North Carolina General Contractor License: How to Apply

Do I need a general contractor license in NC?

Yes, general contractors need to be licensed in North Carolina if they’re working on projects valued at $30,000 or more. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees general contractor licensing in the state.

A general contractor license lets you legally work on and manage construction projects, bid on contracts, supervise building activities, and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations in the state of North Carolina. 

What can I do without a general contractor license in NC?

If you don’t have a license, you can still do small projects that are valued below $30,000. But here’s something to keep in mind: if you start doing larger contracting work without a valid contractor’s license, you’re breaking the law in North Carolina. 

Without the right license, you open yourself up to fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. 

READ MORE: Contractor vs Handyman: What can you legally do?

How to get a general contractor license in NC

To get your general contractor license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements for the type of license you choose. 

Types of general contractor licenses in NC

In North Carolina, there are three license classifications for general contractors, each with its own scope of work and requirements. The table below lists each one, so you can choose which is right for you. 

Note that you must also complete an application for a secondary license that allows you to work on projects up to and over a certain value.

* The 2020 General Contractor Laws and Regulations document provides guidelines on licensing requirements, classifications, financial limitations, and other essential aspects of general contracting in North Carolina.

NC general contractor license requirements

To be eligible for a general contractor license in North Carolina, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess good moral character, as determined by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. 
• Provide evidence of financial stability.
• Submit the appropriate application and pay the fee. 
• Pass the examination.

All application forms and other documents can be submitted online or mailed to the following address: 

5400 Creedmoor Rd.
Raleigh, NC
27612

Note that getting your license can take several weeks, depending on the time required for application processing and examination booking. 

NC general contractor exam

To get your general contractor license in North Carolina, you must write and pass the required examination for your license type. All examinations must be completed with a score of at least 70%.

There is no exam requirement for specialty contractors.

Upon approval of your application, you will be notified as to the instructions for scheduling the required examination or examinations. You will receive details from the examination provider concerning the actual date, time, and location to report for the examination or examinations requested.

You can register for the exam here. 

Find more exam information and registration details here.

How much does a general contractor license in North Carolina cost?

Obtaining a General Contractor license in North Carolina will cost between $154 and $204, assuming you don’t let your license expire. Here’s how the costs breakdown:

Renewing your NC general contractor license

All licenses must be renewed annually, with licenses expiring on January 1st of each year. 

If your license is not renewed, it will become invalid 60 days after the expiration date. You can find your license expiration date and renew your license in your NCCLiC online license account. 

Building & Residential Licenses cannot be renewed until the continuing education (CE) requirements have been met. The CE year begins on January 1 and ends on November 30 annually. Classes will not be offered during the month of December. 

Here are the requirements for renewal:

• Pay the fees. 
• Complete 8 hours of CE. The 8-hour course requirement includes a mandatory 2-hour course produced by the Board, covering changes in laws and rules and other content applicable to general contracting. 
• Additionally, 6 hours of elective courses produced by outside providers must be submitted to and approved by the Board.

Does NC reciprocate general contractor licenses?

Reciprocity agreements are agreements between states that allow license holders in one state to get a similar license in another state without having to go through the entire licensing process. These agreements make it easier for contractors to work across state lines.

North Carolina does not have full reciprocity with any other state. However, the North Carolina Licensing Board has examination waiver agreements with South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

How to start a contracting business in North Carolina

If you’re planning to start your own business in North Carolina, there are additional steps and requirements you’ll need to consider. 

Some key requirements include:

• Have a general contractor license.
• Check any business permits that are required to operate in your area.
• Ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage for individual projects or when pulling building permits.

Although there is no insurance requirement for licensing, specific projects or building permits may have insurance requirements.

To learn more about the detailed requirements for starting a contracting business in North Carolina, visit the North Carolina government website and consult with local government agencies for specific requirements in your area.