North Dakota general contractor license & renewal
The requirements, the timing and the official sources. Everything we’ve verified, in one place.
License fee
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Not verified yet
Required hours
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Not verified yet
Exam
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Not verified yet
Renewal
If you are a licensed contractor, you must renew your license on or before March 1 of each year.
Before you begin
Agency guidance
A contractor license is required when a job exceeds $4,000, including subcontractors, general contractors, public contractors and nonresident contractors.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
When the cost, value, or price of a job exceeds $4,000, the person doing the work must be licensed as a contractor in North DakotaOfficial source
Agency guidance
Initial fees depend on class: A $450 (over $500,000/job), B $300 (up to $500,000/job), C $225 (up to $300,000/job), D $100 (up to $100,000/job).
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Class A | Over $500,000 per job | $450 Class B | Up to $500,000 per job | $300 Class C | Up to $300,000 per job | $225 Class D | Up to $100,000 per job | $100Official source
How to get this license
Use the agency’s requirements below to plan your next steps. Missing details stay marked.
Start with the licensing authority
Licensing board
North Dakota Secretary of State
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
contractor license issued by the Secretary of State
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Check the qualifications
Experience
Sign a statement of contractor experience and qualifications.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
The application will require you to sign a statement of your experience and qualifications as a contractor.
Official sourceInsurance
Submit liability insurance in the license applicant's name. Applicants with North Dakota-resident employees must provide a current WSI certificate of payment.
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
The liability insurance must be in the same name you are requesting for the contractor license. The certificate must list the North Dakota Secretary of State, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505, as the certificate holder. If you have employees residing in North Dakota, a current certificate of payment from Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) is required to verify workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Official sourceReview fees and apply
Application fee
Not verified yet
Exam fee
Not verified yet
License fee
Not verified yet
Apply with the agency
Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Submit a Contractor License Application using the FirstStop Portal
Official source
Reciprocity
Not verified yet
Official sources and verification (8)
Last verified 2026-10-24. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
When the cost, value, or price of a job exceeds $4,000, the person doing the work must be licensed as a contractor in North DakotaOfficial source
Verified 2026-10-24
Class A | Over $500,000 per job | $450 Class B | Up to $500,000 per job | $300 Class C | Up to $300,000 per job | $225 Class D | Up to $100,000 per job | $100Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
The application will require you to sign a statement of your experience and qualifications as a contractor.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
The liability insurance must be in the same name you are requesting for the contractor license. The certificate must list the North Dakota Secretary of State, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505, as the certificate holder. If you have employees residing in North Dakota, a current certificate of payment from Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) is required to verify workers’ compensation insurance coverage.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
If you are a licensed contractor, you must renew your license on or before March 1 of each year.Official source
Verified 2026-10-24
Submit a Contractor License Application using the FirstStop PortalOfficial source
Verified 2026-10-24
Keep exploring.
Same license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Last verified 2026-10-24.
Official sources (1)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.