How to get a General Contractor license in North Carolina
Yes — North Carolina requires a General Contractor license, issued by NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience. The license fee is $75, and it renews every 1 year.
North Carolina General Contractor license requirements at a glance
| License required | Yes (state) |
|---|---|
| Issuing board | NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) |
| Exam | Yes — Exam per 21 NCAC 12A .0404, administered by PSI; NASCLA accepted for Building classification |
| Experience | 18+, good moral character, financial qualification by tier: $17k working capital ($80k net worth alt) Limited / $75k Intermediate / $150k Unlimited |
| Bond | No |
| License fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 1 year(s) |
| Reciprocity | Exam-waiver agreements: SC, TN, LA, GA, MS, AL, FL |
Step by step
- Meet the experience requirement. 18+, good moral character, financial qualification by tier: $17k working capital ($80k net worth alt) Limited / $75k Intermediate / $150k Unlimited
- Pass the required exam. Exam per 21 NCAC 12A .0404, administered by PSI; NASCLA accepted for Building classification
- Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) with the $75 fee.
- Keep the license current. Renew every 1 year to stay eligible to pull permits.
Fee detail and fine print
License required only for projects >= $40,000 (GS 87-1). Application fee $75 Limited / $100 Intermediate / $125 Unlimited + exam fee <=$100 (GS 87-10). Optional surety in lieu of working capital: $175k/$500k/$1M by tier. Expires Jan 1 annually.
Already licensed in another state?
Exam-waiver agreements: SC, TN, LA, GA, MS, AL, FL
North Carolina General Contractor reciprocity in detail →
Official source: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) →
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a license to work as a general contractor in North Carolina?
- Yes. North Carolina requires a General Contractor license issued by NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC).
- How much does a General Contractor license cost in North Carolina?
- The license fee is $75. License required only for projects >= $40,000 (GS 87-1). Application fee $75 Limited / $100 Intermediate / $125 Unlimited + exam fee <=$100 (GS 87-10). Optional surety in lieu of working capital: $175k/$500k/$1M by tier. Expires Jan 1 annually. Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
- How much experience do you need?
- 18+, good moral character, financial qualification by tier: $17k working capital ($80k net worth alt) Limited / $75k Intermediate / $150k Unlimited
- What exam do you have to pass?
- Exam per 21 NCAC 12A .0404, administered by PSI; NASCLA accepted for Building classification
- Is a surety bond required in North Carolina?
- No surety bond is required for this license by NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). License required only for projects >= $40,000 (GS 87-1). Application fee $75 Limited / $100 Intermediate / $125 Unlimited + exam fee <=$100 (GS 87-10). Optional surety in lieu of working capital: $175k/$500k/$1M by tier. Expires Jan 1 annually.
- Does North Carolina have reciprocity with other states?
- Exam-waiver agreements: SC, TN, LA, GA, MS, AL, FL
- How often do you renew?
- Every 1 year.
Now get operating
Finance your truck & equipment
General Contractors starting out finance the truck and tools rather than pay cash.
Financing options →Related
What it costs, in full:
Cost of a General Contractor license in North Carolina →
Other trades in North Carolina:
General Contractor licensing in other states:
Every figure is sourced to the official state board and may change — confirm before acting. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.