North Carolina · General Contractor

How to get a General Contractor license in North Carolina

License requiredYes (state)
Issuing boardNC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
ExamYes — Written exam per 21 NCAC Ch 12A .0404
Experience18+, good moral character; financial qualification by tier
BondNo — $1,000,000
License fee
RenewalEvery 1 year(s)
ReciprocityExam waiver w/ SC,TN,LA,GA,MS,AL,FL — NC Law exam still required

$1M surety = ALTERNATIVE to working capital for Unlimited tier only. Tiers: Limited/Intermediate/Unlimited. Verify fee.

Official source: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)

Now get operating

Finance your truck & equipment

General Contractors starting out finance the truck and tools rather than pay cash.

Financing options →

Form your LLC

Set up the entity before you pull your first permit.

Start your LLC →

Get insured

General liability to operate legally.

Insurance guide →

Every figure is sourced to the official state board and may change — confirm before acting. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.