialty licenses: 

  • Insulation
  • Interior construction
  • Masonry
  • Roofing
  • Swimming pools
  • Asbestos

Highway Contractor

The highway contractor license in North Carolina includes all highway construction work such as grading, paving of various types, installing exterior artificial athletic surfaces, relocating utility lines, building parking decks, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. Additionally, it permits the construction of guardrails, fencing, and signage.

The highway contractor license also covers airport work. With this license, you can grade and pave airport runways, taxiways, and aprons. It also allows for installing fencing, signage, runway lighting, and markings.

If you have a highway contractor’s license in North Carolina, it also includes these specialty licenses: 

  • Boring and tunneling
  • Concrete construction
  • Marine construction
  • Railroad construction
  • Grading and excavating

Public Utilities Contractor

The public utilities contractor license is for work on public water and wastewater system projects. If you have a public utilities contractor’s license in North Carolina, it also includes these specialty licenses: 

  • Boring and tunneling
  • Communications
  • Fuel distribution
  • Electrical (ahead of the point of delivery)
  • Water and sewer lines
  • Water purification and sewage disposal
  • Swimming pools
Get a quote

What are the Bond Amounts in North Carolina?

Contractors in North Carolina are required to purchase a surety bond and must submit proof to the NCLBGC. The surety bond depends on the licensing type. There are three license tiers: limited license, intermediate license, and unlimited license. 

Limited License

Contractors with limited licenses can work as general contractors for any single project valued up to $750,000, excluding land and associated improvement costs.

To be eligible, these contractors must have more money in their savings and belongings (current assets) than they owe (current liabilities) by at least $17,000. Alternatively, they should have belongings and money (net worth) worth at least $80,000.

Bond amount required: $175,000

Intermediate license

Intermediate-level contractors in North Carolina can work as general contractors for projects worth up to $1,500,000. However, this amount doesn't include the cost of the land and related improvements.

To qualify for an intermediate license, these contractors must have more money in their savings and belongings (current assets) than they owe (current liabilities) by at least $75,000.

Bond amount required: $500,000 

Unlimited License

Contractors with unlimited licenses have the freedom to work on projects of any value, without any limitations. Nevertheless, to qualify for this license, they need to have more money in their savings and belongings (current assets) than they owe (current liabilities) by at least $150,000.

Bond amount required: $1,000,000

How can I get a Contractor License in North Carolina?

Once you've decided on the type and tier of license you want, you can begin the North Carolina contractor licensing application process, which is being handled online by the NCCLic.org. To get a contractor license in North Carolina, you must: 

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Prove you registered your business with the North Carolina Secretary of State
  • Submit a financial statement to demonstrate that you are in good financial standing.
  • Pay the application fee (which depends on the license tier chosen)

How much does it cost to become a contractor in North Carolina?

Get a quote