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.
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:
You can look up the specific bond based on the type of contracting work you do below:
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.
In North Carolina, there are five types of general contractor license classifications available for application. The five being:
Here's a brief explanation of each classification and the types of work that qualify for them.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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-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
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
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:
