Contractor Licensing in North Dakota: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, North Dakota requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 3 separate agencies. Initial costs run $100 to $450.
North Dakota requires a statewide contractor license through the Secretary of State for any construction project exceeding $4,000. Electricians and plumbers must also obtain separate trade licenses from the State Electrical Board and State Plumbing Board, respectively. HVAC and roofing contractors need only the general contractor license from the Secretary of State. Licenses are tiered by project value into four classes (A through D).
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →North Dakota Licensing Overview
North Dakota requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 3 separate agencies: North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS), North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB), North Dakota State Plumbing Board (NDSPB). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $100 to $450, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
North Dakota Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $450 | — | — | — | $450 |
| Electrician | $50 | — | $50 | — | $100 |
| Plumber | $50 | — | $100 | — | $150 |
| HVAC Technician | $100 | — | — | — | $100 |
| Roofing Contractor | $100 | — | — | — | $100 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in North Dakota
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in North Dakota. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Key Facts About North Dakota Contractor Licensing
- Liability insurance certificate required with application and each renewal. Workers compensation required if you have employees.
- Required for any construction project over $4,000
- License must be renewed annually by March 1 with project listing and tax certification
- Effective May 1, 2026, all CE courses must cover the 2026 National Electrical Code
You're licensed in North Dakota — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The North Dakota Secretary of State issues the Class A / B / C / D Contractor; the business that invoices North Dakota customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
North Dakota does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
North Dakota requires general liability insurance for this license. Liability insurance certificate required with application and each renewal. Workers compensation required if you have employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Dakota require a contractor license?
Yes, North Dakota requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in North Dakota?
Initial licensing costs range from $100 to $450 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does North Dakota have license reciprocity with other states?
North Dakota does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in North Dakota?
Liability insurance certificate required with application and each renewal. Workers compensation required if you have employees.
Official North Dakota Licensing Resources
- North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS) — for general contractor, hvac technician, roofing contractor
- North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) — for electrician
- North Dakota State Plumbing Board (NDSPB) — for plumber