General Contractor License Requirements in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS) |
| License Type | Class A / B / C / D Contractor |
| Experience Required | No specific experience requirements for the general contractor license. License class determines the maximum project dollar value. |
| Exam Required | No |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $450 |
| Est. Initial Total | $450 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Class B application | $300 |
| Class B renewal | $60 |
| Class C application | $225 |
| Class C renewal | $45 |
| Class D application | $100 |
| Class D renewal | $30 |
Renewal: $90 every 1 year (due March 1)
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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Class A
Projects over $500,000
Exam: Not required
Class B
Projects up to $500,000
Exam: Not required
Class C
Projects up to $300,000
Exam: Not required
Class D
Projects up to $100,000
Exam: Not required
Notes
- Required for any construction project over $4,000
- License must be renewed annually by March 1 with project listing and tax certification
Local requirements on top of your North Dakota license
The SOS general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in North Dakota. On top of it, most North Dakota cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in North Dakota as a general contractor — 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→
Register locally.
Most North Dakota cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
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 general contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year (due March 1) at $90.
Other licenses in North Dakota
- Electrician license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · NDSEB
- Plumber license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · NDSPB
- HVAC Technician license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · SOS
- Roofing Contractor license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · SOS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota requires a statewide general contractor license through the North Dakota Secretary of State.
How much does a general contractor license cost in North Dakota?
The estimated initial cost is $450, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in North Dakota?
No specific experience requirements for the general contractor license. License class determines the maximum project dollar value.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in North Dakota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in North Dakota?
No, North Dakota does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in North Dakota— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SOS