Contractor License in North Carolina (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps

North Carolina requires a general contractor license from the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) for any single project valued at $40,000 or more. Below $40,000 no state GC license is required, though local permits and trade licenses may still apply.

License classifications

Building
Residential
Highway
Public Utilities
Specialty (each classification defines allowed scope)

How to get licensed in North Carolina

Confirm your project work will be $40,000 or more, which triggers the state license requirement, and choose your classification (e.g. Building, Residential).
Decide your license limitation tier: Limited (projects up to $750,000), Intermediate (up to $1,500,000), or Unlimited (no limit).
Demonstrate financial responsibility through working capital ($17,000 / $75,000 / $150,000) or a surety bond ($175,000 / $500,000 / $1,000,000).
Submit the online application at the NCLBGC portal with the tier-based fee ($75 / $100 / $125).
Pass the PSI Business & Law exam plus the classification-specific exam with at least 70%.
Receive the license and renew annually by December 31, maintaining financial responsibility and CE where required.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a North Carolina general contractor license?

For any single construction project valued at $40,000 or more. Smaller projects do not require the state GC license, though local permits and trade licenses may still apply.

What are the license limitation tiers?

Limited allows individual projects up to $750,000, Intermediate up to $1,500,000, and Unlimited has no project-size cap. The tier depends on your working capital or bond.

How do I prove financial responsibility?

Either by showing working capital ($17,000 Limited, $75,000 Intermediate, $150,000 Unlimited) or by posting a surety bond ($175,000 Limited, $500,000 Intermediate, $1,000,000 Unlimited).

What exam do I have to pass?

A PSI computer-based exam with a Business & Law section plus a classification-specific section, requiring a minimum score of 70%.

How much does the license cost and how often do I renew?

Application fees are $75 (Limited), $100 (Intermediate), or $125 (Unlimited), and licenses renew annually by December 31.

Sources

Guide compiled from official North Carolina licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.

When a license is needed	$40,000 or more in total project value triggers the state general contractor license requirement.
Experience	No fixed minimum years mandated by statute; the applicant/qualifier must demonstrate competency by passing the exam, and financial responsibility is proven through working capital or a surety bond.
Exam	Yes. A PSI computer-based exam covering Business & Law plus a classification-specific section, with a minimum passing score of 70%.
Bond	A surety bond can be used in lieu of demonstrating working capital: $175,000 for a Limited license, $500,000 for an Intermediate license, and $1,000,000 for an Unlimited license. Alternatively, applicants show working capital of $17,000 (Limited), $75,000 (Intermediate), or $150,000 (Unlimited).
Insurance	The state proves financial responsibility via working capital or bond rather than mandated insurance; general liability and workers' compensation (if employees) are expected in practice and often required locally.
Fees	Application fee by tier: $75 (Limited), $100 (Intermediate), $125 (Unlimited). Renewal fees mirror these tiers.
Renewal	Annually (by December 31). Unlimited licensees have a continuing education requirement; renewal also requires continued proof of financial responsibility.
Reciprocity	North Carolina does not offer broad general contractor license reciprocity; out-of-state contractors generally must qualify and pass the NC exam.
Main agency	North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
Official site	https://nclbgc.org/general-contractors/

Contractor License in North Carolina

Quick facts